HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics was recently honored by U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, who presented her with a copy of the Congressional Record from the 119th Congress that recognizes the college’s outstanding achievements and national distinction.
“I am truly honored to receive a copy of the Congressional Record entry by Congressman Aderholt on behalf of Wallace State,” Karolewics said. “We have certainly had a wonderful year at the college with our distinction as a Rising Star by the Aspen Institute, setting records for enrollment and seeing hundreds of students cross the stage in graduation ceremonies.”
Wallace State was named one of the Top 3 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute, earning the Rising Star designation in the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. It also became the first Alabama community college ever selected as a finalist for this prestigious award.
Karolewics also testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services and Education at the invitation of Aderholt, chair of the committee. The hearing, titled “Career Ready Students: Innovations from Community Colleges and the Private Sector,” examined how community colleges and industry partners are preparing students for high-demand careers.
In part, the record reads: “Under the leadership of Dr. Karolewics, who has served as the president since 2003, Wallace State has become a national model for excellence, innovation, and service. Student outcomes far exceed national averages, with graduation, persistence, transfer and job placement rates among the best in the country. I commend Wallace State Community College and Dr. Vicki P. Karolewics for their impact on the students, communities, and the State of Alabama, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved national recognition.”
