HANCEVILLE — Wallace State Community College students who are looking to transfer to a four-year school were able to learn more about the process and speak with school representatives Tuesday morning during the Wallace State Transfer Summit.

Students were able to hear from four-year college and universities that included Athens State University, Jacksonville State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama in Birmingham, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of West Alabama and the University of North Alabama.

For Wallace State freshman Chasilyn Morrow, the summit gave her a chance to explore some of her options for the future. 

She said she plans to get a doctorate in physical therapy, and is currently seeking her associate’s degree at Wallace State before transferring to another school.

“The one-on-one was very helpful,” she said. “I didn’t even know UAB offered a doctorate in physical therapy, so talking to someone and having them come to me was very helpful.”

Karen Morris, Wallace State English instructor and chair of the school’s transfer committee, said Tuesday’s event was the second time that Wallace State has hosted a transfer summit.

The summit is a part of Wallace State’s Pathways initiative, which helps students through the entire educational process from high school to community college and onto a four-year college or a career, and the event helps students get started on the right path to transfer to another school.

“Taking that first step is sometimes the hardest for students,” she said.

Morris said letting students get face-to-face contact with representatives from four-year schools can be a big help.

“It can be intimidating, especially if you’ve been at a smaller school or a community college,” she said. “To get that initial communication started is super important.”