Troy University and Wallace Community College-Dothan have signed a memorandum of understanding that will provide a clear pathway for Wallace students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in occupational education.

The agreement was signed by Wallace Community College-Dothan President Dr. Linda Young and Troy University Director of Operations for the College of Education Dr. Kirk Davis on Sept. 29 on the Wallace Campus in Dothan.

“Troy University is proud of the long relationship we have enjoyed with Wallace Community College-Dothan, and we appreciate the leadership of Dr. Young and the many faculty at both TROY and Wallace who have made this latest agreement a reality,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “We believe this agreement will benefit both institutions as we seek to prepare students to be successful in the workforce.”

As a result of this articulation agreement, TROY assures the acceptance of qualified Wallace Community College-Dothan Associate Degree in Applied Science graduates into its baccalaureate program in Occupational Education. The Occupational Education degree combines theory with experience to prepare students as workforce development professionals in a variety of settings and occupations.

“We are so appreciative of our strong relationship with Troy University, and our combined focus on removing barriers, providing opportunities, and helping our students reach their educational goals,” says Leslie Reeder, WCCD Dean of Instructional Affairs.

Dr. Davis said the agreement will be of tremendous benefit to Wallace students with specialized skills gained through certified vocational training.

“The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education is to provide a pathway for individuals with specialized skills, such as aviation maintenance, to earn a bachelor’s degree while receiving credit for their certified vocational training,” said Dr. Davis. “Troy University and Wallace Community College representatives were excited to sign this agreement regarding this degree program and this is representative of a longstanding relationship between our two institutions and our efforts to serve students throughout the Wiregrass and beyond.”

The most recent signing marks the third articulation agreement between the two institutions. In July 2018, Wallace and TROY signed an agreement that assured the acceptance of qualified graduates from Wallace’s Associate in Applied Science – Child Development into the Troy University–Dothan Campus baccalaureate program in Early Childhood Education. Earlier in 2021, a second agreement that also included the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education created an apprenticeship program at the Coleman Center for our Child Development students.  In addition, this agreement provides a pathway for Wallace Associate in Arts – Child Development graduates to complete the baccalaureate program in Early Childhood Education at TROY.