DOTHAN, Ala. — Wallace Community College-Dothan (WCCD) President Dr. Kathy L. Murphy recently experienced the National Peanut Festival (NPF) for the first time on Sunday, Nov. 2, sharing her admiration for the Wiregrass tradition and its strong sense of community.
Dr. Murphy said she was “deeply impressed by the energy, pride, and hospitality that fill every corner of the fairgrounds,” calling the festival a true reflection of the region’s heart.
“From the exhibits and entertainment to the families and students who fill the grounds, it is clear that this event is about more than its namesake peanuts,” Murphy said. “It is about people, pride, and community.”
Her introduction to the NPF began earlier this year when WCCD hosted Queens’ Day in June, welcoming festival queens from across the region to campus. Murphy said that event, a decades-long college tradition, gave her a glimpse of the excitement that builds each year.
“Hosting Queens’ Day was such a terrific way to see the enthusiasm that builds toward the festival,” she said. “Then, attending the fair itself brought that excitement to life. The National Peanut Festival showcases the best of the Wiregrass through our heritage, our families, and our future.”
Murphy, who grew up in a small farming community in south Alabama, said the celebration held personal meaning for her.
“I grew up surrounded by fields and farm families who understood the value of hard work and the importance of agriculture to our way of life,” she said. “To see that same spirit honored here at the National Peanut Festival makes me incredibly proud. It’s a beautiful reminder of where we come from and how those roots continue to sustain and unite us.”
WCCD maintains a strong partnership with the National Peanut Festival, offering scholarships for pageant participants and hosting an informational booth at the fair for attendees interested in the college’s programs and opportunities.
Murphy emphasized that the festival plays a key role in supporting local agriculture, education, and economic growth.
“The National Peanut Festival shines a light on what makes the Wiregrass special,” she said. “At Wallace Community College, we value our partnership with the festival and the opportunities it provides to connect with our community, support local traditions, and celebrate the people who make this region thrive.”
