WSCC Future Foundation Presents Jane Barber Memorial Scholarships

Hanceville, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Future Foundation recently held a ceremony with the Dental Hygiene program, presenting to first-year students scholarships from the Jane Barber Memorial Scholarship fund. The presentations mark the third round of awards from the generous annuity gift the Foundation received from Barber through her estate planning in 2022.

The Jane Barber Memorial Scholarship was established to support students in the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs at Wallace State. Barber, a devoted dental hygienist, dedicated her life to improving oral health and supporting aspiring dental professionals. Her legacy continues to impact the dental community through these scholarships.

“Jane's commitment to dental hygiene extended beyond her career,” said Suzanne Harbin, Vice President for Advancement and Innovation at Wallace State. “She was passionate about helping others enter the dental field, understanding the financial challenges that many face.”

The $500 scholarship each student receives can be used to help purchase dental kits required during their second semester in the program.

“We are so grateful for the example that Ms. Barber has provided for the faculty, students, and oral health care professionals,” said Susan Brewer, Director of the Wallace State Dental programs. “We should all strive to provide the best oral health care possible for our patients and also give back to our profession whenever possible.”

Dental Hygiene students Jillian Batie and Candace Peppers expressed their thanks for the scholarships they received.

“It just means a lot to me,” said Batie. “It really helped. I want to make a difference in peoples lives, a difference in their smiles and their confidence. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”

“Five hundred dollars goes a long way when you’re talking about purchasing a hygiene kit because they are pretty pricey,” said Peppers, the president of the Class of 2026, of the kits that contain stainless steel instruments such as scalers and mirrors. “It was a very kind and generous offer, and we were so happy to receive it.”

The Jane Barber Memorial Scholarship is an endowed scholarship, meaning it will be available for perpetuity to assist Wallace State Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students.

Both programs are accepting applications through June 1 for Fall 2025 entry. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu or contact Corey Weeks at 256.352.8300 or corey.weeks@wallacestate.edu.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway. Summer classes begin May 27 and fall classes begin Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Current and incoming students may schedule an advising session with the Center for Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising.

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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 Rising Star 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.