HANCEVILLE, Ala. – While it took him a bit longer than he’d expected when he first enrolled at Wallace State Community College in 2000, John Bullard of Blountsville is happy he kept going to classes after “life happened” and slowed his progress.
A 1999 graduate of J.B. Pennington High School, Bullard started taking classes at Wallace State in 2000. But life changed his plans and he attended on and off over the years, finally graduating from Wallace in 2010. By then, the father of three earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration. He then transferred to Athens State University to study accounting and then to the University of Alabama where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Science specializing in Financial Planning with a minor in Business.
“Wallace State gave me a great foundation to build on,” Bullard said. “Wallace State was convenient and had a good business program. It was also affordable, which I needed since I was paying my way through school and raising a family.”
“I had to work full-time, he added. “So, the evening and off-campus classes at J.B. Pennington helped me tremendously. Without these programs at Wallace State, I probably would not have been able to graduate.”
Bullard said former economics professor Dr. Joann Persall influenced his career path. “I already had an interest in economics from high school. Dr. Persall made the subject fun and interesting. I can honestly say her classes had a direct impact on my choice of career,” he said.
Since graduating and earning his bachelor’s degree, Bullard worked for about 11 years in the financial planning/wealth management Industry before becoming the Administrator and C.F.O for the Blount County Commission.
Bullard said he’s proud to be part of the Wallace State family as an alum.
“The most rewarding part of being associated with Wallace State is the connection to the community,” he said. “When I see Wallace State making an impact in Cullman, Blount and surrounding counties, I feel like I have a part in it.”
Bullard, who is studying for the Certified Government Financial Manager designation, encourages everyone to be a lifelong learner.
“It’s never too late to learn something new, and Wallace State can be part of that journey,” he said.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
Wallace State is celebrating Community College Month during April. Please visit www.wsccalumni.org/ccmonth20 for more information.
