Hobbs named FIT site director

MADISON – Dr. Harry Hobbs of Madison has been selected as the new site director of Florida Institute of Technology at Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville.

Hobbs has served as adjunct professor for FIT since 2007. Dr. Tim White, then site director, mentored Hobbs and encouraged him to enroll in FIT’s inaugural program for doctor of business administration. By finishing FIT’s doctoral program, Hobbs qualified for the position.

“The leadership at FIT in Melbourne, Fla. approached me to interview for the position, as long as I passed my dissertation defense,” he said. Hobbs interviewed against several other candidates from throughout the United States and was chosen as site director.

“I’m currently working the position part time in evenings and weekends until I work the position full time in August after I retire from Huntsville Utilities,” Hobbs said.

As site director, Hobbs is responsible for hiring adjunct instructors, maintaining buildings and equipment, growing graduate- and DBA-level enrollment, supervising the budget and coordinating graduate-level programs.

“You do not have to be in the military to become a student at FIT HSV. A typical student may be a military service member, DA civilian, contractor or a normal civilian,” Hobbs said.

FIT has “a virtual/online campus and two local brick-and-mortar locations — our main campus at 6767 Old Madison Pike, Building 7, Suite 720 and our smaller campus in Toftoy Hall, Building 3495, Patton Road,” Hobbs said.

“We currently offer 20 graduate degree programs at for master’s degrees, certificate program in Acquisition and Contract Management and a doctorate of business administration to military personnel, DA civilians, contractors and civilians,” Hobbs said. FIT HSV has been active on Redstone Arsenal and Huntsville since 1976.

One of Hobbs’ high school teacher, the late Faye Ashworth, challenged him as a senior. “You are better than this,” she told him. “Someday, you’ll put it all together and surprise yourself at what you can accomplish.”

Hobbs remembered that ultimatum. “I could not have completed two doctorate degrees without my wife and children’s support and Ms. Faye Ashworth’s words echoing in my ears,” he said.

He and wife Depeturie E. Hobbs have two daughters. Shara Hobbs-Rivera and Javier in Stuttgart, Germany have two children. Shauna Hobbs-Matthews and Brian in Fort Carson, Colo. also have two children.

For information, call 256-971-9353 or visit fit.edu/Huntsville.