Wallace State Community College designated as a Military Friendly School for 3rd straight year
HANCEVILLE, ALA. –Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Ala., has again been named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, Inc.
Wallace State was recognized with the distinction during Veterans Day weekend for its record of military student success, including graduation and employment outcomes, and for its services and policies in support of veterans and their dependents.
It’s the third consecutive year for Wallace State to receive the designation.
“This country and its residents owe a debt of gratitude to this nation’s military and their families for the freedoms we enjoy every single day. Wallace State is especially pleased to be recognized as a Military Friendly institution as we have strived to provide personalized services to assist our veterans and their families to achieve their educational and career plans in an environment that respects their sacrifices,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
Colleges selected as Military Friendly Schools were graded on certain criteria favorable to veterans, including academic policies and compliance; admissions and orientation; culture and commitment; financial aid and assistance and graduation, career and military student support and retention.
Wallace State hosts meet-and-greets for its veterans at the Veterans’ Corner on campus, which is located on the sixth floor of the library. The Veterans’ Corner was established for veterans in order for them to have one central location together to study, congregate, share stories and unwind.
Wallace State’s Veterans’ Corner was spearheaded by IT Department employee Virginia Barber and her Leadership Wallace State team a couple of years ago. Barber, an Air Force veteran who served in Desert Storm, and her team raised awareness about the experiences of veterans returning to civilian life and proposed a location where veterans could meet and support each other, as well as additional veteran-centered events and activities.
The Burrow Museum at Wallace State is currently hosting an exhibition commemorating America’s military service in the 21st Century in photographs. Memorabilia to complement the exhibition is also on display, on loan from members of the community.
Veterans, national guard/reservists and dependents/survivors are eligible for VA education benefits at Wallace State. The Alabama Community College System adopted The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act) after it was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law. The Choice Act guarantees in-state tuition to veterans and their family members.
Veterans interested in educational benefits available at Wallace State are encouraged to contact Wallace State’s Gena Rice, the college’s veterans’ certifying official, at 256.352.8137 or at gena.rice@wallacestate.edu. Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits cover everything from tuition and fees to books for all of Wallace State’s programs. Flight time for pilot training through Wallace State’s aviation program is also covered.
Wallace State’s designation as a Military Friendly School will be recognized in multiple publications, including in G.I. Jobs, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines.
According to its website, Victory Media has led the industry as a ratings entity for over a decade, surveying thousands of institutions and assembling lists that capture best practices in recruitment and retention of military employees, students and franchisees. The Military Friendly ratings program has been instrumental in the development of corporate and college military recruiting programs.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
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Russell Moore
Staff Writer
Wallace State Community College
P.O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077
1-866-350-9722 256-352-8443 direct
Russell.Moore@wallacestate.edu
Visit us online at www.wallacestate.edu
Kristen Holmes
Communications & Marketing Director, and
Administrator, The Evelyn Burrow Museum
Wallace State Community College
801 Main Street NW | Hanceville, AL 35077
E-mail: kristen.holmes@wallacestate.edu
Office: 256.352.8118 | Cell: 256.339.2519 | Toll Free: 866.350.9722