Chaviers, Ellard named Wallace State’s Student, Teacher of the Year

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College is proud to announce Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards, presented Friday, April 24 during the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s State of Education breakfast.

Student of the Year – Jacob Chaviers

Sophomore Jacob Chaviers of Altoona was named the college’s Student of the Year. Chaviers is completing an Associate in Science degree, with plans to pursue nursing through Wallace State’s joint enrollment program with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His goal is to become a nurse practitioner. 

“As a first‑generation college student, Jacob exemplifies resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “His long‑term goal is to serve others as a nurse practitioner, a calling that reflects both his academic focus and his heart for service. On campus, Jacob is a recognized leader—serving as Student President of the National Society of Leadership and Success, President of Mu Alpha Theta, and an active member of Phi Theta Kappa. “He also gives back academically as a peer tutor, supporting fellow students across subjects ranging from anatomy and physiology to English and math.”

Teacher of the Year – Lisa Ellard

Nursing instructor Lisa Ellard was named the Teacher of Year, based on voting by the student body. 

“Lisa is known across campus for her unwavering dedication to students and her passion for teaching,” Karolewics said. “Whether she is guiding students through challenging coursework, offering encouragement when they need it most, or finding new and creative ways to make learning meaningful, Lisa consistently goes above and beyond. Her classroom is a place where expectations are high, support is constant, and students feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they imagined.”

Both award recipients said they were humbled by the recognition. 

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is underway, with summer classes begin May 26 and fall classes begin 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.