WCCD, Auburn University College of Agriculture Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Jimmy Jones, Henry County Extension Coordinator for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (left) and Chris Parker, Agriculture Research Associate Director for the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center (third from left) show Jennifer Matheny, WCCD Dual Enrollment Coordinator (second from left) and Dr. Cole Cheek, WCCD Associate Dean of Academics (right) tilled peanuts at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland.

DOTHAN, AL—Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) and the Auburn University College of Agriculture (AUCOA) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions for the purpose of providing a streamlined transfer process for WCCD students who meet identified criteria for bachelor’s degree programs in AUCOA.

An official signing ceremony between the two institutions will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM on the WCCD Wallace Campus in Dothan.

As a result of this agreement, efforts will be exerted to provide a pathway for WCCD students to transfer to AUCOA upon completion of two years of specified coursework at WCCD that meets preliminary coursework requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in AUCOA.

WCCD’s Natural Sciences will house five new courses for the program with the plan to expand offerings as the student population grows. These classes would include courses in animal dairy sciences, horticulture, and plant propagation. These classes are slated to begin in Fall 2024.

Several community partners have aided WCCD in the development of these courses. WCCD will partner with Extension agents at the Wiregrass Extension to utilize its facilities as outdoor classrooms. SunSouth of Dothan has offered to provide professional development opportunities to students where possible. The Headland Chamber of Commerce played an important role in the creation of these courses by assisting WCCD in connecting with community partners.

“Wallace Community College-Dothan is excited to sign this memorandum of understanding with the Auburn University College of Agriculture and provide our students with a seamless pathway to a promising future in agriculture,” said Dr. Linda Young, WCCD President. “As those of us who live and work in the Wiregrass area know, agriculture is not just a source of industry – it is a way of life. We are proud to contribute to the advancement of agriculture within our community and grateful to the community partners aiding us in that endeavor.”

“The College of Agriculture at Auburn University is pleased to be partnering with Wallace Community College,” said Dr. Amy Wright, Auburn University College of Agriculture Associate Dean for Instruction. “We have a broad range of exciting majors in the College of Agriculture, and we are excited to work together with Wallace in this capacity.”

“The collaboration between Wallace Community College-Dothan, Auburn University, The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and The Wiregrass Research and Extension Center enables students from across the Wiregrass to achieve their goals for a successful future,” said Jimmy Jones, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Henry County Extension Coordinator.