Wallace State Celebrating Community College Month

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College will participate in a month-long celebration highlighting the essential role community colleges play in powering America’s workforce and expanding opportunity. Community College Month is an annual grassroots campaign to bring attention to the value and importance of community colleges led by the Association of Community College Trustees.

“Community colleges are the smartest first step and the strongest next step for millions of learners,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “Whether a student is preparing to transfer, seeking a career-ready credential or building new skills through short-term training, our college provides them the pathway to that next level.”

Wallace State’s impact has also earned national recognition. The college was named a Rising Star by the Aspen Institute, placing it among the Top 3 colleges in the nation for student success. Wallace State was also among a select number of institutions chosen to participate in the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity initiative, focusing on increasing the number of community college students entering and completing programs that lead directly to good jobs or to completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Over the last year, the college has reached record enrollment, with nearly 7,000 students registering for classes. Additionally, the college’s Center for Career and Workforce Development has set records in certifications earned through short-term training courses and adult education.

The college, which is currently working on construction projects totaling around $54 million, has introduced several new programs, including Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant and Barbering, with Facility Maintenance Technology and Bakery & Pastry Arts set to begin soon.

The college will host several events during the month of April, including:

• April 6: Dual 2 Degree Information Night, 5 p.m., James C. Bailey Center
• April 7: Oneonta Dual Enrollment Info Session, 6 p.m., Oneonta Academic Center
• April 9: Medical Laboratory Technology Information Session, 1 p.m., Bevill Health Science Building
• April 9: Fine & Performing Arts Solo & Chamber Recital, 7 p.m., Burrow Center Recital Hall
• April 10: Jill of All Trades, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Peinhardt Conference Center
• April 13: 4th Congressional Art Competition, 9:30 a.m., Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts
• April 14: National Society of Leadership & Success Induction Ceremony, 5 p.m., Bailey Center Auditorium
• April 15: The College Tour Watch Party, 12 p.m., Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre
• April 16: NC3 Signing Day, 10 a.m., Peinhardt Conference Center
• April 16: 2026 Transfer Summit, 11 a.m., Bailey Center
• April 17: Big Band Dance, 7 p.m., Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts
• April 23: Spring Under the Stars and Stripes, 6:30 p.m., Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts
• April 30: Broadway Night, 7 p.m., Borrow Center Recital Hall

Priority registration for the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters will begin on Monday, April 6, with summer classes starting May 16 and fall classes starting Aug. 17. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information or call 256.352.8236 or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu.

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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.