Western Texas College President Dr. Laurie Sharp addressed the Miles ISD Board of Trustees at the October board meeting, emphasizing the College’s commitment to creating clear, affordable pathways from high school to college, credentials and careers for students across West Texas.
“Western Texas College and Miles ISD share an important purpose: creating opportunity for students,” Sharp said. “We want young people in our region to see a clear path from high school to college, a credential of value, a meaningful career, and a strong future.”
Dual credit remains one of the most important ways Western Texas College (WTC) can help students begin that path. Students can take transferable academic courses while also exploring career and technical education programs connected to regional workforce needs. College-level coursework in high school can help students build confidence, earn credits earlier and gain momentum toward their next step.
Sharp emphasized that providing access represents only part of WTC’s responsibility. Students and families also need clear information, straightforward processes and responsive support throughout their educational journey.
WTC can assist students with advising and enrollment, help them transition from high school to college, work with school districts to develop qualified dual-credit instructors and connect educational programs with regional workforce opportunities. The College also works to help families understand financial resources available for dual credit and college after high school.
“Our goal is not simply to help students accumulate college hours,” Sharp said. “It is to help them turn those hours into something meaningful: a certificate, industry-based certifications, a degree, a university transfer pathway, a career, and ultimately an opportunity to build the future they want.”
Those opportunities also benefit the communities WTC serves. Sharp told trustees that education strengthens more than individual students. It supports workforce development, economic development and the long-term strength of rural West Texas communities.
Sharp stressed that public schools and community colleges succeed when they work together to address the needs of students.
“WTC is here,” Sharp said. “We are here for your students. We are here for your families. And we are committed to being a visible, accessible, and responsive educational partner for Miles ISD and this community.”
The message reflects Sharp’s guiding principle for Western Texas College: People first. Purpose always. Forward together.
For WTC, that means keeping students at the center and working with educational and community partners to turn access into pathways, pathways into credentials, and credentials into opportunity.