HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics has been selected as the keynote speaker for the prestigious Dallas Herring Lecture hosted by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research at North Carolina State University. Karolewics will deliver her address, “The Value Agenda: A Systems Approach to Student Success,” on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
The Dallas Herring Lecture has historically featured keynote speakers from Aspen Prize-winning colleges and other leading institutions that have made a significant impact on student success. The lecture is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious speaking invitations a college president can receive.
Since arriving at Wallace State in 2003, Dr. Karolewics has led the college to national prominence, including recognition as one of the top three community colleges in the nation as a Rising Star finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and as a Top 10 finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize. Under her leadership, Wallace State has earned numerous distinctions, including designation as an Achieving the Dream Leader College; National Center of Excellence in Nursing and Cyber Defense; NC3 Leadership School; one of the top three Southern institutions for workforce development; an All-Steinway School; and a Military Friendly Institution.
Over the last two decades, Wallace State’s student success rate has risen to exceed national averages, a testament to Dr. Karolewics’ guiding goal that every graduate secures a good job and earns wages sufficient to support themselves and their families.
The Dallas Herring Lecture honors the legacy of W. Dallas Herring, whose visionary leadership and dedicated efforts led to the founding of North Carolina’s community college system. The annual lecture brings together community college leaders from across the state and nation to reflect on the most pressing and emerging issues facing community colleges while exploring pathways forward.
The Dallas Herring Lecture is a free virtual event open to the public. Registration is available at: https://ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_080cVoED2gQ83eS?Q_CHL=qr.
Immediately following Dr. Karolewics’ presentation, Stanly Community College President John Enamait and Achieving the Dream President and CEO Dr. Lenore Rodicio will join Audrey “AJ” Jaeger, Ph.D., Dallas Herring Professor at NC State’s College of Education and executive director of the Belk Center, for a moderated fireside chat.
Wallace State will host a watch party at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Bailey Center. Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to attend.
