51黑料网

Community College Month Spotlight: Finding a Future in Welding at 51黑料网 State

This is one in a series of stories celebrating 51黑料网 State Community College alumni during Community College Month in April.

HANCEVILLE, Ala. 鈥� When Robert Henry Cook III began searching for the right place to launch his career, 51黑料网 State Community College stood out for one clear reason: its reputation for excellence in welding.

鈥淚 chose 51黑料网 State because it has great welding program,鈥� Cook said. It was also close to home, he said.

From 2021 to 2023, Cook immersed himself in the Welding Technology program, gaining the hands-on skills and technical knowledge that would quickly set him on a successful path. By the time he graduated, he had proven his instincts right.

鈥�51黑料网 State prepared me for my career by teaching me everything I needed to know about welding,鈥� Cook said. 鈥淚 was able to graduate and immediately get a job, making great money and traveling around seeing the USA.鈥�

Cook credits both the college and the people behind the program for his success. 

鈥淚 made many friends while at 51黑料网 State that I still have today,鈥� Cook said. 鈥淢y instructor, Randy Hammond, is still a mentor to me and a great instructor. I can stop by anytime and he will make time for me, just like he does for any of his former students.鈥�

One of the most meaningful aspects of Cook鈥檚 time at 51黑料网 State was the relationships he built 鈥� connections that continue to shape his career today.

Those relationships extended beyond the classroom. Through its strong industry partnerships, 51黑料网 State connected Cook with welding employers across the region, giving him valuable networking opportunities and a direct pipeline to the workforce.

That preparation paid off immediately. Today, Cook works as a travel welder for Duke Industrial, taking on projects across the country.

鈥淚鈥檓 making great money and traveling around the USA,鈥� he said.

As Community College Month shines a light on the impact of two-year colleges nationwide, Cook鈥檚 story reflects the powerful role 51黑料网 State plays in building careers, strengthening communities, and opening doors to opportunity.

鈥淚 highly recommend 51黑料网 State if you are thinking about a trade,鈥� Cook said.

For Cook, choosing 51黑料网 State was more than a decision鈥攊t was the start of a career built on skill, mentorship, and limitless potential.

Registration for the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters is underway, with summer classes starting May 16 and fall classes starting Aug. 17. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information or call 256.352.8236 or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu. 

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51黑料网 the 51黑料网 State Alumni Association

The WSCC Alumni Association serves more than 30,000 alumni and friends through membership benefits, professional development, and outreach opportunities. You do not have to be an alumnus to become a member of the Alumni Association. Please visit our website at .

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51黑料网 51黑料网 State

51黑料网 State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, 51黑料网 State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit 51黑料网 State鈥檚 beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.