Wallace Community College Selma Blog

“Serving Sweet Success” celebration recognizes a year marked by record fall enrollment and expanded opportunities

Wallace Community College Selma faculty and staff surprised President Dr. Donitha Griffin with a celebration honoring her first anniversary as the college’s leader.

Held under the theme “Serving Sweet Success,” the celebration recognized Griffin’s first year as president and the milestones WCCS has reached under her leadership. Griffin officially assumed the role on September 1, 2025.
 

Wallace Community College Selma President Dr. Donitha Griffin reacts as faculty and staff surprise her with a celebration marking her first year as president.
 

The event was organized by Veronica Brown, Camisha Brown and Ebony Rodgers. Members of the college’s Executive Committee and staff attended, along with special guests Selma Mayor Johnny Moss, Alabama State Sen. Robert Stewart, Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn and former WCCS President Dr. James M. Mitchell, who joined the celebration virtually.

Organizers said the celebration reflected the college’s excitement about Griffin’s accomplishments during her first year—and its belief that the work is only beginning.

“We appreciate you, your work, your efforts and your commitment,” Associate Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Veronica Brown, said during the celebration. “We see your heart, we see your dedication, and we want you to keep going.”

WCCS faculty and staff and those in the community gathered for the “Serving Sweet Success” celebration honoring President Dr. Donitha Griffin.

A Historic Enrollment Milestone

Among the most significant achievements recognized was WCCS reaching its highest fall enrollment in the college’s history.

Griffin said the record represents more than an increase in numbers. It shows that the college is reaching students and families throughout its service area with educational opportunities that may not have previously been available to them.

“I’m most excited about our enrollment because we have been trying for a long period of time to expand opportunities across all of our counties, whether that’s through dual enrollment, traditional students or adult learners,” Griffin said. “To see our enrollment reach an all-time high—the highest in the history of the college—says that we are reaching people we normally would not have had the opportunity to reach.”
 

Members of the Wallace Community College Selma family celebrate President Griffin’s first anniversary and a year of historic enrollment growth.

A Team United Behind One Vision

Although the celebration centered on Griffin’s anniversary, she emphasized that the college’s progress has been a collective effort.

“It was great to see the teamwork and everyone coming together,” Griffin said. “This really is not just about me. It is about the entire team being together behind one vision and one goal.”

Dr. Tammie Briggs, Dean of Instruction, offered a heartfelt reflection on Griffin’s leadership and connection to the college and community.

“We knew that we needed somebody sitting in that seat who knew the journey and who had the heart for the people in this city,” Briggs said. “I can absolutely say that there is no one more fitting for that seat than you are. All of us are proud.”

Former WCCS President Dr. James M. Mitchell also reflected on Griffin’s first year. Griffin succeeded Mitchell following his retirement after 25 years of service as president.

“I had no doubt that when she became president, she was going to hit the ground running, and she has done just that,” Mitchell said. “She was built for this.”

Mitchell said he believes Griffin and her team will continue moving the college forward.

“I still believe very much in Wallace Community College, and I want to see the very best for it,” Mitchell said. “I feel that the president and her team will make sure that it excels and climbs to even greater heights.”

Former WCCS President Dr. James M. Mitchell offers remarks honoring Griffin’s leadership and first year as president.

Griffin thanked Mitchell for the foundation he established and the lessons she learned while serving under his leadership.

“Being able to work under your leadership for 25 years truly taught me more than I thought I was going to need to know,” Griffin told Mitchell. “Wallace is appreciative of what you have done and the foundation you laid. It makes it easier for us to build upon what you have already done, take it to greater heights and expand more opportunities.”

Looking Toward Year Two

In an email to employees following the celebration, Griffin reflected on a first year that she said stretched, challenged and encouraged her while reinforcing why the college’s work matters.

“We have celebrated great successes in one year: expanding programs, reaching record enrollment, building new relationships with business and industry, and creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact throughout our service area,” Griffin wrote.

She said the people serving alongside her have meant the most throughout her first year.

“Leadership is never the work of one person, and I am grateful for the commitment, dedication and heart that each of you brings to Wallace Community College,” Griffin wrote.

During an interview at the celebration, Griffin outlined her priorities for the college’s second year.

“Expanding programs, more opportunities, reaching more adult learners and reaching more dual-enrollment students,” Griffin said. “We want to make sure students in the Black Belt have the same opportunities available in every other part of the world.”

In her message to employees, Griffin said the college’s work has the potential to change individual lives, strengthen families, provide hope and ultimately transform communities.

“We have accomplished much, but I believe our greatest impact is still ahead of us,” Griffin wrote. “We are going somewhere, and I am ready.”
 

Caption: The “Serving Sweet Success” celebration marked the conclusion of Griffin’s first year and the beginning of another year of growth at WCCS.

For students and community members who may feel as though they missed the anniversary celebration, Griffin said there will be many more opportunities to celebrate.

“There are going to be a lot of celebrations and a lot of parties,” Griffin said. “Right now, we’re doing the work to get you there, but there are going to be many more celebrations.”

Downloadable copy: 
WCCS Celebrates President Donitha Griffin’s First Year of Leadership