Celebrating Alan Wood’s Journey to Community Leadership

This is one in a series of stories celebrating Wallace State Community College alumni during Community College Month in April.

Hanceville, Ala.  — Alan Wood has been in banking for 40 years and traces his successful career back to his time at Wallace State Community College.

Wood attended Wallace State from 1984 to 1986, earning an associate degree in business administration before transferring to Athens State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Wood said the Wallace State gave him a solid foundation for continuing his education at Athens State.

“Wallace provided me an excellent education to take to the next level,” he said. “I had great instructors who really cared about my education and that made a huge difference when I transferred.”

He fondly recalls the mentorship of Tim Carreker, who imparted practical business skills, and Dr. Mavis Wootten, who guided him through various challenges. The English department also played a crucial role in his academic journey, helping him improve in a subject he found challenging.

While at Wallace State, Wood was active in student clubs and organizations. He served as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and participated in the work co-op program led by Sue Spradlin. He said the SGA launched the tradition of “Spring Fling,” which has continued at the college. He also played intramural sports.

Today, Wood a Senior Vice President and Market President for Cullman’s Citizen Bank & Trust. Within the community, he has served in numerous leadership roles with the Lions Club, where he served a term as president. He is a member of the Rotary Club. He has served on the Cullman Regional Board of Directors from 2007-2015 and again from 2024 to present, where he is currently Vice Chair. He has also served as a board member with the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and is a current board member with NARCOG.

He and his wife, Leslie Hudson Wood, have two sons and a grandson. His wife and two sons all attended Wallace State. They are members of Good Hope Baptist Church.

Wood credits the college with molding his career and providing lifelong friendships.

“Besides getting a great education, SGA and involvement with the school and faculty helped me develop business and social skills that I still use today,” Wood said.

“Wallace was a wonderful experience which helped mold my career. The great instructors and faculty were very instrumental in my life, and I have friendships still from my time there.”

Wood's story is a testament to the lasting impact of Wallace State Community College on its students, shaping not only their careers but also their contributions to the community.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of Wallace State Community College alumni throughout Community College Month.

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About the Wallace State Alumni Association

The WSCC Alumni Association serves more than 30,000 alumni and friends through membership benefits, professional development, and outreach opportunities. You do not have to be an alumnus to become a member of the Alumni Association. Please visit our website at https://www.wsccalumni.org/welcome.

About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.