DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Wallace Community College-Dothan President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy outlined plans for continued growth, new academic programs and campus improvements during a Sept. 28 presentation to the Dothan Rotary Club.
Murphy said the college has seen five years of growth in enrollment and credit hour production. She said that growth is helping shape plans for renovations, new construction and expanded programs.
“Growth changes what we have to think about as an institution,” Murphy said. “When more students choose Wallace, when more students are completing courses, and when our communities are asking us to provide new programs and services, we have a responsibility to make sure our facilities and resources grow with them.”
College leaders are planning renovations and new facilities aimed at increasing space for high-demand programs and creating more opportunities for hands-on learning.
“Buildings are not the vision; people are the vision,” Murphy said. “But the right facilities allow our faculty and staff to provide students with the education and training they need to succeed.”
Murphy highlighted several new or developing programs, including Medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology and Diesel Technology.
Current campus development also includes facilities designed to support diesel technology, commercial driver education and the new biomedical equipment technology program.
“These programs represent what community colleges do best,” Murphy said. “We listen to our business and industry partners, we listen to our communities, and then we build educational opportunities that connect people to meaningful careers.”
Murphy said the goal is to prepare students for jobs available in the Wiregrass while also helping local businesses find trained workers.
“We want our students to be able to find opportunity here at home, and we want our business and industry partners to know that Wallace is committed to helping them build the workforce they need,” Murphy said.
Murphy also thanked the region’s legislative delegation, the Alabama Community College System, the college’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and community supporters for helping move the projects forward.
“None of this happens in isolation,” Murphy said. “Their belief in Wallace and in the future of this region makes it possible for us to pursue a vision that is bigger than any one project.”
Murphy said Wallace is focusing on strategic growth rather than simply becoming larger.
“We are not pursuing growth just for the sake of growth,” Murphy said. “We are growing because there is a need. There are students who need opportunities, employers who need skilled workers, and communities that are counting on Wallace to help move this region forward.”
She said the college’s future remains closely tied to the Wiregrass.
“Our future is tied directly to the future of the Wiregrass,” Murphy said. “When Wallace grows, our communities benefit. When our students succeed, our employers benefit.”
Murphy also told Rotary members that Wallace and the organization share a focus on education, workforce development and strengthening the local economy.
“Education and economic development go hand-in-hand,” Murphy said. “When we prepare students for good careers, when we help employers find the skilled workforce they need, and when we create opportunities for people to build their futures here, we are strengthening the economic foundation of the entire Wiregrass.”
