Following her appointment by the Board of Trustees as President of Western Texas College, Dr. Laurie Sharp sat down to share her vision for the college, her commitment to students and the community, and her priorities for the years ahead. She begins her tenure as Texas community colleges face growing pressure to expand access, improve completion, and better align programs with workforce needs.
Her priorities reflect statewide conversations about rural education, workforce shortages, and the role of community colleges in supporting regional economies and talent pipelines.
What attracted you to Western Texas College and to serving a rural community like Snyder?
What drew me to Western Texas College is its deep sense of purpose. I also have a personal connection to West Texas through my husband, which has given me a strong appreciation for the values, resilience, and sense of community that define this region.
From the moment my family and I arrived, we felt genuinely welcomed by the Snyder community. There is clear momentum and exciting work happening at WTC, and it’s evident that the college is focused on serving students and communities well.
Rural colleges play a vital role in creating opportunity, supporting workforce preparation, and strengthening local economies. WTC does that work with heart and integrity. I’ve also been struck by the pride people have in the College, which tells me WTC is more than a campus; it’s a cornerstone of the region.
What are your top priorities for your first year as President?
My first priority is to listen, thoughtfully and intentionally, to students, faculty, staff, school district leaders, and community partners. What I hear through those conversations will help shape our work moving forward.
From there, we will continue strengthening enrollment and retention, making sure that our programs align with workforce needs and transfer pathways, while supporting the people who make Western Texas College such a strong institution.
I also want to create clarity and shared understanding about where we are headed together, so our decisions remain purposeful and centered on student success and community impact.
What role do you see WTC playing in workforce development for West Texas?
WTC will continue serving as a key workforce partner by aligning programs with industry needs and preparing students for meaningful, sustainable careers.
As workforce demands evolve across West Texas, the college is well positioned to remain responsive and innovative while staying grounded in its mission.
What message do you have for prospective WTC students who are unsure if college is “for them”?
At WTC, we are about helping you find your path—whether that’s an associate degree, a credential, workforce training, or a next step toward something more.
If you are willing to learn, grow, and invest in yourself, you belong here. Western Texas College meets students where they are and supports them as they move forward with confidence and purpose.
What initiatives do you hope to introduce to improve the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom?
I want students to feel supported at every stage of their journey, from their first interaction with WTC through completion.
That means continuing to prioritize clear communication, proactive advising, engaging learning experiences, and meaningful opportunities to connect beyond the classroom through athletics, student activities, and community engagement.
Often, it’s being intentional about the small but meaningful moments that has the greatest impact on how students experience college.
How do you plan to engage with faculty and staff during your first months on campus?
I plan to be present, accessible, and engaged. From day one, I’ve been spending time learning about WTC and listening closely to ideas, questions, and perspectives across campus.
Faculty and staff are closest to the work and to our students. Effective leadership depends on strong partnerships, so my focus is on building trust, communicating openly, and supporting the important work already happening throughout the college.
How will you help ensure that WTC remains a trusted and valued resource in Snyder and the surrounding counties?
Trust is built through consistency, transparency, and follow-through. For WTC, that means continuing to show up for our communities: listening carefully, responding thoughtfully, and ensuring our programs remain aligned with real needs. By strengthening relationships with schools, businesses, and local leaders, we can remain both a trusted partner and a forward-looking resource for the region.
How do you plan to maintain WTC’s reputation for excellence in agriculture, athletics, and technical programs?
Western Texas College has a strong tradition of excellence in these areas. Listening to faculty, coaches, and industry partners will be key as we continue to invest thoughtfully in programs that prepare students for success. My focus is on sustaining that strength through high-quality instruction, strong partnerships, and programs that remain responsive to regional needs.
How will WTC continue to support dual-credit students and local school districts?
WTC will continue working closely with school districts to ensure alignment, clear communication, and a supportive experience for students and families. My goal is for dual-credit students to feel connected to WTC early and to see the college as a welcoming next step in their educational journey. Dual-credit partnerships are essential to expanding access and opportunity, especially in rural communities.
What is your philosophy regarding shared governance and campus collaboration?
Faculty and staff bring critical expertise and insight, and collaboration strengthens outcomes for students. My approach is to engage campus voices thoughtfully, communicate clearly, and ensure our work remains aligned with WTC’s mission and priorities.
Shared governance works best when it is grounded in trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
What opportunities do you see for faculty and staff development at WTC?
WTC's faculty and staff are at the heart of the student experience. I’m committed to supporting professional development, encouraging collaboration, and valuing evidence-based practices that enhance learning and strengthen our institution. I want people to feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow in their roles.
What is one thing you hope students, staff, and community members will say about your presidency years from now?
I hope they say my presidency was guided by a clear commitment: People first. Purpose always. Forward together.
That Western Texas College became even more student-centered, more connected to its communities, and more confident in its direction, and that along the way, people truly felt heard, valued, and supported.
Dr. Sharp was also interviewed by Dr. Geron Scates, Mass Communications Professor and Radio Station Manager, for KGWB Radio 91.1 FM December 17, 2025.