From Bevill State Community College:
“Bevill State Community College is proud to continue the Carl Elliott Institute, a program that reflects the legacy of Carl Elliott’s leadership and commitment to public service. In partnership with the Walker Area Community Foundation and the Walker College Foundation, we have developed a professional development leadership program that equips Bevill State students with the skills to create meaningful change in their communities. As we welcome the fourth class, I look forward to seeing the continued success and impact of this program. The core values—Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Legacy—serve as a lasting tribute to its namesake,” said Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College.
Education Through Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Legacy
The Carl Elliott Institute is a civic-minded, professional development program that creates leaders for the next generation who understand and strive to play a significant role in their community’s development. The program is designed for students who have the talents, skills, and desire to help but need an avenue to empower them to be a catalyst for change in our area. The Carl Elliott Institute strengthens community identity and raises the next generation of civic-minded leaders.
CORE PRINCIPLES
Named after The Honorable Carl A. Elliott, Sr., the Institute shares the principles on which Representative Elliott lived his life.
Civic Engagement – Civic engagement is not just a single action. It is embodied every day by taking strategic action to serve and better the lives of the people around you.
Leadership – Leadership is both a skill and an art. It is not simply delivering orders to those under you. It is compassion for the challenges facing our community and a commitment to expanding your viewpoint to learn and grow as a leader.
Legacy- Legacy is striving to start ripples that eventually turn into waves. It is the realization that our actions continually build on those who came before us and lay the groundwork for those who come after us. It is a call to action that never ceases.
PROGRAM EXPLANATION
Carl Elliott Institute participants go through a program designed to teach leadership development, introduce community issues, and create projects that will improve Walker County and its surrounding areas. Selected in the Spring semester, students will attend workshops throughout the academic year, engage in teamwork activities, and have a role in the design of a plan for a community project. The entire group participates in the development and implementation of this project. Throughout this process, students will increase their skills – both personally and professionally; engage with community leaders to create solutions; and, be challenged to grow their perspective to include the thoughts and ideas of others.
OPPORTUNITIES
Students who complete the program will receive a book/supplies or transfer scholarship.
Students will receive mentoring from community leaders.
Students will have the opportunity to create relationships that have the potential to lead to future internships and employment opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be a freshman or be enrolled through May of 2026 and be in good standing at Bevill State Community College – Jasper and/or Sumiton campus. Dual-enrolled students will not be considered for this program.
Applications are now being accepted for the Carl Elliott Institute. The application deadline is March 7, 2025.
https://bevillstatecommunitycollege.formstack.com/forms/carl_elliott_institute_application
- Have compassion for the poor.
- Educate the ignorant.
- Feed the hungry.
- Guide those who’ve lost their way.
- Don’t kick a person who’s down.
- Heal the wounded.
- Love those who are least lovable. They need it most.
- Warm the cold.
- Wash the dirty.
- Water the thirsty.
THE WALKER COLLEGE FOUNDATION, AND THE WALKER AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
