LONG BEACH, CA – Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, AL is deepening its commitment to student success by sending 10 employees to the Caring Campus Academy (CCA), ensuring they have the tools and strategies to create a supportive environment where students thrive.

Designed by the Institute for Evidence-Based Change, the CCA bolsters Caring Campus through a series of sessions that guide faculty and staff in developing and institutionalizing behaviors that foster student connectedness and success. By participating in the next CCA cohort at the end of February, Wallace State ensures that all employees are aligned in their dedication to students, strengthening the college’s culture of care and support.

“We wanted to send a significant number of employees to the Academy to further our commitment to creating a supportive and caring environment for all students,” said Kristen Holmes, Wallace State Vice President for Students and Chief Marketing Officer. “The Academy helps institutionalize Caring Campus principles, making it easier to sustain these efforts even as new employees join the college.”

Wallace State faculty and staff are fostering a strong Caring Campus culture by implementing strategies that support student success and belonging. These efforts include free mental health counseling, a food pantry, and tutoring; personalized interactions with students; dedicated spaces like Veterans’ Corner and the Mother’s Lounge for tailored support; and community-building initiatives such as Welcome Week events and Wallace State shirt distributions to strengthen school spirit and connection.

“Students at Wallace State have expressed positive feedback about Caring Campus and the welcoming atmosphere and personalized support they receive from faculty and staff,” Holmes said. “Caring Campus has helped make students feel valued and cared for, enhancing their college experience and encouraging them to persist in their studies.”

The impact of these efforts is evident. Wallace State’s enrollment reached a record-breaking 6,400 students in fall 2024, surpassing the previous high set in fall 2010. Retention rates have also improved, with 84% of full-time students continuing from fall 2022 to spring 2023.

“Personalized support, community engagement, and access to essential resources have contributed to these encouraging outcomes,” Holmes said. “This truly demonstrates the impact of Caring Campus on student success at Wallace State.”

Looking ahead, Wallace State plans to further enhance its Caring Campus efforts by deepening community engagement, expanding personalized support services, and leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods to create an even more engaging and supportive learning environment.

“Wallace State is a leader in fostering a caring and supportive campus culture for students,” said Caring Campus CEO and founder Dr. Brad Phillips. “We look forward to welcoming their employees to the Caring Campus Academy and hope other colleges follow their lead in continually striving to improve student success.”

Colleges and universities can sign up for the upcoming CCA cohort, running from the end of February into March through the CCA website.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

IEBC_WALLACE1: Wallace State Community College is deepening its commitment to student success by sending 10 employees to the Caring Campus Academy, ensuring they have the tools and strategies to create a supportive environment where students thrive.

IEBC_WALLACE2: Wallace State’s enrollment reached a record-breaking 6,400 students in fall 2024 with the help of Caring Campus, surpassing the previous high set in fall 2010.