DOTHAN:
Wallace Community College–Dothan’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program has been selected as a top-two finalist for the Alabama Community College Association’s (ACCA) Exemplary Program Award in Teaching and Learning.
The annual award recognizes standout programs across Alabama’s community college system that demonstrate innovation, effectiveness, and excellence in education. This year, ACCA received 16 submissions across three categories: Support Services, Workforce Development and Innovation, and Teaching and Learning.
WCCD’s nursing program earned its finalist distinction for integrating the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) into its clinical curriculum—an immersive training experience designed to deepen students’ understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty. Developed by the Missouri Community Action Network, the simulation places participants in real-world scenarios where they must secure housing, obtain food, manage employment, and access medical care with limited resources.
Students complete guided reflections and assessments following the simulation to evaluate shifts in empathy and better understand how socioeconomic barriers influence health outcomes.
Division Director Dr. Rayanne Daniels said the recognition validates the program’s mission to prepare compassionate, well-rounded nurses.
“Empathy cannot be taught solely from a textbook,” Daniels said. “The poverty simulation gives our students a powerful, authentic experience that helps them understand the realities many of their future patients face.”
WCCD President Dr. Kathy Murphy praised the program’s impact on student development.
“This recognition reflects the incredible work of Dr. Daniels and our ADN faculty,” Murphy said. “At Wallace, we are committed to educating healthcare professionals who not only excel in clinical practice but also understand the human stories behind every patient.”
College leaders say being named a finalist underscores WCCD’s dedication to advancing teaching practices that enrich student learning and strengthen the broader community.
