admin Dr. Bradford L. Sims, the President of Capitol Technology University, is renowned for guiding organizations towards greater success through his visionary approach, insightful strategies, and leadership. With a background as an educator, administrator, and construction project manager, he brings extensive experience from both academia and industry.
Founded in 1927 by a former US Navy Radioman, Capitol Technology University has a rich history of educating students in radio building. Over the years, the university has exclusively offered STEM or STEM Management degrees, aligning its programs with the demands of the industry. In May 2017, under the leadership of Dr. Sims, the university expanded its offerings to include a limited number of on-campus bachelor’s degrees, several online master’s degrees in a synchronous format, and two doctoral degrees. This expansion reflects Dr. Sims’ commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities to students.
Early Professional Years
“I see success as a self-internalized assessment, and it has a different definition for each person. My experience of living in multiple locations makes me believe it is another valuable life experience.” – Dr. Sims
Before assuming the role of President at Capitol Technology University, Dr. Bradford L. Sims held key positions, showcasing a distinguished career in academia and industry.
As the interim chancellor and chief academic officer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s worldwide campus in Daytona Beach, FL, Dr. Sims oversaw the administrative and fiscal aspects of a global academic institution catering to 22,000 students across 130 locations worldwide. In his role as chief academic officer, he ensured the academic excellence of the worldwide campus, overseeing academic affairs, spearheading scholarly and research activities, and successfully expanding the institution’s degree programs.
Prior to joining Embry-Riddle, Dr. Sims served as a dean and professor at Indiana State University. As the dean of the College of Technology, he managed degree programs, human and fiscal resources, strategic planning, external funding, and faculty programs.
During his tenure at Western Carolina University from 2002 to 2009, Dr. Sims, as a professor and department head, founded the construction management program. Under his leadership, the undergraduate program experienced remarkable growth, expanding from zero to 400 majors in just five years. Additionally, he successfully established an online master’s program in collaboration with the College of Business.
Dr. Sims initiated his academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Florida while simultaneously serving as a consultant in the lean construction industry. Before transitioning to academia, he built a successful career in the industrial construction sector, holding roles such as project controls supervisor for Cherne Contracting in California and cost engineer for Badger Engineers, a subsidiary of Raytheon Engineering, in Massachusetts. He commenced his career as a project control engineer with the Westinghouse Savannah River Corporation in South Carolina.
Dr. Sims holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Purdue University, his undergraduate alma mater, where he earned a B.S. in building construction management in 1990. He also holds a master’s degree in building construction from the University of Florida. Recognized for his contributions, he is a recipient of Purdue University’s Distinguished Technology Alumni Award for Building Construction Management in 2019. Dr. Sims is affiliated with esteemed organizations, including Sigma Lambda Chi International Construction Honor Society, Military Cyber Professionals Association, InfraGard, Royal
Aeronautical Society, and the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation, Inc.
Navigating Challenges
“My personal goals for the university are to keep expanding the awareness that Capitol Tech provides affordable, great, industry in-demand degrees so more and more employers look to partner with the university and to continue to expand our global reach with our online doctoral programs that do not require any physical visit on campus.” – Dr. Sims
Navigating challanges has paved the way for Dr. Sims, who, armed with both industry experience and a doctorate, was presented with numerous opportunities to embark on a new career as an assistant professor. Opting for a full-time role at the University of Florida, he embraced the position wholeheartedly, gaining valuable insights into its demands. However, driven by a desire for a more operational perspective, Dr. Sims transitioned to Western Carolina University. Here, he was entrusted with the task of establishing a new bachelor’s degree program in construction management.
Characterizing this move as a tremendous opportunity, Dr. Sims assumed responsibility for every facet of building and promoting the program. Under his guidance, it swiftly ascended to become the university’s third-largest program within five years, eventually evolving into its own department. Along this journey, Dr. Sims pioneered one of the initial fully online master’s degrees in construction management, at a time when online degrees were not as prevalent as they are today.
Encouraged by this success, he sought to replicate a VP of operations role, progressing to become the Dean of the College of Technology at Indiana State University. Subsequently, he took on the role of Chief Academic Officer for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s worldwide campus, culminating in his current position as the President of Capitol Technology University. Dr. Sims’ trajectory reflects a deliberate and strategic evolution, shaped by a commitment to innovation and a holistic understanding of academic and operational landscapes.
Guiding Through the Pandemic
Capitol Technology University, a pioneer in utilizing online synchronous and asynchronous technology, navigated the challenges of the pandemic with resilience. In 2021, they went a step further by offering enhanced assurances to on-campus undergraduate students—a minimum guaranteed salary of $50,000 upon graduation or quarterly repayment of their student loan payments.
Balancing Acts at Home and University
One word encapsulates Dr. Sims: “inspired.” As the President of Capitol Technology University, he shoulders the responsibility for the university’s strategic success. His days are filled with a myriad of meetings, from marketing and partnership sessions to strategic efforts, fostering communication across functional areas to unite the staff as a cohesive team.
Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Sims, a family man, shares his life with his spouse, two high school daughters, and several pets. While remaining accessible for work seven days a week as needed, he dedicates daily quality time to his family and often travels to connect with parents, meet friends, and relish some well-deserved downtime.
The Road Ahead for Capitol Technology University
Dr. Sims envisions Capitol Technology University’s future marked by continuous growth. The focus remains on expanding on-campus undergraduate degree programs and online offerings, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, aligning with industry needs. The university’s commitment is to produce graduates equipped with the skills sought by future employers, contributing to the evolving landscape of technological education.
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