By Trent Moore

HANCEVILLE — Thanks to a recent round of renovations, Wallace State Community College industrial automation instructor Joe Hendrix has a lot of new equipment in his technology lab.

“We got a lot of new stuff,” he said, standing beside a new training robot programmed to move blocks as a teaching tool.

Hendrix said the new equipment has allowed the department ample opportunities to work with local industries, such as Topre America, in training.

“We do a lot of robot training with the local industries because it’s so easy for them to just send people down here,” he said. “Our department has seen about a 50 percent increase from this fall to last fall.”

As part of the renovations, the department was expanded with additional space and training tools.

In addition to the drafting and electronics building work, Wallace State also has some other improvements in store for the current 2009 fall semester.

The college held an open house event Thursday, unveiling facility improvements at the Tom Bevill Health Education Building, the Drafting and Electronics Building, the Fred Shockley Automotive Technology Center, and the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Building.

The outside of the Tom Bevill building received a facelift with rebricking and the addition of new windows, in addition to classroom renovations.

The Fred Shockley Automotive Technology Center and the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Building also received technology upgrades and equipment enhancements.

WSCC President Vicki Hawsey said the new changes should help shepherd the college into a brighter future.

“Despite the fact that the economy has turned south ... we have not been deterred,” she said. “Today, we have almost 1,000 more students than we did at this time last year ... I believe that is because students choose to attend a college known for its commitment to excellence.”

At the open house presentation, U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt said he was proud to represent the college.

“Everyone here has done a lot to make this a state-of-the-art, entrepreneurial college,” Aderholt said.

State Sen. Zeb Little said the college has been a true asset to the community.

“Wallace State helps us deliver industrial training to industries that decide to locate here in Cullman,” he said. “What we have here is the flagship of the two-year college system.”

Rep. Jeremy Oden said he believes Wallace State has a bright future in the years to come.

“Wallace is leading the way and surpassing so many things,” he said. “I think we’ll be doing things like this [open house for renovations] well into the future.”

Cullman Mayor Max Townson said the college serves as inspiration for people in and around Cullman County.

“When you look at those buildings, you see buildings made of brick and mortar,” he said. “But, what’s inside of them? Hopes and dreams.”

Kenneth Nail, mayor of Wallace State’s host city Hanceville, said the college has become a major asset to the town.

“Each day, Wallace State brings people from many places into the city of Hanceville,” he said. “The partnership between Wallace and our community enriches the lives of everyone involved.”

Interim two-year college chancellor Joan Davis said the leadership at the college is what makes it so special.

“This is indeed a flagship institution, thanks much in part to the efforts of Dr. Hawsey and her staff,” she said.

The renaming of two campus buildings were also made official at the meeting, with resolutions authorizing the naming of the Fred Shockley Automotive Technology Center and the Rebecca Branch Residence Hall.

• Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.