It is rare to find a county in Alabama that has a population of less than 50,000 people and three separate higher education opportunities. In Selma and Dallas County we are blessed to have three such entities including Wallace Community College, Selma University and Concordia College.

Each school offers students in Dallas County something that other counties and schools do not — a well-rounded education right here in their backyard. More than just for young people, these schools cater to many older adults in town that are seeking higher education as well as higher opportunities in life. These schools allow for someone working a night shift to fit a college education into their schedule.

Also it is impressive that all three schools offer something different.

Wallace Community College allows for students to take care of their basic courses and general credits before they move on to another school and pay more money for said same courses. Wallace is expanding rapidly with a new student set to be here next fall, helping transport students into a collegiate atmosphere that is close to home, but to students from Dallas County, doesn’t necessarily feel like it.

Concordia, as well as Selma University, gives students a Christ-based education and offers majors and curriculum based on religion and ministry.

We are lucky that not only these higher educational buildings are here in our town, but that the people who teach these higher education courses and students that sit in their classrooms are all citizens of Selma. And to those students new from out of town attending one of these three institutions, a very big welcome from the Times-Journal and the community is in order.