WCCD President Dr. Kathy Murphy Shares Glowing First Impressions of the National Peanut Festival

Dr. Kathy L. Murphy, WCCD President (right), with visiting queens at Wallace Community College Queens’ Day 2025, an annual event for NPF contestants.

Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy recently attended the National Peanut Festival (NPF) for the first time on Sunday, November 2, and shared her enthusiastic impressions of one of the Wiregrass area’s most beloved traditions.

Dr. Murphy praised the festival’s community spirit, noting that she was “deeply impressed by the energy, pride, and hospitality that fill every corner of the fairgrounds.”

“The National Peanut Festival is a celebration that truly captures the heart of this region,” said Dr. Murphy. “From the exhibits and entertainment to the families and students who fill the grounds, it is clear that this event is about more than its namesake peanuts. It is about people, pride, and community.”

Dr. Murphy’s first introduction to the National Peanut Festival came earlier this year when WCCD hosted Queens’ Day in June, welcoming the festival queens from across the region to campus. She said that experience, one that the College has hosted for decades, gave her a glimpse into the excitement and tradition that surround the event.

“Hosting Queens Day was such a terrific way to see the enthusiasm that builds toward the festival,” Dr. Murphy shared. “Then, attending the fair itself brought that excitement to life. The National Peanut Festival showcases the best of the Wiregrass through our heritage, our families, and our future.”

Growing up in a small farming community in south Alabama, Dr. Murphy said that seeing agriculture celebrated in such a vibrant and meaningful way was especially personal.

“I grew up surrounded by fields and farm families who understood the value of hard work and the importance of agriculture to our way of life,” she said. “To see that same spirit honored here at the National Peanut Festival makes me incredibly proud. It’s a beautiful reminder of where we come from and how those roots continue to sustain and unite us.”

WCCD is proud to maintain a strong partnership with the National Peanut Festival, including scholarship opportunities for pageant participants and its presence at the fair through a WCCD booth where festivalgoers can learn about the College’s programs and opportunities.

Dr. Murphy also emphasized the festival’s important role in supporting local agriculture, education, and economic growth.

“The National Peanut Festival shines a light on what makes the Wiregrass special. It’s a place filled with hardworking people, deep agricultural roots, and a commitment to coming together in celebration,” she said. “At Wallace Community College, we value our partnership with the National Peanut Festival and the opportunities it provides to connect with our community, support local traditions, and celebrate the people who make this region thrive.”