HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College is introducing a new electric truck for the diesel technology program. President Dr. Vicki Karolewics says it is part of the college’s continuing efforts to be proactive when it comes to providing learning opportunities for students. “I’m often reminded of something that Tom Peters said a few years ago in his book, Re-Imagine!,” Karolewics said. “Tom’s book was focusing on the disruptions in the business world, and he said, if you are uncomfortable with the notion of change, think how much uncomfortable you’ll be with the notion of irrelevance. Here at Wallace State, we not only work constantly to change how we do things in order to maintain that relevance, with our partners, but we strive to be a pacesetter.”
The school recently purchased from Truckworx a Kenworth T680E Class 8 heavy duty electric vehicle. It is the first sold in the state of Alabama. The purchase was made with funds provided in a three-year, $1.3 million grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission. “This will give our students the opportunity to see something that no one in the field has seen yet,” said Wyatt Swann, chair of the Wallace State Diesel Technology program.
Truckworx representative Heith Pike spoke about the increase in electric vehicles in the trucking industry and the importance of having the technicians to keep them running. “Electric is coming, and it is coming faster than we realize,” said Pike. “And as you know, over the road trucks keep America moving. But without good technicians the over the road trucks are not on the road.” Pike added that Truckworx is extremely blessed to have a relationship with Wallace State and the diesel technology program.
Wallace State also accepted a $44,000 donation from the Cullman Electric Cooperative. Brian Lacy, the Co-Op’s Manager of Communication and External Affairs says the funds came the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Community Care Fund and that the funds will be used to install two electric vehicle charging stations. “We are glad to help Wallace State add these facilities to their campus, and we appreciate the leadership that Dr. Karolewics and the staff at Wallace State Community College have shown in recognizing where this trend is heading in our industry,” Lacy said.
Along with the Cullman Electric Cooperative and Truckworx, representatives from Congressman Robert Aderholt’s office, the Cullman Economic Development Agency, TVA and the City of Hanceville were all at the unveils for the first electric heavy duty truck. Wallace State offers electric vehicle related training in three areas including advanced automotive technology, diesel technology and a new electrical technology program. For more information you can visit the school's website here.
