Temple College Bus Tour Takes Board Members, Administrators to Hutto, Taylor, Rockdale Campuses

Temple College administrators, along with members of the College’s Board of Trustees and the Temple College Foundation, took a daylong bus tour in early October to visit the College’s campuses in Rockdale, Taylor and Hutto.

At each stop, the group of nearly 40 people toured the facility and spoke with local business, civic, education and workforce leaders. They heard about existing initiatives, but they also heard about the exciting visions these leaders had for their communities – and how Temple College can play a part.

“The Temple College service area is located in one of the fastest-growing regions of the United States,” said Dr. Christy Ponce, Temple College President. “As our Central Texas population skyrockets and the number of workforce opportunities continue to grow, Temple College continues to position itself as a place where students can earn degrees and certificates and gain the requisite hands-on experience to move into high-paying careers.”

Rockdale

Temple College’s newest educational space is housed in Rockdale’s former Little River Healthcare facility. The College currently offers dual-credit and workforce courses in Rockdale.

The group heard from Rockdale Mayor Ward Roddam; Kathy Pelzel and Tiffany Whitsel, Rockdale ISD Assistant Superintendents; Jim Gibson, Director of the Rockdale Municipal Development District; Julia Cardona, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and ISD School Board member; and Clint Garza, manager of Sandow Lakes Ranch.

During the stopover, Temple College representatives joined the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and community members for a ribbon-cutting and dedication of the renovated space.

Taylor

In Taylor, the group toured Temple College’s Taylor Center, which offers college, dual-credit and workforce courses. The facility is connected to Taylor ISD’s Legacy Early College High School.

The Temple College Taylor Center opened in the fall of 1997 and has served thousands of students from throughout the region for more than 25 years. Located in the city’s historic downtown area, the Taylor Center serves the increasing educational and training needs of students ranging a variety of ages – from high school students wanting to take dual-credit courses to adult students seeking workforce certifications or associate degrees.

In 2007, Temple College partnered with Taylor ISD to begin the Legacy Early College High School. This strong partnership continues today and Temple College has expanded offerings to include academic and workforce opportunities to meet the changing demands of the region.

During lunch, the group heard from Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, Taylor ISD Superintendent; Marilyn Tennell, Taylor ISD Board member; Tim Crow, Director of Communications for Taylor ISD; Tia Stone, Taylor Chamber of Commerce President; Ben White, President and CEO of Taylor Economic Development Corporation; Erika Cantwell, Principal of Legacy Early College High School; and student Regan Revia.

Hutto

For over 10 years, Temple College has offered classes in Hutto, Texas at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center.

The group toured the building and then met with Williamson County Commissioner Russ Boles and Cheney Gamboa, Director of Economic Development for the City of Hutto.

Boles and Gamboa discussed the exponential population growth throughout the county and the city and emphasized the increased need for a skilled workforce to fill jobs in the area.

About Temple College

Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.

Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 98 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.