Mayor Jack Tibbs’ Visit to WCCD Sparks Campus Highlights Workforce Partnerships and Regional Growth

Eufaula Mayor Jack Tibbs meets with Industrial Systems Technology students and staff while touring the WCCD Sparks Campus in Eufaula.

Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) welcomed Eufaula Mayor Jack Tibbs to its Sparks Campus on Wednesday, February 4, for a visit that underscored the strong partnership between the City of Eufaula and the College and highlighted the growing role of workforce education in supporting regional economic development.

During the visit, Mayor Tibbs and College leaders discussed plans for the upcoming Sparks Campus Career Expo, scheduled for February 26, which will connect students and community members with employers and career opportunities across the region. Mayor Tibbs also toured the Industrial Systems Technology facility, where he met with students and observed hands-on instruction in industrial maintenance and robotics.

The visit included a forward-looking conversation about new industries relocating to Eufaula, including American EV, and the potential for WCCD to serve as a key training partner. College and city leaders reviewed upcoming Workforce Development initiatives on the Sparks Campus, focusing on community needs that can be addressed through customized training and credentialing programs.

Sparks Campus Director Dr. Amy Greene said, “It was a pleasure welcoming Mayor Tibbs to the campus and sharing the exciting things happening here. Our tour and conversations about the upcoming Career Expo highlighted the importance of strong community partnerships as we work together to prepare students for meaningful careers and support the workforce needs of our region.”

Mayor Tibbs praised the College’s impact following his visit. “I had the opportunity to stop by for a visit to the Wallace Community College Sparks Campus, and I observed Lee Defee’s Industrial Maintenance and Robotics class. This will be a major asset for our new company, American EV, and other future prospects.”

“We are blessed as a small city to have this wonderful community college,” continued Mayor Tibbs. “The future looks bright.”

WCCD President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy emphasized that partnerships like this are central to the College’s mission. “Workforce readiness, strong industry partnerships, and student success are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Murphy. “Mayor Tibbs’ visit reflects the excitement and momentum we are seeing across our campuses as we align programs with the needs of our communities and employers.”

Under Dr. Murphy’s leadership, WCCD continues to expand high-demand programs, strengthen employer partnerships, and position its campuses as economic drivers for the region. The Sparks Campus remains a critical hub for workforce training, career exploration, and community engagement in Barbour County and surrounding areas.

The College looks forward to continued collaboration with the City of Eufaula and regional industry partners to ensure students and residents are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow.