Western Texas College (WTC) has announced the discontinuation of its on-campus Associate of Applied Science in Golf Course and Sports Field Turf Management and Golf Course and Sports Field Turf Management Certificate programs following a comprehensive review of academic and workforce programs conducted as part of the College's ongoing commitment to student success, workforce responsiveness, and responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
The review was undertaken in preparation for new accountability and program evaluation requirements established through Texas Senate Bill 37 (89th Legislature), which expands governing board oversight and requires Texas public institutions of higher education to conduct systematic reviews of academic and workforce programs. Under the direction of College leadership, WTC evaluated instructional programs using multiple measures, including enrollment trends, retention and completion rates, workforce demand, instructional efficiency, program costs, and long-term sustainability.
The review was also informed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's emphasis on "credentials of value"—degrees and certificates that provide graduates with a strong return on investment and lead to meaningful career opportunities and self-sustaining wages. State funding and accountability initiatives increasingly prioritize programs that demonstrate strong student outcomes, labor market alignment, and economic mobility for graduates.
Through this analysis, the on-campus Golf Course and Sports Field Turf Management programs were identified as facing persistent enrollment challenges and long-term sustainability concerns. While the programs have provided valuable educational opportunities and industry-relevant training, enrollment levels and completion patterns have limited their ability to consistently achieve the scale and performance outcomes expected under emerging state accountability and credential-of-value frameworks.
"As higher education accountability continues to evolve, institutions must regularly evaluate whether programs are serving students effectively and producing strong educational and workforce outcomes," said Dr. Laurie Sharp, President of Western Texas College. "This decision reflects our responsibility to align resources with programs that demonstrate sustained student demand, workforce relevance, and long-term viability while maintaining our commitment to student success."
The discontinuation recommendation applies only to the on-campus Associate of Applied Science and Certificate programs. Western Texas College will continue to offer related turf management instruction through approved correctional facilities as part of its Prison Education Programs, where enrollment, workforce preparation opportunities, and program delivery models remain aligned with institutional and state priorities.
"Importantly, this action should not be interpreted as a reflection on the turf management industry or the value of the skills taught through the program," said Shawn Fonville, Vice President for Career and Technical Education and Continuing Education. "The review focused on the sustainability and performance of the on-campus programs. We remain committed to providing workforce-aligned training in correctional education settings and to ensuring that all of our Career and Technical Education programs create meaningful pathways to employment, economic mobility, and credentials of value for our students."
Current students enrolled in the on-campus Golf Course and Sports Field Turf Management programs will be supported through an approved teach-out plan that provides a pathway to complete their credentials. The College will work closely with affected students to minimize disruption and support successful completion of their academic goals.
Western Texas College remains committed to offering high-quality academic and workforce programs that meet the educational needs of students while supporting the workforce and economic development priorities of West Texas and the State of Texas.
The College extends its appreciation to the students, alumni, advisory committee members, faculty, and industry partners who have contributed to the success of the Golf Course and Sports Field Turf Management Program over the years. Their dedication has positively impacted students and strengthened the College's connection to the communities it serves.