One may consider themselves fortunate to work in a profession that they love and that is as rewarding as ours. It is to be twice-blessed to work with and for someone that you hold in such high regard, and in whom you find joy for having gotten the chance to be a part of their lives.”Wes Rakestraw, colleague
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Community College’s Biology department will continue to educate eager, and even the not so eager, students next year. Its rooms will be filled with trepidatious nursing, dental hygiene and sonography students trying to fulfill their anatomy and physiology, microbiology and other science course requirements.
Outwardly, it will most likely appear as though it’s business as usual. Parking will be a nightmare. The hallways and common areas will be filled with chatter and young faces. In the afternoons, students and staff will await their much needed caffeine jolt at the Café in the new nursing building.
However, downstairs in room 106 will be an office space whose tenant will be gone, and his absence will be felt by all who know him.
“I remember him saying that his class was a foundational course if we were going into nursing and that we would be glad we took it. He presented a lot of information and it was a challenging class, but I am glad I had him. I learned a ton and use it every day,” Kim Starnes, assistant director of nursing at the Warrior campus of Bradford Health Services, shared.
After teaching for over 27 years at WSCC, with 17 of those years spent as the head of the biology department, Dr. Fred Halstead will be retiring soon. His retirement is incomprehensible to his former students and colleagues. “Filling the void left as Doc retires will be like trying to replace Bear Bryant,” expressed biology department instructor and colleague Wes Rakestraw.
Halstead is a teacher who leaves a lasting impact on his students no matter how many years have passed. Current and former students all have funny Dr. Halstead stories shared with laugher and respect.
Registered nurse Jason Hicks, of Cullman, was a student of Halstead’s over 10 years ago yet keenly recalls, “With his unique background, Dr. Halstead was able to bring an interesting perspective to his anatomy classes that only someone with hands-on experience can. Between that and his ability to enthusiastically lecture while slinking around the classroom like an escaped white tiger, (he) made learning about mundane osteoclasts and osteoblasts a memorable experience! He was an asset to the program as well as someone who touched the lives and careers of more people than he will ever know.”
Halstead, also known as “Doc” by his colleagues, obtained that hands-on experience through his years as a dentist working in practices in both his native Michigan and here in Alabama. Graduating in the late 1960s with a degree in Biology, he continued his education and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree while still in Michigan. His dental career began in 1973 and continued for almost 25 years until 1997.
Halstead and his high school sweetheart wife, Jan, relocated to Alabama in the early 1980s to be nearer his in-laws. Soon after the move, he came to WSCC on a whim to see if they needed any help in their dental assistant program. Luckily for all, they did.
Initially teaching part-time while maintaining his dental practice, Doc was offered a full-time position in the biology department within a few years. Soon after, he became chair of the department, using his knowledge and guidance to inspire fellow teachers.
“Being the head of a department that has such success and wide respect is what I’m proud of. The biology department has such a great reputation, but that’s not just me. That’s all of us working together,” said Halstead.
Those in his department cite his leadership and exemplary example of what a teacher should be as his greatest assets. They refer to him not just as their leader, but as a father figure and trusted friend.
“Dr. Halstead’s commitment and dedication to teaching and learning, coupled with his great passion and extensive knowledge have been a powerful force in the lives of countless students. His daily example of servant leadership and his heart for students have inspired us all to be better at what we try to do,” shared Rakestraw, who has worked alongside his mentor for over 20 years. “One may consider themselves fortunate to work in a profession that they love and that is as rewarding as ours. It is to be twice-blessed to work with and for someone that you hold in such high regard, and in whom you find joy for having gotten the chance to be a part of their lives.”
When asked how he will spend his time after his retirement, Halstead considered, “I don’t know. We’ll be visiting our family in Georgia more often and staying longer. Then again, we have to take care of our dog, so I just don’t know. Dogs really interrupt your life,” he laughed before admitting that he’s found a “good dog spa place in Riverchase where the dog gets treated like a king!”
His plans aren’t surprising as his greatest source of pride is his family. “I’ve got great kids. I’ve got great grandkids. They are what I cherish the most and focus on the most.”
He tells of the Finley Award given by the Hoover City Schools, where his grandchildren either attended or currently attend. The character award is given to students who have high standards, lead with humility, exhibit a strong work ethic and act as examples to others. Four of Halstead’s five grandchildren have won the award, with the odds for the youngest grandson looking good.
One doesn’t have to look far to understand where these kids learned these lessons. It is evident in his love of teaching and genuine compassion for his students.
Having built a teaching environment that operates as an extended family, Halstead’s legacy and passion are destined to continue long after he leaves.
