Wallace Community College Demopolis earns accreditation, can now offer full degrees

Both the Wallace Community College Demopolis Campus and its newly opened West Alabama Regional Training Center received full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) at the commission meeting Dec. 3.

This accreditation is new. Prior to the approval, the Demopolis campus was considered an off-site location of the WCC campus located in Selma.

The Demopolis campus has been a part of several institutions over the past 20 years. Students were able to take classes, but only up to 49 percent of a degree plan could be taken in Demopolis. 

Wallace has chosen to complete the rigorous process of going through SACSCOC to gain full accreditation for the Demopolis site. 

“This has never been done by any other institution and will enable students to complete their entire Associate degree in Demopolis”, said Blaine Hathcock, campus director. “This is exciting for our students who attend the Demopolis Campus and expands the educational opportunities for students in this entire area.”

The accreditation is a strong testament to WCC’s commitment to maintaining academic excellence, continuous improvement and compliance with the highest higher education standards, said Dr. James M. Mitchell, president of the college.

“This accreditation reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students to maintaining a high standard of education,” Mitchell continued. “It validates our commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment.”

Receiving accreditation is necessary for higher education institutions to guarantee they meet standardized quality benchmarks. It builds trust in the value of education provided by the institutions and provides access to federal financial aid, grants and other opportunities for both the colleges and their students.