The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees approved Chancellor Jimmy Baker’s recommendation to appoint Dr. Donitha Griffin as President of Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) during its monthly board meeting on Wednesday, August 13.
“Wallace Community College Selma is as symbolic to its community and region as any Alabama community college, and Dr. Griffin has been an integral piece of the college’s success and growth for many years,” Baker said. “Dr. Griffin has the expertise, vision and passion necessary to lead Wallace Community College Selma. Her investment in the college and community is unmatched.”
Griffin succeeds Dr. James M. Mitchell, who is retiring at the end of the month after serving as president since August 2000. A Selma native, Griffin began her professional career as a social worker for the Alabama Department of Health.
“I believe that Wallace Community College is poised for continued growth and impact, and I am honored to lead that journey forward, said Griffin. “I hope to build upon the important work already underway, strengthening partnerships, expanding workforce development opportunities, and ensuring our students receive the support they need to succeed both in the classroom and life.”
Griffin’s career at WCCS spans more than three decades, serving in multiple capacities, most recently as the Dean of Students and Executive Assistant to the President. Griffin has fulfilled roles at the college as Interim VP for Instruction, Director of Admissions and Records, College Counselor, Continuing Education Coordinator and Assistant Counselor Director.
A first-generation alumna of WCCS, Griffin earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development from Troy University. She earned her Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Walden University.
WCCS serves Alabama’s Black Belt, spanning Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Perry and Sumter Counties. It also hosts the West Alabama Regional Training Center in Demopolis. According to Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, the college has an economic impact of $66.9 million in added income to its service area, supporting 1,167 jobs.
Dr. Griffin’s appointment is effective September 1.