Advisor for Gov. Bentley visits Wallace State campus
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics proudly shared some of the institution’s most successful programs recently with a representative of the governor’s office. Jared White, an education policy advisor for Gov. Robert Bentley, visited the campus as a show of the governor’s continued support of the state’s two-year college system.
Community colleges play an important role in preparing the workforce for Alabama’s middle skill jobs being developed through Governor Bentley’s Accelerate Alabama plan.
During his visit to the campus, White toured the Machine Tool, Diesel and Welding technology departments, the Criminal Justice department, and the Simulation Center in the School of Nursing and Center for Science.
From the Machine Tool Technology tour, White observed students at work on both manual and computer-aided machining tools. He was also able to see molds from which products were made, including the mold of a piece used in a machine made by a local company that detected the Chernobyl nuclear disaster before it was reported.
In Diesel Technology, he learned about the cooperative partnership between WSCC and area trucking companies that provide students with the trucks they use in training to service the engines, computers and other components.
In Welding, White was shown the latest in robotic welding machines that Wallace State students use to learn their trade. He also learned how successful some of the Wallace State graduates have been in their career and how important it is to the industry to have qualified and well-trained employees.
The Criminal Justice department shared some of their success stories, as well. One graduate is now in charge of the Knoxville, Tenn., police department’s crime scene investigation unit, having learned how to use equipment needed to process evidence at Wallace State. White also learned how the Criminal Justice department faculty has been instrumental in solving crimes from around the area; using the skills they teach their students every day.
Finally, White toured the Simulation Center in the School of Nursing and Center for Science, learning how the students in multiple health programs at the college utilize the center for training before they enter a clinical situation.
“I love these opportunities to show off Wallace State,” Dr. Karolewics said. “I’m reminded once again what an amazing job our employees and students do and of how important Wallace State is not only the people of Cullman County, but to the economy of our state as a whole.
“I appreciated Mr. White’s interest in our college and, through him, Governor Bentley’s dedication to the students who use these resources to make better lives for themselves and their families.”
Gail Crutchfield
Communications and Marketing
Wallace State Community College
(256) 352-8064
gail.crutchfield@wallacestate.edu