On Monday, April 24, 2024, on the beautiful campus of Wallace State Community College, Mayor Woody Jacobs officially proclaimed the month of April 2024 “Community College Month” in the City of Cullman.
On hand to receive the proclamation was Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
“I am honored to present this proclamation to Wallace State during Community College Month,” said Mayor Jacobs. “I am always sure to tell everyone how vital Wallace State Community College is to Cullman County.”
Community College Month is observed each year in April with the primary goal of increasing awareness and understanding of the value of community colleges. This year’s theme is “Cultivating Skills for the Future,” which emphasizes the visionary role that community colleges play in practical education through workforce training, traditional liberal arts and sciences education, community services, business partnerships and more.
Alabama’s two-year college system under the Alabama Department of Education was formed on May 3, 1963, when the Alabama Legislature approved the Alabama Trade School and Junior College Authority. This system was renamed the Alabama Community College System in 2015 and established governance of the system and its institutions under the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
Wallace State was founded in 1963 and became a part of the Alabama Community College System that same year. The first classes were held on August 1, 1966. Now, with a mission of learning that transforms lives and communities, Wallace State serves over 7,000 individuals each semester through education and academic transfer courses, career technical programs, adult education services, and non-credit workforce training that leads to industry-certified credentials and certifications. Tens of thousands of students have graduated from Wallace State Community College.
“In addition to their excellent academic and career technical programs, Wallace State partners with local industries to offer specialized workforce training, cooperative education opportunities, and apprenticeships,” said Jacobs. “This is greatly beneficial to the City of Cullman.”
Wallace State has achieved many accolades in recent years including being named an Achieving the Dream Leader College, receiving national recognition as being among the top 10 percent of institutions according to student outcomes by Aspen Institute, ranking among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, being named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing Center and the National Security Administration, earning the Top Online Community College in Alabama rating, and many more. Wallace State is also a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School.
“During Community College Month and throughout the year, Wallace State should be recognized for providing world-class education and training in our community that is both accessible and affordable,” said Jacobs.
For more information on Community College Month, click here.
For more information on Wallace State Community College, visit wallacestate.edu.
Pictured, L-R: Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics and Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs
