WTC staff at the Collegiate Edu-Nation Rural Empowerment Conference earlier this month: Stephanie Ducheneaux, WTC Vice President for Academic Affairs; Molli Fleming, WTC Director of Dual Credit and Course Sharing; and Dr. Laurie Sharp, WTC President.

During its June meeting, the WTC Board of Trustees approved updated Mission, Vision, and Values statements that will serve as the foundation for our work moving forward. These statements emerged from conversations with students, employees, trustees, community leaders, workforce partners, and other stakeholders throughout my Listening Tour.

Our mission affirms that Western Texas College empowers students to achieve educational, workforce, and life goals through high-quality learning, holistic support, and strong community partnerships. Our vision calls us to be a student-centered, workforce-aligned, and community-anchored institution that expands access, strengthens connection and engagement, and prepares learners to thrive in a changing world. These commitments are grounded in three core values: Students First, Better Together, and Do What’s Right.

Together, these principles provide a clear framework for decision-making, strategic planning, and continuous improvement as we prepare to launch Serving Students Together: A 10-Year Strategy for Western Texas College (2026–2036) this coming fall.

Student success begins with ensuring students have access to the resources and support systems necessary to thrive both academically and personally. To strengthen those efforts, WTC has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Cogdell Behavioral Health to expand access to behavioral health services and establish stronger connections between students and local care providers when support is needed. In addition to enhancing support for students, this partnership creates opportunities for greater collaboration around employee well-being, recognizing that a healthy, supported workforce is essential to fulfilling our mission and serving students effectively.

I am also pleased to share that WTC was selected as a recipient of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas–National Fitness Campaign Healthy Campus Grant. Through this opportunity, the College is eligible to receive $40,000 toward the development of an outdoor Fitness Court® Studio that will support student wellness, employee well-being, and community engagement. The proposed facility reflects our commitment to supporting the whole student and creating environments that promote lifelong health and wellness.

As part of our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship and continuous evaluation of services, the College has also elected to discontinue use of Timely Care. We determined that a locally connected approach better aligns with the needs of our students and service region. In conjunction with these changes, WTC will eliminate the Student Health Fee beginning with the upcoming academic year. This action removes the $40 fee previously assessed to on-campus students, excluding dual credit students, while maintaining our commitment to student well-being through community partnerships and campus support resources.

WTC remains deeply committed to supporting the vitality of rural communities through education, workforce development, and strategic collaboration. Earlier this summer, Collegiate Edu-Nation hosted the 2026 Rural Empowerment Conference in Grapevine, bringing together educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders from across the nation to discuss innovative solutions for rural education and economic growth. The conversations and partnerships fostered through this event reinforce the critical role community colleges play in creating pathways to opportunity, supporting workforce needs, and strengthening the communities we serve.

I am also proud to recognize the City of Snyder and Keep Snyder Beautiful for receiving the 2026 Texas Environmental Excellence Award in the Civic and Community category. This prestigious statewide recognition reflects the dedication of local leaders and volunteers who continue to invest in the quality of life, environmental stewardship, and civic pride that make Snyder an exceptional place to live, work, and learn. WTC is fortunate to call such a vibrant and engaged community home.

Creating stronger educational pathways remains a central component of our strategic vision. One of the most important examples of this work is the continued renewal and expansion of our dual credit partnerships with school districts across our service region. These agreements strengthen collaboration between WTC and our K–12 partners while expanding opportunities for students to earn college credit, workforce credentials, and meaningful momentum toward future educational and career goals. Through these partnerships, students can reduce the time and cost required to complete a credential while gaining valuable experience with college-level learning. On September 15, 2026, WTC will host the inaugural Annual Education Partnership Summit, themed “Building Stronger Pathways Together.” The summit will bring together K–12 leaders, higher education partners, workforce organizations, and community stakeholders to explore collaborative strategies that increase educational attainment, workforce readiness, and regional prosperity. WTC is also partnering with ESC Region 14 on two initiatives associated with the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnerships (R-PEP) program. These collaborative efforts seek to expand access to high-quality college and career pathways for rural students through innovative partnerships among school districts, higher education institutions, and workforce partners. Workforce development continues to be an area of significant growth and opportunity. During its June meeting, The Board of Trustees approved a new Integrated Data Center Operations Technician Level 1 Certificate, an innovative program designed to prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the digital economy. The certificate combines information technology, networking, cybersecurity, automation, electrical systems, and industrial operations to prepare graduates for employment in modern data center environments. The program reflects our commitment to anticipating workforce needs, aligning education with industry demand, and creating pathways that connect students directly to meaningful careers. Additionally, WTC recently partnered with Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas and the Development Corporation of Snyder in submitting a proposal through the Texas Innovative Adult Career Education (ACE) Grant Program. If funded, this initiative would expand workforce training opportunities for veterans and economically disadvantaged adults seeking credentials and careers in high-demand occupations throughout our region.

Agriculture remains a vital part of the economic and cultural fabric of West Texas, and WTC continues to explore opportunities to expand its impact in this important sector. As part of the ongoing development of the WTC Agricultural; Rodeo Complex initiative, the College is planning a regional stakeholder listening session designed to gather perspectives from industry leaders, agricultural producers, educators, and community partners. These conversations will help inform future planning while identifying opportunities to strengthen workforce development, student recruitment, industry engagement, and community impact. By listening first and planning strategically, we can ensure this initiative reflects the needs and aspirations of the region we serve.

WTC also recently provided letters of support for agriculture-related research initiatives led by faculty at Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University. These collaborations reflect our continued commitment to supporting innovation, applied research, and partnerships that advance agriculture and contribute to the long- term success of rural communities.

As we approach the beginning of a new academic year, I am reminded that progress is achieved through partnership. The work taking place across WTC reflects a shared commitment to students, communities, and the future of West Texas. Through collaboration, innovation, and responsible stewardship, we are building a stronger institution and creating greater opportunities for those we serve. Through collaboration, innovation, and responsible stewardship, we are creating greater opportunities for students, strengthening communities, and advancing the mission of WTC. Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission and to one another! I look forward to the exciting academic year ahead and to continuing our work together as we serve students and strengthen communities across our region.

Dr. Laurie Sharp

People first. Purpose always. Forward together.