HANCEVILLE, Ala. – When Wallace State Community College Welding Department Chair Randy Hammond stands in front of a class of welding students, he can identify with each of them because he was in their same position once upon a time.
Hammond’s journey with Wallace State began in 1991 when he enrolled in the Welding Technology program. Drawn by the college’s renowned welding program, Hammond found himself immersed in a community that would shape his future in ways he hadn’t imagined.
When he arrived as a student at Wallace State, Hammond initially planned to get the certificates he needed to start working as a welder and bypass the academic courses that would lead to an associate degree. However, he was encouraged by his welding instructor, Ray Manard, to pursue his degree.
“He made me a promise that if I got the associate’s degree, that I would be proud that I got it within five years of graduating,” Hammond said. “Within three years, I got my first lead-man job because I had my degree and the company that I was working at required a degree for any management position. I still use this story today when I encourage students to pursue the associate’s degree instead of just the certificate. You never know where life will take you.”
Hammond’s path from Wallace State led to jobs as a welder, a supervisor, a manufacturing manager supervising 214 employees and finally the opportunity to return to Wallace State as an instructor.
“I am back now as the department chair over the best welding program in the state,” Hammond said. He has helped the program expand into a state-of-the-art facility that is the largest welding training facility in the Southeast.
Reflecting on his time at Wallace State, Hammond emphasized the importance of the skills and opportunities the college provided. He encourages young people to consider starting their careers at Wallace State, highlighting the supportive community and the solid foundation it offers for future success.
Chinese (Simplified)
English
German
Japanese
Spanish
