Lakeisha Russaw, an Alabama Power Southeast Division community relations specialist, has been named the 2024 alumnus of the year for Wallace Community College’s Sparks Campus in Eufaula, Alabama.
Russaw received the award at one of the college’s graduation ceremonies held at the Dothan Civic Center on May 8.
“Lakeisha Russaw’s career achievements and active involvement in numerous leadership and community organizations reflect the values and education she received from Wallace Community College,” said Linda Young, Ph.D., president of Wallace Community College. “We were honored to recognize her as the Sparks Campus Alumnus of the Year for 2024.”
The alumnus of the year award was created by the college to honor individuals who have achieved distinction through their professional and/or personal accomplishments and have leveraged their experiences to positively impact others.
Russaw was not a traditional student who started her college studies immediately after high school. In fact, she did not graduate from Wallace until her youngest daughter graduated from high school in 2018.
“It was important to me to set a good example for my children and to show them the benefits of getting a college education,” Russaw said.
Two of Russaw’s three children followed in her footsteps earning degrees from Wallace Community College.
An Abbeville native, Russaw decided to pursue her higher education at Wallace Community College for several reasons. “My decision to pursue Wallace was easy,” she stated. “Wallace Community College is close to home and there were people in my hometown who worked at the college and were always talking about the benefits of attending Wallace.”
One of her biggest supporters was Mickey Baker, Wallace Community College-Dothan dean of student success and Sparks campus, who Russaw notes “has always been an encourager and a huge promoter” of the college.
“Mr. Baker not only helped guide me, but he also helped guide my daughter while she attended Wallace,” Russaw said. “That’s the special thing about attending a local college in your community; everyone knows each other and takes your success just as personal as you do.”
Before earning her degree from Wallace, Russaw already had an established career at Alabama Power. She joined the company in 2006 as a customer service representative in the Abbeville business office. Throughout the past 18 years, Russaw’s dedication and talent propelled her through a series of roles before leading to her current position with the company.
“Lakeisha Russaw has been an invaluable member of our Southeast Division External team, and we are incredibly proud of her being named alumnus of the year by Wallace Community College Sparks Campus,” said Chere Johnson, Alabama Power Southeast Division area manager. “Her willingness to lead and collaborative spirit is valued on our team; her achievements reflect the high standards and community values we uphold.”
In addition to her career achievements, Russaw is a driving force in her community, serving on the boards of the Alabama Power Service Organization, Dale County Youth Leadership and the Russell County Education Foundation. She has also been actively involved with Lead Wiregrass, Leadership Barbour and East Alabama Leadership.
Russaw was honored as the 2022 volunteer of the year for the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce, after serving as an ambassador.
Upon learning that she was named alumnus of the year for Wallace Community College-Sparks, Russaw was initially in shock and disbelief. “I asked her was she sure,” Russaw said after receiving the call from Young. Nevertheless, she was proud to accept the award.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized as Wallace Community College Alumnus of the Year for the Sparks Campus,” Russaw said. “The past few years of my life have been life-altering but helping and pouring into others has helped me in so many ways.”
Her husband, Eric Russaw (also a Wallace Community College graduate), died in February 2021. Despite this tragedy, Russaw is instilling hope and creating a path of success for future Wallace students by establishing the Eric Russaw Memorial Scholarship in his name.
The scholarship will be given to a student from Abbeville High School or Eufaula High School who is majoring in a career technical program. The first scholarship will be awarded during the upcoming fall semester.
For Russaw, being named alumnus of the year is a full-circle achievement. She believes her time at Wallace Community College helped her personal development, especially her determination, and she sees this recognition as an opportunity to set a positive example.
“My time at Wallace shaped my career and professional success, to know that I can achieve anything when I don’t quit. To seek out help when you don’t know which route to take. Believe in your ability to do great things and most importantly, pay it forward,” Russaw said. “I hope that one day someone will remember me for choosing to be an encourager and helping to guide them along the way.”
This story originally appeared on Alabama NewsCenter.
