Wallace State Opens Winston County Community Learning Center

Hanceville, Ala. — Wallace State Community College recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Winston County Community Learning Center —a facility that community and state leaders envision as a catalyst for future growth.

“I have a vision for Winston County, and this is the beginning,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “Who knows what we can achieve together over the next 10 years, because we are going to grow together.”

Several community leaders credited Rep. Tim Wadsworth as the driving force behind the center’s development.

“Without him bringing this project to us a few years ago and saying, ‘We’ve got to do this,’ it wouldn’t be here today,” said Sen. Garlan Gudger Jr., who also announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship in Wadsworth’s honor with the WSCC Future Foundation.

Sen. Garlan Gudger Jr., left, announces an endowed scholarship honoring Rep. Tim Wadsworth, center, as Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics looks on. 

“This is an important day for me and an important day for my county,” Wadsworth said. “Having Wallace State Community College here in Winston County and the Arley community is a game-changer. The thing that many people don’t realize is that in Winston County, 23 percent of the population does not have a high school degree. We’re going to change that with this facility.”

Wadsworth said the center will support dual enrollment and GED classes, while also contributed to economic development in the area

“I think this is absolutely important for our entire community,” he said.

“What’s occurring here in Winston County is transformative,” said Mark Salmon, Alabama Community College System Chief Facilities Officer. “I want to thank President Karolewics for her vision,” he added. “She sees the benefit of what this type of project will do for the community. I do really believe that in the future the Alabama Community College System — and for you specifically, Wallace State Community College — is the workforce venue, the vehicle for providing greater opportunities to our citizens and communities and those who live in them and for those who want those opportunities.”

The Winston County Community Learning Center includes classrooms for Adult Education courses. 

Suzanne Harbin, Vice President for Advancement at Wallace State Community College, outlined the services that will be available at the center, including adult education classes, short-term training programs such as phlebotomy and CDL, free Skills for Success training courses, support for students and a computer lab that can serve as a hub for students who need Internet access for online classes and Dual Enrollment.

“This center represents more than just a building,” Harbin said. “It represents opportunity, perseverance and the power of education to transform lives.”

Harbin shared the story of a young man who enrolled in GED classes in Winston County, attending classes at Meek Baptist Church, where classes were held before the opening of the learning center. Struggling with dyslexia, he had left school in the fourth grade.

“When he joined the GED program, he didn’t know his multiplication tables, but what he did have was determination,” Harbin said. “He showed up every Tuesday and Thursday morning and worked online and never gave up.” He completed his GED and even took an electrical course, which enabled him to rewire his own home. Today, he runs a cattle farm, selling beef at a local storefront and farmers markets.

“His story is a reminder that with the right support and a lot of grit, anything is possible,” Harbin said. “And he’s just one story that we hope will become many from the work of this center.”

The Center, located at 360 Helicon Road in Arley, will be open on Tuesdays from 8 to 11 a.m., and Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. through September. Visit www.wallacestate.edu/about-wscc/arley.html or call 256.352.7808 for additional hours and offerings this fall.

Adult Education classes will be held at the center Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 7 p.m. Visit www.wallacestate.edu/adulted, call 256.352.8078 or email adulteducation@wallacestate.edu.

Registration for the Fall 2025 semester is underway, with classes beginning on Aug. 19 for regular and Mini Term I and Oct. 16 for Mini Term II. Registration and classes begin Aug. 26 for Flex Start Term I and Sept. 2 for Flex Start Term II. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu or call Lion Central at 256.352.8236.

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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.