Wallace State’s Randy Hammond Named NC3 Lincoln Electric 2026 Instructor of the Year

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Randy Hammond has been named the 2026 Instructor of the Year for the NC3 Lincoln Electric program. Hammond will be recognized on Wednesday, July 22 at the NC3 Leadership Conference in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Hammond is a dedicated welding professional and educator serving as a Welding Instructor and Department Chair of the Welding program at Wallace State. As a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) with 18 years of experience, he brings extensive industry knowledge and hands-on experience to the classroom. He uses his years in the welding industry to help prepare the next generation of skilled welders for successful careers in the trade.

“Randy Hammond’s recognition as the NC3 Lincoln Electric 2026 Instructor of the Year reflects his exceptional knowledge, dedication to his students, and commitment to excellence in welding education,” said Jerry Murcks, Dean of Applied Technologies. “Randy brings industry experience into the classroom in a way that helps students build confidence, master their craft, and prepare for successful careers. We are incredibly proud of Randy and the positive impact he continues to make on our students, the Welding program, and Wallace State.”

Known for his commitment to excellence and passion for teaching, Hammond takes pride in sharing both the technical and practical aspects of welding with his students. His expertise and mentorship have made a positive impact on many aspiring welders throughout his career. 
 
“Randy was my instructor when I was a student in the welding program in 2015-2017. I had never welded before and wasn't sure I would succeed,” says welding instructor Melanie Patterson. “Randy was patient and encouraging. He is extremely knowledgeable about all things welding. Now I work alongside Randy as a colleague. I see how the students deeply respect him. Not only does he have a vast knowledge of welding, but he is also excellent at explaining it in a way that students understand. The students have a nickname for Randy - The Wizard!”

Hammond said he first thought it was a joke when he was told he was being named the instructor of the year.

"I could not believe that I was selected over all the other welding instructors across America,” Hammond said. “I am extremely honored to win an award for doing what I love. Welding has provided me with a career that has brought me full circle in life. From being a welding student at Wallace State Community College to being the Department Chair. It was an amazing and rewarding ride. It is my goal now to share with students what I have learned in my career and to pass along wisdom to another generation of welders.” 
Outside of work, Hammond enjoys hunting, gardening, and spending quality time with his family. He has been married to his wife, Stacy, for 31 years and is the proud father of two daughters, Tess and Grace, and a son-in-law, Collin. His faith in God and family remains at the center of his life, and he values the time spent creating memories with those he loves most.

Registration for Fall 2026 regular and Mini Term I semesters are now open with classes starting on August 17.

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.