Texarkana College unveiled the proposed plan for TC Cass County, a new, dedicated training site located in Cass County where students could earn a 5-week professional truck driving credential or earn a full 1-year certificate in welding, cosmetology or licensed vocational nursing, with room for expansion. The unveiling took place at a ceremony at the proposed site’s future location at 101 East Pinecrest Drive in Atlanta, Texas.
Development of the new site is contingent on whether Cass County residents residing within TC’s service area vote to join the College’s taxing district in the November general election. The site’s proposed programs lead to high demand occupations across Cass County and Northeast Texas. If voters choose to join TC district, other benefits would include lower, in-district tuition rates and expansion of high school dual credit offerings.
Cass County voters in TC’s service area will have the opportunity to vote on the proposition on the November 8th general election ballot. If the vote passes, TC will begin offering courses in welding, cosmetology, licensed vocational nursing, and truck driving at the Cass County site in January 2018. The 22,000 sq. ft. facility allows room for expansion to increase programs and course offerings in the future.
“Imagine what a student’s future would look like if they could earn a college certificate in one year or less and enter the workforce making up to $60,000,” said TC President James Henry Russell. “This is what our students who have just completed our truck driving academy are doing right now. I could give you a list of names of students who completed this program just a few weeks ago and have a brighter future than they did five weeks prior. That’s what we do—we are in the business of providing practical, affordable options for people to reach their career goals and earn better wages.”
If Cass County voters choose to join the TC district, students in the area would begin to pay lower, in-district tuition rate for courses offered on all campuses, including high school dual credit courses. Cost savings over two years for students could average close to $3,000.
“Money and miles make a big difference to Cass County residents when it comes to having access to higher education options,” said Miranda Johnson, Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce President.“ TC made a difference in my life by providing a great start to my college experience. I earned around 20 dual credit hours in high school and spent three semesters at TC before transferring to Texas A&M-Texarkana to earn my bachelor’s degree. TC is already an important part of our region and has served us well through the years, and this new opportunity for our community will bring economic stability, a prepared workforce for our businesses, and a brighter future for residents.”
Approximately 75 Cass County residents and TC students and employees attended the ceremony today. Other speakers included Ronda Dozier, TC Dean of Workforce Education; Cass County resident Doug Saffel, TC Associate Professor of Government and History; and Faith Harper, a TC nursing student who also resides in Cass County.
