Celebrating Nikki Whaley: Wallace State Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate

Hanceville, Ala. — As part of a series of stories celebrating Wallace State Community College alumni during Community College Month, Wallace State is proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Nikki Whaley. Whaley attended Wallace State from 1998 to 1999 and has since built a remarkable career in physical therapy.

Now the Chief Compliance Officer at Restore Therapy Services, Whaley began her journey at Wallace State with a clear goal in mind: to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Drawn to the college by its renowned PTA program, Whaley earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in 1999.

“The PTA program at Wallace is one of the most well-known and well-respected programs in the state,” Whaley said. “Being a graduate from this program equipped me with the knowledge to be a successful therapist in my field.”

“The PTA Program at Wallace State prides itself on building a strong educational foundation that transforms students, allowing them to excel in the field of physical therapy,” said Program Director Alina Adams. “Nikki Whaley is a great example of an outstanding individual who has built an exceptional career on that foundation. Many of our PTA graduates perform well in the leadership role of rehab director, and Nikki has taken that a step further. We are so proud to have a WSCC PTA alumnus in an upper management position with Restore Therapy Services.”

During her time at Wallace State, Whaley formed lasting relationships that have continued to enrich her professional life. She remains in touch with Adams and has had the honor of being a guest speaker for one of Adam’s classes over the past several years.

Whaley’s career trajectory is a testament to the solid foundation she received at Wallace State. Starting as a staff clinician, she advanced to middle management and now holds an executive leadership position. Her journey underscores the impact of Wallace State's PTA program in preparing students for successful careers.

“Wallace gave me the baseline I needed to fulfill my career goals,” Whaley said.

Her personal and professional growth since graduating in 1999 highlights the enduring influence of Wallace State on its alumni.

“Since graduating Wallace State in 1999, I have raised two daughters, both of whom have attended Wallace State Fast Track program," Whaley said.

Reflecting on her time at Wallace State, Whaley appreciates the college's growth and its ability to offer high-level learning opportunities while maintaining a small-town feel.

“Watching Wallace State grow into a well-respected community college in our backyard has been a privilege,” she said. “Wallace offers that small-town feel with high-level learning opportunities," she said.

Health Science programs, including the PTA program at Wallace State are currently accepting applications for Fall 2025 entry.

“It’s a great time for interested individuals to apply to the PTA Program,” Adams said. “The demand for physical therapist assistants is quite high right now, and that need is only projected to grow. The WSCC PTA Program can open the door to explore a great career with unlimited growth opportunities.

For more information about the PTA program, visit www.wallacestate.edu/PTA or contact Susan Wadkins at 256.352.7848 or susan.wadkins@wallacestate.edu.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway. Summer classes begin May 27 and fall classes begin Aug. 19. Visit www.wallacestate.edu to apply and register or call 256.352.8000.

###

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.

###

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.