Wallace State's Center for Career and Workforce Development Launches Powerful Partnerships Program

Hanceville, AL — Wallace State Community College’s Center for Career and Workforce Development recently launched its Powerful Partnerships program at the Workforce Training Center on the campus of Rehau in Cullman. The initiative brings together the college and area businesses to drive workforce development and economic growth. Traditions Bank, Cullman Savings Bank, Marshall Medical Center, R.E. Garrison Trucking and Slim Chickens of Cullman committed as inaugural partners, setting the stage for future collaboration. 

The Powerful Partnerships initiative is designed to create mutually beneficial relationships between Wallace State and area businesses, offering companies enhanced access to the college’s resources while helping equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.   

Vice President for Advancement and Innovation Suzanne Harbin emphasized the Workforce Training Center's pivotal role in this endeavor, underscoring its impact on both students and the broader community.  

“Over the last year, the Wallace State Center for Career and Workforce Development has served over 2,700 students through our Adult Education, Workforce Development, Professional Certification and Skills for Success programs. A significant portion of these students have been served through the Workforce Training Center, and we continue to grow our offerings,” said Harbin. “Our success this last year would not have been possible without the trust and support that business and industry partners have given us to provide these opportunities for their employees to gain personal development, career advancement, skills acquisition and industry certifications. Thank you to all our partners and collaborators for your ongoing commitment. Together, we are driving success and opportunity for our students and community, and I am looking forward to the impactful future we will continue to build together through these Powerful Partnerships.”  

Wallace State serves as a key link between students and potential employers, creating pathways for both professional growth and community development. Bethany Campbell, Director of Employer Engagement and Strategic Partnerships at Wallace State, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the college and the business community.   

“Wallace State has a long-standing tradition of incredible industry and community partners. Not only are these companies actively engaged with the college and the training it provides, but they also serve a crucial role for employment of Wallace State students and alumni,” Campbell said. “I look forward to supporting your businesses and organizations through Powerful Partnerships. Thank you for the incredible impact that you have on Wallace State and the wonderful community we are a part of.”  

In addition to providing opportunities for students, the Powerful Partnerships initiative offers business partners a variety of benefits that extend beyond training and education. The initiative offers participating businesses a range of exclusive benefits that reinforce their investment in the college and its students, including: 

• 10 percent discount on tuition

• Complimentary access to meeting spaces at the Wallace State Workforce Training Center

• Wallace State Alumni Memberships for up to five employees

• Special sponsor rate for the Wallace State Future Foundation Student Investment Luncheon

• Access to a pipeline of workers prepared for internships, apprenticeships, and employment through priority registration for Industry Comes to Wallace State

• A Powerful Partner registration rate for the annual WSCC Career Fair

• Featured as a Powerful Partner through various marketing avenues

• A role on Wallace State’s program advisory boards and Business and Industry Leadership Teams (BILTs) to provide guidance for instructional technology

• Opportunity to receive access to Athens State University’s Learning Partnership program
  

This comprehensive set of benefits ensures that businesses are not just passively involved but actively engaged in shaping Wallace State’s educational programs to better meet industry demands. By participating in advisory boards and leadership teams, companies can directly influence the development of future workers, creating a well-prepared labor force that meets their specific needs.   

For more information about the Powerful Partnerships program and how your business can get involved, email Bethany Campbell at Bethany.Campbell@wallacestate.edu or call her at 256.352.8372.  

The Fall 2024 semester at Wallace State Community College is underway, with Mini Term II classes beginning Oct. 16. For more information on enrollment, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call 256.352.8000, or visit Lion Central in the lobby of the James C. Bailey Center Monday-Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Jessica McClendon of Marshall Medical Centers shakes hands with Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics after signing the Powerful Partnerships Agreement.

Tracy Rushing of R.E. Garrison Trucking shakes hands with Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics after signing the Powerful Partnerships Agreement.

Christina Hernandez of Slim Chickens shakes hands with Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics after signing the Powerful Partnerships Agreement.

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About Wallace State  

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.