Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Celebrates Graduates

Hanceville, Ala. – Wallace State Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program recently hosted a pinning ceremony for its Class of 2025, celebrating the transition of students from academic study to professional practice in respiratory therapy.

"Today, we honor and celebrate the efforts of these individuals for their accomplishments,” said Ashley Lancaster, Respiratory Therapy Program Director. “The pinning ceremony marks the important transition from student to respiratory therapist.

“You stand on the threshold of a career that will ask so much of you but offer even more in return,” Lancaster added. “You are now ready to step into one of the most essential—and often overlooked—roles in healthcare," she said.

“This journey was not for the faint of heart,” said class president Jacob Golden. “We’ve balanced work, life, and school while learning how to care for some of the sickest individuals in the hospital. Through every difficult test and moments of doubt, we pushed forward together as a whole.”

The ceremony featured a keynote address by Jennifer Arbona, an instructor for Wallace State’s Respiratory Therapy program.

“You have reached a milestone that not only marks the completion of your education but the beginning of a meaningful, impactful career,” Arbona said. “Your role is often quiet—but never unnoticed by those who understand what you do,” she emphasized.

Several students were recognized with awards. David Timms received the Respiratory Therapy Program Excellence Award and Lambda Beta Honor Award, Kaylee Garner was honored with the Academic Excellence Award, and Jacob Golden was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award.

Graduates of the Respiratory Therapy Class of 2025 include: Karra Bearden (Class Representative), Johanna Barron, Bella Blake, Stephanie Booth, Alyssa Brooks, Anna Dorman (Vice President), Kaylee Garner, Jacob Golden (President), Chariot Hughes, Kylee Johnson, Mahlaisha Jones, Casey Kostick, Casey Lee (Secretary), Chelsea Mann (Treasurer), Morgan Melson, Taylor Mitchell, Rakeila Pettway, Jazmin Sanchez, Lexi Smith, Sydney Smith, Leslie Taylor, David Timms, Payton Tinsley, Chris Weems (Class Representative), Kyle Willis

The Respiratory Therapy program is accepting applications through June 1 for Fall 2025 entry. Visit www.wallacestate.edu/Respiratory-Therapy or contact Susan Wadkins at 256.352.7848 or susan.wadkins@wallacestate.edu for more information.

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.