WCCD President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy Marks First 100 Days with Momentum and a Vision for the Future

WCCD President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy speaks at a welcome reception hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce in July.

In her first 100 days as President of Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD), Dr. Kathy L. Murphy has focused on strengthening community partnerships and launching the development of a new academic master plan to guide the College’s future.

Since assuming the presidency in June 2025, Dr. Murphy has met with business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, government officials, and civic organizations across the Wiregrass region to better understand the needs of the community and how Wallace can be a catalyst for economic and workforce growth.

“We know that the strength of a college is measured by the success of its students and the vitality of the communities it serves,” said Dr. Murphy. “My goal is to listen, learn, and lead in a way that ensures Wallace Community College is preparing students for high-wage, high-demand jobs while fueling the region’s growth.”

A cornerstone of Dr. Murphy’s early leadership has been guiding WCCD into the research and development phase of a new academic master plan. The plan will identify current and future program offerings to meet the evolving needs of employers and provide students with clear, accessible pathways to rewarding careers.

“Wallace has always been a key leader in workforce development in the Wiregrass,” said Mark Saliba, Mayor of Dothan. “Dr. Murphy’s leadership in developing an academic master plan ensures the College is not only keeping pace with our economic needs but also helping set the stage for new opportunities.”

The College is actively studying regional labor market data, meeting with industry partners, and surveying students and alumni to ensure the academic master plan aligns with both employer demand and student success.

“Healthcare, manufacturing, and technology are key drivers of our local economy, and Wallace has been essential in preparing the workforce for those sectors,” said Matt Parker, President of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to see Dr. Murphy building strong partnerships and shaping programs that will strengthen our business community.”

In addition to the academic plan, Dr. Murphy has placed a strong emphasis on community engagement, attending civic meetings, hosting listening sessions on campus, and inviting stakeholders into open dialogue about the College’s role.

“Dr. Murphy’s presence in the community in such a short time has been remarkable,” said Jeff Brannon, Flowers Hospital VP of Business Development and WCC Foundation Board member. “She understands that education, workforce training, and healthcare are interconnected, and she has been intentional about ensuring our region has the trained professionals it needs.”

As WCCD approaches eight decades of educating the citizens of the Wiregrass, Dr. Murphy’s first months in office set a strong foundation for a future built on innovation, collaboration, and student success. “Wallace serves as the community’s college, and together with our faculty, staff, students, and community, we will continue to serve with excellence,” Dr. Murphy said.