The Story of DESE
40+
Years
DESE Research, Inc. recently celebrated our 40 Year Anniversary and we are proud to have served the warfighter and our community through the decades. Take a look at DESE's story in the timeline below to learn more about our history. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.
Our History
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Since our founding, DESE has impacted not only our local community but also warfighters across the nation, garnering over 40 awards in recognition of our efforts. From advising politicians to
23 April 1982
DESE Research, Inc. is founded by Dr. Wally Kirkpatrick and opens for business at 2707 Artie Street, Huntsville, Alabama with a vision to create a great place to work and a mission to serve the US Warfighter.
1983
DESE moves to 3224 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, Alabama and Wally wins the Gnosis Award.
1989
DESE sales exceed $1M and grows to 16 employees.
1990
DESE moves to 2700 Triana Blvd, Huntsville, Alabama and sales hit $1.4M with 17 employees.
1993
DESE moves to our current location at 315 Wynn Drive, Huntsville, Alabama. Sales hit $2.9M and employees increase to 31.
1994
DESE is awarded a Phase III SBIR for our Image Enhancement System (IES).
1997
DESE opens a second office in Leavenworth, Kansas. Sales hit $7.1M and employees increase to 72.
1998
DESE begins doing business in Arizona.
1999
DESE begins doing business in Virginia (DC) and Colorado. A second office is opened in Huntsville for a contract and DESE exceeds $11M in sales, also hitting 100 employees.
2001
DESE and the Alabama Waterfowl Association team up to establish a conservation easement of 20+ acres to connect the Mud Creek and Skyline wildlife management areas in Jackson County.
2002
DESE begins doing business in Orlando, Florida.
2003
DESE begins doing business in Washington, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Maryland.
2004
A new office is opened in Fairfax, Virginia.
2006
Michael Kirkpatrick is promoted to executive Vice President. Sales are exceeding $14.2M. Wally Kirkpatrick is awarded the Silver Volunteer Service Award by President George Bush. DESE releases the C++ Model Developer on to the market as an Open-Source tool.
2010
Michael Kirkpatrick is promoted to President at DESE and sales exceed $15.1M. DESE is featured in local news in conjunction with work on NASA's Ares Simulation.
2012
DESE helps co-found a new, woman-owned small business.
2014
Wally Kirkpatrick named as one of Huntsville's Most Influential People by The Alabama Times.
2015
DESE receives recognition from State Representative Anthony Daniels for sponsoring the 2015 Grissom Cyber Sloths Cyber Patriot Open Division National Champion for the Huntsville City Schools.
2019
Wally passes away.
2020
DESE donates $50,000 to the Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering in support of the education of high school students wishing to specialize in cyber.
2021
Still providing top notch service to the US Government, our local community, and more.
2022
DESE celebrates its 40th Anniversary, still providing top notch service to the US Government, our local community, and the warfighter.
2023
Michael Kirkpatrick is inducted into the Order of Saint Maurice. The Order of Saint Maurice was established in 1996 and is awarded by the National Infantry Association to recognize the significant contributions made by Infantrymen, Infantry supporters, and spouses.
