From Students to Program Directors: Fulford and Wallace Prepare the Next Generation of Water Professionals at ERTC

From Students to Program Directors: Fulford and Wallace Prepare the Next Generation of Water Professionals at ERTC

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) will begin the new academic year with two ERTC graduates leading its core water and wastewater programs.

Charles Fulford has been named program director for public water supply, and Kyle Wallace will serve as water pollution control program director. Their appointments restore full leadership to both programs following approximately 18 months of staffing transitions.

"Having both positions filled is incredibly significant," said Ricky Lallish, director of ERTC. "ERTC is very teamwork oriented. Each instructor relies on each other to set up a working timeline of instruction for our students. This allows both directors to work directly on their own curriculum and give the best training opportunities to the incoming students and the operators of Illinois and Missouri."

Fulford came to the water industry after nearly 30 years in commercial construction, where he advanced from apprentice to estimator and project manager. Seeking a career that would allow him to continue learning while serving his community, he enrolled at ERTC, graduated with honors, and earned operator licenses in Illinois and Missouri.

Now leading the program that launched his second career, Fulford brings the perspectives of a former student, industry professional and instructor to the classroom.

"I always tell students that if people never think about their drinking water, they're probably doing their job well," said Fulford. "Most of us turn on the faucet every day without giving it a second thought, but that only happens because there are dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to make sure the water is safe."

Fulford hopes to build upon ERTC's nearly 50-year foundation through what he calls "The Next 50 Initiative." His vision includes stronger partnerships with utilities, engineering firms, manufacturers, regulatory agencies, alumni and workforce organizations. The idea is to expand opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, scholarships and mentoring.

He's also looking forward to immersing students in emerging technology and cutting-edge sciences like automation, smart water setups and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.

"The future of this industry will rely on operators who are comfortable using both traditional skills and modern technology," concluded Fulford.

Wallace returns to ERTC 12 years after completing its Water Quality Control Operations Program in 2014. A Class 1 wastewater operator with a collection systems certification, he has worked in municipal wastewater operations for the Village of Swansea and Caseyville Township.

"You can't learn this job entirely out of a textbook," said Wallace. "ERTC's strength lies in its hands-on, practical training and its direct connection to industry regulatory bodies. By immersing students in physical, applied environments and actively collaborating on certification exam standards, we ensure our curriculum mirrors exactly what operators face on both their state exams and in the field."

Wallace plans to emphasize instruction that helps students build confidence while mastering complex treatment processes. His experience operating treatment systems and sewer equipment also gives him firsthand knowledge of the skills employers need from new operators.

Both directors enter their roles during an urgent demand for skilled water utility professionals. According to ERTC, the retirement of veteran operators, aging infrastructure, changing regulations and emerging technologies has made the need for new operators at an all-time high.

That demand also represents an opportunity for students seeking stable careers with an immediate impact on their communities.

"We aren't just training employees," said Wallace. "We are preparing stewards for public health and safety."

ERTC's mission is to provide the most comprehensive training in water and wastewater treatment for both operators in training and existing Illinois operators looking for continuous education. Learn more about ERTC and the role treatment system operators play in protecting the health of Illinois residents and beyond at siue.edu/ertc.

Photo: Charles Fulford, Kyle Wallace.