J. F. Ingram State Technical College was established by the Alabama Legislature in 1965 as J. F. Ingram State Technical Institute. Named for Mr. John F. Ingram, a nationally known pioneer in vocational education, the college was created to train incarcerated men and women in useful occupations in preparation for a successful return to society.

　　Mr. Maehugh T. Duncan served as the first director of the college, which was located on the grounds of Draper Correctional Center in Elmore, Alabama. In 1970, additional facilities were constructed adjacent to the Frank Lee Youth Center at Deatsville, approximately seven miles from the original site. Growth and improvement occurred at a steady pace.

　　Dr. Murry C. Gregg was appointed as director in 1976, following Duncan’s retirement. In 1983, the Alabama State Board of Education renamed the college J.F. Ingram State Technical College. The chief administrative officer became the president, and enrollment increased dramatically along with physical facilities and faculty.

　　In 1977, the college was accredited by the Commission on Occupational Institutions (COEI) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Today the college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), the national accrediting agency that evolved from the regional COEI.

　　Throughout its history, the college has achieved significant recognition as a correctional education institution. In 1980, a United States Department of Education-funded study ranked J.F. Ingram as one of the top 10 such programs in the country. In 1986, another USDOE study, “Education in Correctional Settings: A Guide to Developing Quality Vocational and Adult Basic Education Programs,” named Ingram as a model. In 1985, the college became a charter member of the National Correctional Education Consortium. In 1997, the Alabama State Board of Education appointed J. Douglas Chambers as the second president of Ingram State Technical College.

　　Today Dr. Hank Dasinger serves as President of J.F. Ingram State Technical College. The College offers vocational training in 21 career fields on three campuses. In addition, there are five basic education sites and special education services are provided in correctional facilities across the state.

　　J.F. Ingram State Technical College is proud to provide educational services to incarcerated individuals in preparation for a new and better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.