DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Bondy’s and Eye Center South have been recognized as 2026 Workforce Development Champions by the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wallace Community College-Dothan said both businesses work with the college to provide students with work-based learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction with real-world experience.
WCCD President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy and Vice President Dr. Ashli Wilkins attended the recognition.
“Wallace Community College is extremely proud to congratulate Bondy’s and Eye Center South on this well-deserved recognition,” Murphy said. “These businesses demonstrate what is possible when employers partner with education to invest in the next generation of the workforce. We are grateful for the opportunities they provide our students to take what they are learning in the classroom and apply it in a real-world environment.”
Through work-based learning, students can gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills and build relationships with employers. The college said those experiences also help businesses develop a pipeline of skilled workers.
“Partnerships like these are at the heart of what a community college is designed to do,” Murphy said. “When our faculty, students and business and industry partners work together, everyone benefits. Our students gain valuable experience and connections, employers have an opportunity to help shape their future workforce, and our communities benefit from having skilled, well-prepared employees ready to contribute to our economy.”
Wilkins said work-based learning helps students understand how their education connects to future careers.
“We appreciate employers like Bondy’s and Eye Center South who welcome our students into their workplaces and help them develop the skills and confidence they need to be successful,” Wilkins said.
WCCD said the partnerships are an example of cooperation between education and local industry aimed at preparing workers for jobs across the Wiregrass.
“Congratulations to Bondy’s and Eye Center South,” Murphy said. “We are proud to call you partners, and we appreciate the role you play in helping our students—and our region—succeed.”
