CULLMAN, Ala. – A recent business visit to the Cullman Area Technology Academy resulted in a new contract for the school and an opportunity for a DEX Imaging representative to see firsthand how Cullman County students are preparing for careers ranging from cybersecurity and healthcare to welding and industrial maintenance.
Jennifer Leonard with DEX Imaging visited CATA recently as the school completed a new agreement with the office technology company.
“Today (Thursday, Aug. 6) I had the opportunity to learn more about the Cullman Area Technology Academy, and I was truly impressed,” Leonard said.
Specific terms of the new contract, including its value, duration and the equipment or services included, were not announced.
DEX Imaging works with businesses and organizations on office imaging and document-related technology. Its services include printers and multifunction devices, equipment maintenance, managed print services and document-management and workflow systems. The company’s northern Alabama operation is based in the Birmingham area.
Leonard said part of her work involves helping customers establish systems and workflows intended to make their day-to-day operations more efficient.
“I love working with clients and helping them get set up with the workflow of their business so they can be more productive and successful,” Leonard said.
Her visit also gave her a closer look at CATA’s role in preparing Cullman County students for employment and continued education.
CATA is part of Cullman County Schools and serves students through career and technical education programs built around classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Adam Edmondson serves as assistant CTE director and principal, while Dr. Susan Patrick serves as Cullman County Schools’ director of career technical education.
The school’s current programs include auto service technology, building construction, collision repair, cosmetology, culinary arts, cybersecurity, educators in training, engineering, health science, HVAC, industrial maintenance, JROTC, utility line work, precision machining and welding.
“CATA is preparing the next generation of skilled professionals by providing students with hands-on training in fields like engineering, cybersecurity, healthcare, welding, automotive technology, industrial maintenance, construction, culinary arts and many other high-demand careers,” Leonard said.
That emphasis on practical experience is central to the school system’s stated approach to career and technical education.
When Edmondson was named CATA principal in 2025, he said career-tech education gives students real-world skills while also strengthening the local workforce.
“Career and technical education is vital. It gives students real-world skills and strengthens our local workforce,” Edmondson said at the time. “I look forward to continuing CATA’s tradition of excellence and working alongside our staff, students, and industry partners to build strong pathways from the classroom to the career.”
Several CATA programs use industry-based curriculum and training systems. The school’s published curriculum information lists NCCER materials for HVAC and construction, VEX Robotics and UAH VEA CubeSat curriculum for engineering, Electude for automotive training and industry-oriented coursework for welding and health science.
Students also regularly work on projects that move beyond traditional classroom assignments. CATA has documented construction and industrial maintenance students building and wiring a storage building for the North Alabama Agriplex, while collision repair students recently worked on constructing an electric bicycle from scratch.
The school has also developed partnerships with area employers and organizations that provide materials, equipment and other support for its programs.
Cullman County Schools has said expanding those relationships is part of its effort to align career-tech programs with the needs of local business and industry.
Leonard said that connection stood out during her visit.
“These students aren’t just learning from textbooks. They’re gaining real-world experience that helps strengthen our local workforce and supports the businesses and industries that keep Cullman County growing,” she said.
She also credited the people and organizations supporting the programs.
“It’s inspiring to see a school so committed to investing in the future of our community,” Leonard said. “A huge thank you to the educators, staff and industry partners who make these opportunities possible for our students every day.”
