From the President

Welcome to spring semester at Wallace State!

Spring semester is a busy time at Wallace State, and you’ll find many ways to engage in learning and college activities. Our annual Arts in April series of events highlights the role of literature, fine arts, music, theatre and the humanities in our lives. You won’t want to miss shows by the Jazz Band, Singers, and the Wallace State Theatre production of Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing." Be sure to visit The Evelyn Burrow Museum, watch a basketball game, take part in one of our many clubs and organizations, join us in a chat on Facebook, travel with us to France, support a charitable cause, volunteer to be part of our campus Green Team, or cheer on our golf, softball and baseball teams.

As we look forward to awards ceremonies, pinnings and graduation this spring, we are especially excited to share stories of student success, such as those of former Wallace State pitcher Derek Holland, who is now a Texas Rangers starter and one of the stars of the 2011 MLB World Series; Outstanding Alumni winner Leah Patterson Lust, a licensed social worker who is the Cullman County Probate Judge; Shane Quick, who now runs the largest Christian music promotions company in the country; and former Dual Enrollment students Connor Johnson, who recently entered Harvard Medical School, and Cade Ann Smith, who now works on Capitol Hill for Congressman Robert Aderholt. Please share your success story by emailing communications@wallacestate.edu.

Wallace State is dedicated to providing an excellent student experience that ensures our graduates are the best prepared graduates in the nation for the careers they seek and for university transfer. As a result, more high school seniors taking the ACT in 2011 indicated a preference for attending Wallace State than any other college in the Alabama Community College System, and the Aspen Institute recently designated Wallace State as one of the top 120 community colleges in America based on the outcomes our students achieve. We lead the Alabama Community College System in graduation rates and a recent report in Community College Week ranked Wallace State among the "Top 50 Associate Degrees: Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences" in the United States.

As you enroll this semester, please take note of some of our new program offerings, such as the Simulation and Modeling Certificate now offered through the Visual Communications Department, and a growing array of online classes. For those looking to update or acquire a new skill, our short-term non-credit offerings have also expanded to include training for Green Construction, Patient Care Assistants, Dialysis Technicians and Veterinary Assistants, and we offer many community education classes for those interested in stress-free lifelong learning.

Whether you are a returning Wallace State student or enrolling for the first time, we are delighted that you are joining us this spring. We look forward to seeing you on campus or online soon!

All the best,
Vicki P. Hawsey
President