Subject-Matter Experts

Fathia Hardy (she/her/hers) is a dynamic and visionary leader with over a decade of broad-based experience in leadership, management, planning and training. As director of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), she plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Over the last ten years, Hardy has contributed significantly to the UAH community by designing and delivering impactful training for nonprofits, local, federal and state government institutions as well as private companies. Her leadership in strategic initiatives, cross-functional team management and program development reflects her dedication to meeting the diverse needs of professionals and organizations.

An accomplished educator and program developer, Hardy has served as a subject-matter expert and part-time instructor at UAH, teaching and creating courses focused on leadership, communication and team-building. Among her signature achievements is the development of groundbreaking programs such as the Leadership Accelerator Academy and Leading Complex and Highly Technical Teams, created in collaboration with military and academic partners. These initiatives highlight her commitment to equipping professionals with the skills to lead effectively in today’s complex, ever-changing environments.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hardy is deeply engaged in the UAH community. She is a past president of the UAH Staff Senate, former advisor and coach to the UAH Dance Team and an active contributor to numerous university committees. Her leadership extends into the broader Huntsville area, where she is a graduate of the Connect Class 23 program with Leadership Greater Huntsville. She also serves as a board member, ADEI committee member and secretary for the Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre and Academy; mentors with the Madison CEO program and volunteers with the Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect and Flagship programs.

Hardy’s dedication to excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from the UAH Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Minority Graduate Student Association. She has been recognized as a Young Professional of the Year nominee by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, a Non-Profit of the Year nominee for OLLI at UAH and a Top 40 Under 40 nominee by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., South Eastern Region. Additionally, she was honored as Outstanding Soror by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Great Lakes Region.

Prior to her tenure at UAH, Hardy held key roles at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Woodrow Hall in Birmingham, Alabama and the American Lung Association in Cincinnati, Ohio. These roles laid the foundation for her expertise in event management, program development and community engagement. 

Originally from Birmingham, Hardy now resides in Madison, Alabama, where she finds her greatest joy in raising her two wonderful children, Malik and Farrah Starr. Through her professional and personal endeavors, she continues to inspire those around her with her passion for leadership, education and service.