Fathia Hardy Appointed as Director of the UAH Office of Professional and Continuing Education

Hardy will focus on overseeing the mission of UAH OPCE to advance the professional workforce.

Photo courtesy of Michael Mercier

Fathia Hardy has been appointed as the director of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System. In her new role, Hardy will focus on overseeing the mission of OPCE of supporting national interests, advancing the professional workforce, and inspiring intellectual growth.

“We are fortunate to have Fathia Hardy leading the professional development initiatives of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education at UAH,” says Dr. Jason T. Greene, dean of the UAH College of Business. With her leadership, I am confident that OPCE will cultivate enduring partnerships that play an integral role in advancing people's careers and addressing our community's workforce needs.”

Hardy brings a wealth of knowledge to OPCE, with over ten years of experience in leadership and management. She has a strong background in professional education and symposium management. Throughout her career, she has provided training for nonprofits, business enterprises, and federal, state, and local government entities.

Leadership is an investment that yields long-term benefits not only for individuals but for teams, organizations, and the community as a whole.

“I am excited to start this new chapter and for the opportunity to play a part in the growth of UAH and the community at large,” says Hardy. We are positioned with a network of subject-matter experts who partner with us to create tailored solutions designed to help a professional workforce adapt to the latest mission priorities, technological advances, and cultural trends.”

Prior to her appointment as director of OPCE, Hardy held several key positions in the former UAH College of Professional Studies including director of outreach and support services, associate director, and assistant director of outreach and event management. In these roles, she focused on meeting the needs of individual learners, developing university outreach opportunities, and managing the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UAH. In her new role, Hardy will concentrate on developing strategic partnerships with federal agencies, government contractors, and business enterprises in an effort to advance the professional workforce.

Hardy has been actively involved within the Tennessee Valley community for many years. She is a graduate of the Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect Class 23 and demonstrates her commitment by serving as a Board Member, ADEI Chair and Secretary for the Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre and Academy. Hardy holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and a Bachelor’s in Communication and Public Relations Certificate from The University of Cincinnati.

Learn more about Fathia Hardy or explore the programs offered by the UAH Office of Professional and Continuing Education.