WSCC President’s Report 2009 Resource Development
Rebecca Branch in front of the Residence Hall named in her honor.
Programs located in the newly renovated buildings were open for tours and demonstrations as Congressman Robert Aderholt, Alabama Community College System Interim Chancellor Joan Davis, local dignitaries and legislative delegates, and others toured the facilities. Other important events in the facilities area included green campus initiatives, the naming of the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre, the Jacob Ross Harris Softball Press Box and the Rebecca Branch Residence Hall. Lights were added to the Bobby McCracken softball stadium. The soccer field received an upgrade with new bleachers and a press box. The Fred Shockley Automotive Technology Center This center, named for
beloved longtime instructor Fred Shockley, who passed away last year, received a total interior renovation to classrooms and shop areas, including lighting, new shop doors, painting, floor refinishing and striping. A resolution by the State Board of Education officially naming the facility in remembrance of Shockley was presented to members of his family. Both the Automotive Service Technology and the Collision Repair programs subsequently received accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Naming of the Rebecca Branch Residence Hall The Rebecca Hall Dorm at Wallace State has been officially renamed the Rebecca Branch Residence Hall to honor the College’s longtime financial officer. Branch served as treasurer and business manager of Wallace State from the College’s inception in 1966 until her retirement in 1990. She was the very first employee of Wallace State, joining the College before there were even any buildings on the campus. Through her assistance with financial planning and management during her tenure, Branch contributed to the construction of a women’s dorm among the College’s facilities.
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“You couldn’t spend state money to build dorms,” Branch said, “so through savings in our auxiliary funds and frugal investment of our resources, we were able to piece together enough money to finance the building.” Over the years, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of education not only for Wallace State but for the entire educational system of Alabama. As finishing touches were put on the Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts in late 2009 for its opening in 2010, a Center for Economic and Workforce Development was planned for the building to be vacated by the Music Department upon its move to the new Burrow Center. The Center for Economic and Workforce Development will house Adult Education, the North Alabama Career Center, and related offices. Future plans also include a small business incubator program for that center. Softball Press Box Named for Jacob Ross Harris The Wallace State Softball Press Box was named in memory of Jacob Ross Harris, former Lady Lions team manager and field assistant, during a dedication ceremony at the Bobby McCracken Softball Stadium. Harris was the manager for the Lady Lions during two