WCCD Celebrates 75 Years of Excellence in 2024

Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) is proud to announce the celebration of its 75th anniversary in 2024, commemorating 75 years of excellence in education. Since 1949, WCCD has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the Wiregrass region by providing affordable, high-quality education that has empowered generations of students and driven economic development and growth in the local community and beyond.

“The world is a vastly different place than it was when WCCD was chartered,” said WCCD president Dr. Linda C. Young. “What has remained constant at Wallace over the last 75 years is the commitment to serving students and helping them reach their educational goals—whatever those goals may be. The only way an institution reaches a milestone such as a 75th anniversary is through the spirit and dedication of its people—those who were pioneers, progress generators, and present-day innovators. For it is our tremendous faculty, staff, alumni, and students who make us exceptional, and their continued excellence is what will allow Wallace to make a tremendous impact on our community in the next 75 years. And, that impact will be critical as we work and grow alongside our community partners and make the Wiregrass an even brighter jewel in the state.”

WCCD is a member of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), the state’s single largest system of public higher education, and Chancellor Jimmy Baker shared a celebratory message with WCCD. “For 75 years, Wallace Community College-Dothan has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence in the Wiregrass area,” said Chancellor Baker. “Your dedication to providing accessible and quality education has undoubtedly shaped countless lives, which is exactly the mission of the Alabama Community College System. I share your pride in this milestone and in the legacy the College has created, and I am assured of the continued success and impact of Wallace Community College-Dothan in the years to come.”

WCCD was first established in 1949 as a technical trade school before becoming south Alabama’s first comprehensive community college in 1969 when the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) fully accredited the College to award associate degrees and certificates. SACSCOC most recently reaffirmed the College’s accreditation in 2022. In 1999, the merger with Sparks State Technical College created the College we see today, with campuses in Dothan and Eufaula.

Over the past 75 years, WCCD has evolved into a dynamic institution, constantly adapting to the changing needs of its student body and the workforce needs of its surrounding area. Currently, WCCD serves over 5,000 students each academic term (Fall, Spring, and Summer) through a broad range of offerings, including academic transfer courses and partnerships at the university level that pave the way for WCCD students seeking higher degrees.

WCCD’s premiere career technical and health sciences programs align their curriculum with industry standards and combine advanced, state-of-the-art technology with hands-on learning experiences to ensure graduates are well-prepared for today’s workforce. WCCD also provides dual enrollment opportunities which allow students to earn college credits while still in high school.

Beyond traditional academic pursuits, WCCD reaches adult learners through adult education services personalized to individual students, empowering them to pursue education at any stage of life. Recognizing the ever-changing demands of the job market, WCCD additionally offers non-credit workforce training programs, often at no cost to students or businesses, designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their employability and contribute to the economic vitality of the community.

WCCD has been a driving force in economic development since its inception, partnering with local businesses, organizations, and government entities to enhance the overall economic well-being of the region. A 2023 report by Lightcast found that WCCD’s economic impact was just under $164 million annually to the Wiregrass and supported almost 3,000 jobs in the area.

WCCD will celebrate its 75 years with a broad range of activities in 2024 including commemorative athletic, fine arts and Wallace Foundations events, and recognition at its annual commencement ceremonies.