Wallace State Celebrates Industry Partners, Student Success

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College’s Center for Career and Workforce Development celebrated its successes by showing their appreciation to the people who have worked with its programs to provide training and education to more than 7,000 area residents in the last year.

“The purpose of this evening is simple yet powerful — to recognize the vital role our industry partners play in shaping opportunities for students and driving workforce development in our region,” said Wallace State President Vicki Karolewics. “Your collaboration helps us to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals, and for that we are deeply grateful.”

“It’s an honor to stand before a room filled with partners who help make our mission possible,” Christina Holmes, Director of Career Services and Work-Based Learning. “Today is about appreciation, genuine appreciation for the industries that invest in our students and in our campus community. Your support goes far beyond hosting interns or offering training. You provide scholarships that open doors for students who might not participate otherwise and gives them a chance to pursue their goals.

“Every interaction you have with our students, whether in your workplace or here at Wallace State, creates a ripple effect of encouragement and opportunity,” Holmes added. “Because of your partnership, our students don’t just learn about careers, they get to experience them. They gain confidence, direction and a clear sense of what is possible. You help build that bridge from the classroom to their future, and for that we are deeply grateful.”

The event featured awards recognizing outstanding industry partnerships and student achievements.

Representatives from Y-Tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama (YKTA) accepted the award of Employer of the Year from Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics and staff members with the Center for Career and Workforce Development.

Employer of the Year

Y-Tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama (YKTA) was named the Employer of the Year for going “above and beyond in their support of work-based learning and student success.”

Holmes said YKTA has set a high standard as an industry partner by providing mentorship, hands-on training, scholarship support and ongoing engagement with the campus.

Wallace State Nursing student Pamela Tidmore received a Work-Based Learning Student of the Year award from Wallace State’s Center for Career and Workforce Development. Tidmore, Center, is pictured with Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics and representatives from WSCC Center for Career and Workforce Development and UAB Hospital, where she is a Registered Nurse Apprentice.

Work-Based Learning Students of the Year

Nursing student Pamela Tidmore and Mechatronics student Mindy Ditzler were each recognized as a Work-Based Learning Student of the Year for showing exceptional professionalism, growth and dedication in their experiences.

“These individuals embraced every opportunity, contributed meaningfully to their employers and represented Wallace State with excellence,” Holmes said.

Tidmore serves as the class president for the May 2026 cohort and is a Registered Nurse Apprentice at UAB Hospital.

“This student is a pure joy,” said Natalie Fortson, Director of Nursing Network and Outreach at UAB Hospital. “Her passion for patient care shines so brightly and everyone she touches can see it immediately.”

Wallace State Community College student Mindy Ditzler received a Work-Based Learning Student of the Year award from Wallace State’s Center for Career and Workforce Development. Ditzler, third from left, is pictured with Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics and representatives from WSCC Center for Career and Workforce Development and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing where she is employed.

Ditzler is an NCAL FAME AMT student and employed by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. She is described as a hard worker who can be counted on to help wherever she can and who seeks out learning opportunities.

“This student has shown us that success in the technical field is not just about mastering tools, codes or machines. It’s about curiosity, perseverance and the courage to solve problems that others might shy away from,” said Tony Elkins, Ditzler’s mentor Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.

Dale Greer, Director of the City of Cullman Economic Development Agency, accepts an award from Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics recognizing his years as a visionary leader for fostering partnerships that connect education, industry and community growth.

Special Recognition

Dale Greer, Director of the City of Cullman Economic Development Agency, was recognized as a visionary leader for fostering partnerships that connect education, industry and community growth.

“Dale’s relationship with Wallace State has been marked by collaboration and innovation,” Karolewics continued. “His efforts have opened doors for our students and programs, ensuring that Wallace State remains at the forefront of workforce development. Through his guidance, we have forged impactful connections with companies…creating opportunities for internships, careers and cutting-edge training. His commitment to aligning education with industry needs has strengthened our ability to prepare graduates for high-demand fields while supporting the vitality of our region.

“Dale Greer’s legacy is one of vision, collaboration and progress,” Karolewics added. “His work has not only advanced Wallace State’s mission but has also enriched the lives of countless students and strengthened the fabric of our community.”

Program Updates

The event also highlighted the Powerful Partnership program, designed to create meaningful connections benefitting students, employers and the community. In the last year, 25 partners have joined the program, surpassing their initial goal of 10. The Powerful Partnership program is a free program that offer benefits that include tuition discounts for employees and their families, complimentary credit evaluations, free meeting space each semester, increased visibility and networking opportunities, and a voice on college advisory boards that help shape programs. Other benefits include alumni memberships, discounted event sponsorships and access to Athens State University’s Learning Partnership Program.

Another update provided information on the impact of the Center for Career and Workforce Development regarding student participation and increasing involvement in industry partners. A total of 6,994 students and 341 business and industries were served in the last year. Work-based learning students accounted for 2,577, or 35 percent, of those served, with the WSCC Testing Center serving 1,881, or 26 percent.

Looking ahead, the program expects to grow with the addition of more staff, the launch of a more user-friendly website, stackable workforce credits that can lead to students taking college courses, new community education courses and expanding grant funding.

For more information about Wallace State’s Center for Career and Workforce Development, visit www.wallacestate.edu/ccwd, call 256.352.7450/7451 or email workforce@wallacestate.edu.

Registration is underway for the Spring 2026 semester, with classes beginning Jan. 7 for regular and Mini Term I and March 5 for Mini Term II courses. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information, call 256.352.8236 or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu

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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 Rising Star 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.