WCCD Reverse Transfer Process Brings Darran Williams’ College and Career Journey Full-Circle

WCCD Alum Darran Williams

Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) is proud to highlight the impact of its reverse transfer process through the inspiring journey of alumnus Darran Williams, whose path from military service to industry leader—and ultimately to earning his associate degree from Wallace—demonstrates how the College helps students turn previously earned credits into completed credentials.

Williams’ story began shortly after high school when he enlisted in the United States Navy. During his service, he made the decision to contribute monthly toward the Montgomery GI Bill, an investment in his future that would later open doors to new opportunities. After completing his enlistment and receiving an honorable discharge, Williams transitioned to civilian life, working in retail and manufacturing. While those roles strengthened his discipline and resilience, he knew he wanted to pursue a more stable and challenging career path.

“With the support of my wife, who always seemed to see the bigger picture even when I didn’t, I decided it was time to use the GI Bill I had invested in,” said Williams.

That decision led him to enroll in the Industrial Electronics program at WCCD, where Williams credits instructor Mr. John Waters with helping shape his future. “He encouraged me to look into opportunities at the Farley Nuclear Plant, and that single conversation set everything in motion,” Williams shared.

Williams began working at Farley Nuclear Plant while continuing his studies at WCCD. Although the demands of his work schedule temporarily paused his pursuit of a degree, he steadily advanced through multiple departments, gaining hands-on experience and growing professionally. Over time, he rose from entry-level positions to become an Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Instructor.

While collaborating with WCCD faculty to establish coursework opportunities that would allow I&C assistants and electrical apprentices at Farley to earn academic credit toward required training, Williams reconnected with the College. During this process, WCCD Career Technical Education Associate Dean Ms. Martha Compton assisted him in reviewing his academic records to determine what remained for him to complete his degree.

“After researching what I needed, Mrs. Compton told me to stop by her office because she had good news,” Williams recalled. “It was then she told me, ‘We have your degree.’ I don’t know who was the happiest.”

Williams was able to earn his associate degree through a combination of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and the reverse transfer process. PLA provides students the opportunity to receive college-level credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside traditional classroom settings, including military training, on-the-job experience, and relevant certifications. Credit is awarded by aligning documented competencies with established course learning outcomes, ensuring academic standards are met.

The reverse transfer option allows students who began at a two-year college and later transferred to a four-year institution before completing an associate degree to have earned university credits sent back to the community college for evaluation. When degree requirements are met, the associate degree can be awarded retroactively. This partnership approach, particularly when institutions such as Wallace and Troy University collaborate, ensures students receive the credentials they have earned along the way.

Williams’ achievement represents not only personal determination but also the College’s commitment to supporting students at every stage of their educational journey, whether they are just beginning, returning after time away, or advancing in their careers.

“Thank you, Mrs. Compton, for going the extra mile to help me. Thank you, Wallace, for having the program that allowed me to work in the industry I am in,” said Williams. “And last but not least, thank you to a loving, supportive wife who never gave up on me. I will be forever grateful.”

For more information about WCCD’s career technical and workforce development programs, visit wallace.edu.

For more information about WCCD’s Prior-Learning Assessment and the reverse transfer process, please contact mcompton@wallace.edu.