WTC President Dr. Laurie Sharp (left) and WTC Dual Credit and Course Sharing Director Molli Fleming (second from right) with the Loraine ISD Board of Trustees.
Rural students deserve access to educational opportunities that prepare them for their futures, regardless of the size of their school district. That message guided Western Texas College President Dr. Laurie Sharp’s recent remarks to the Loraine Independent School District Board of Trustees during the time reserved for public comments at their recent board meeting. She highlighted growing dual-credit participation and new possibilities for regional career and technical education.
During her visit, Sharp emphasized the importance of building on existing partnerships to give students more educational choices while helping rural school districts overcome challenges related to staffing, resources and access to specialized instruction.
“Some of the most meaningful work in education happens when people are willing to look beyond what they can accomplish individually and consider what might be possible together,” Sharp told trustees.
Loraine ISD students have already demonstrated the value of that approach.
Over the past three academic years, 14 Loraine ISD students have earned a combined 186 college credit hours through the dual credit program at Western Texas College (WTC). Participation increased from five students during the 2024–2025 academic year to seven students in 2025–2026. Those seven students completed 72 college credit hours during the most recent academic year.
While the numbers reflect progress, Sharp stressed that the benefits extend beyond earning college credits.
Dual-credit courses allow high school students to experience college-level instruction, develop confidence in their abilities and begin working toward their educational and career goals before graduation.
Looking ahead, WTC is working with Education Service Center Region 14 and neighboring school districts to develop a regional career and technical education collaboration. The effort seeks to create stronger educational pathways and expand opportunities that individual rural districts may find difficult to provide independently.
Another area under consideration involves how dual-credit instruction is delivered.
WTC is reviewing its faculty credentialing processes and exploring ways to help school districts develop qualified instructors. These efforts could create additional opportunities for students to receive direct, personal instruction while completing college-level coursework.
Drawing on her experience as a former classroom teacher, Sharp recognized the importance of having educators who can answer questions, offer encouragement and help students discover their potential.
She also praised Loraine ISD's leadership, teachers and staff for their commitment to students, particularly in rural schools where educators often take on multiple responsibilities.
The discussions reflect a broader effort to strengthen educational opportunities throughout WTC's 10-county service area by connecting secondary education, college coursework and workforce preparation.
For Loraine ISD, continued collaboration could mean additional pathways for students to explore careers, earn college credits and prepare for opportunities beyond high school.
Sharp reaffirmed WTC's commitment to remaining an engaged and responsive partner as the regional initiative develops.
“People first. Purpose always. Forward together,” Sharp said, sharing the philosophy guiding her leadership at WTC.
She emphasized that meaningful partnerships depend on trust, open communication and a shared commitment to helping students succeed.
As WTC and Loraine ISD continue their work, the focus remains on a common goal: ensuring students in rural West Texas have access to the education, skills and opportunities they need to build their futures.