Community College Month Spotlight: Finding a Future in Welding at Wallace State

This is one in a series of stories celebrating Wallace State Community College alumni during Community College Month in April.

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — When Robert Henry Cook III began searching for the right place to launch his career, Wallace State Community College stood out for one clear reason: its reputation for excellence in welding.

“I chose Wallace State because it has great welding program,” Cook said. It was also close to home, he said.

From 2021 to 2023, Cook immersed himself in the Welding Technology program, gaining the hands-on skills and technical knowledge that would quickly set him on a successful path. By the time he graduated, he had proven his instincts right.

“Wallace State prepared me for my career by teaching me everything I needed to know about welding,” Cook said. “I was able to graduate and immediately get a job, making great money and traveling around seeing the USA.”

Cook credits both the college and the people behind the program for his success. 

“I made many friends while at Wallace State that I still have today,” Cook said. “My instructor, Randy Hammond, is still a mentor to me and a great instructor. I can stop by anytime and he will make time for me, just like he does for any of his former students.”

One of the most meaningful aspects of Cook’s time at Wallace State was the relationships he built — connections that continue to shape his career today.

Those relationships extended beyond the classroom. Through its strong industry partnerships, Wallace State connected Cook with welding employers across the region, giving him valuable networking opportunities and a direct pipeline to the workforce.

That preparation paid off immediately. Today, Cook works as a travel welder for Duke Industrial, taking on projects across the country.

“I’m making great money and traveling around the USA,” he said.

As Community College Month shines a light on the impact of two-year colleges nationwide, Cook’s story reflects the powerful role Wallace State plays in building careers, strengthening communities, and opening doors to opportunity.

“I highly recommend Wallace State if you are thinking about a trade,” Cook said.

For Cook, choosing Wallace State was more than a decision—it was the start of a career built on skill, mentorship, and limitless potential.

Registration for the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters is underway, with summer classes starting May 16 and fall classes starting Aug. 17. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information or call 256.352.8236 or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu. 

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About the Wallace State Alumni Association

The WSCC Alumni Association serves more than 30,000 alumni and friends through membership benefits, professional development, and outreach opportunities. You do not have to be an alumnus to become a member of the Alumni Association. Please visit our website at https://www.wsccalumni.org/welcome.

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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.