Latest news with #TylerJuniorCollege
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tyler ISD's LINK students stepping into the future after graduation
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Tyler Independent School District celebrated the accomplishments of eight students in the LINK 18+ Program this week and handed out diplomas. The Learning Independence and New Knowledge Program is located on the Tyler Junior College West Campus and local businesses and helps students with special needs develop vocational and independent living skills. This year's class includes the following students from Tyler Legacy High School: Mia Dickerson Jair Egan Alyssa Ledesma Danica Wetmore Riley Harris Ryan Record De von Simpson Angel Rodriguez was the other graduate from Tyler High School. 'We are so grateful for everyone who makes this journey to adulthood and independence possible,' said Tyler ISD Student Support Coordinator Abby Dominy. 'From our Tyler ISD team and LINK instructors to our host partner, Tyler Junior College, and the many community businesses that support work-based learning, each has played a vital role in helping these students build purposeful, fulfilling adult lives. We also thank the families of our LINK graduates, whose love and support have been essential every step of the way.' In the last five years, the LINK Program has teamed up with several local businesses including: Rose City Arts & Gifts Hangers of Hope Weird & Different Clothing Store ReStore by Habitat for Humanity Shelley Drive Animal Clinic Chick-fil-A at Broadway Square Mall Papa John'S Goodwill Industries The Heights Senior Care Center Reunion Plaza Senior Care Center Caldwell Arts Academy Discovery Science Place Tyler Public Library Starbrite Equestrian Center Tyler ISD Gary Administrative and St. Louis Buildings Tyler ISD Transportation Department Six of the eight students in the 2025 class are already employed. This is the 15th class to participate in the program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
East Texas mom of 8 pursues healthcare track at TJC after nurses help save her husband's life
TYLER, Texas (KETK)– An East Texas mom of eight and a beloved school bus driver will be earning her associate's degree at Tyler Junior College (TJC) on Friday after she watched nurses help save her husband, who experienced a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for several weeks. According to TJC, Ronda Knight will graduate from TJC with an associate's degree in psychology and sociology and will begin TJC's 16-month associate degree nursing program the following week on April 12. Longview High School honors seniors at first-ever Lobo decision day The junior college said Knight works full time as a school bus driver at Lindale ISD, waking up at 3:30 a.m. each morning for 17 years, and is a mom of eight kids, ages 18 to 29, but still maintains a near-perfect GPA. Knight's TJC story started in 2022 when she decided to go back to school at 46-years-old and hasn't slowed down since. 'One of my co-workers at Lindale High School was about to graduate from TJC, and she convinced me to just go for it,' Knight said. 'I said, 'Okay, walk me through the process and help me apply,' and she did. That was it.' 'I originally chose TJC because it was close to home and offered the courses I needed but I stayed because I found a place where I was accepted and feel at home,' Knight said. College officials said that in addition to Knight's TJC degrees, she also has two credits from earning her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from UT Tyler and is applying to their Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Knight explained that she chose the healthcare track for personal reasons. 'In 2021, my husband was in an accident at work and had a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for several weeks, plus my daughter was in a high-risk pregnancy at the same time,' she said. 'It was a lot, and there was this group of nurses who helped my husband and also helped me walk that path. That was what made me decide to go back to school.' Knight also credits a group of six TJC women who have been mentors and encouraged her through college: Biology Lab Specialist, Kim Chastain Professor and Phi Theta Kappa Sponsor, Gigi Delk Professor and Phi Theta Kappa Sponsor, Nancy Carter Processing Analyst, Kassie Garcia Office Coordinator and Phi Theta Kappa Sponsor, Marie Davis Psychology and Sociology Professor, Dr. Deb Kelley 'This group of ladies keeps me going,' she said. 'If it had not been for them, I would not still be here and thriving in the way that I am.' Tyler Junior College recognizes longtime supporters at board meeting Knight is also an active member of TJC's Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), serving as chapter president and is the incoming district vice president for the Texas region. The junior college said she has also been involved with numerous community service events and volunteers at the student resource center on campus. Knight explains that eventually she wants to earn a doctorate in psychology and nursing, maybe even become a professor at TJC. 'I've thought about coming back here to teach someday,' she said. 'To anyone thinking about going back to school, I would just say to do it. If you have questions, don't be afraid to reach out to your professors or advisors because they are here to help. Most of all, get involved on campus. This is a great place, and I've enjoyed every minute of it.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tyler Junior College receives military friendly school award
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Tyler Junior College has earned silver recognition in the large community college category for Military Friendly school ratings. UT Tyler awarded 2025-26 silver military friendly school honor This designation is bestowed to institutions that rank within the top 20% of schools in their category, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting military students. The process of achieving this recognition begins with schools making a pledge to improve their services for military students, aiming to earn higher levels of recognition over time. 'It's a privilege to connect with our military students and their families, to help them build the future they deserve,' interim executive director of TJC's academic advising, veterans/military and testing services Keren Longshore said. 'Knowing the sacrifices they have made fills us with immense respect and a heartfelt desire to serve them in return. We are honored to be a part of their story, and we are excited to see all that they will accomplish.' Silver status is a significant accomplishment as it highlights the college's efforts to support current and former service members by offering a range of resources and opportunities tailored to their unique needs. This year, over 1,800 schools were surveyed, and 830 earned recognition for going above and beyond standard expectations in supporting military students. Tyler Junior College currently serves 450 military students, offering tailored guidance and support. The college also prides itself on having faculty members who represent all five branches of the U.S. military, further strengthening its connection with the military community. 'Knowing the sacrifices these individuals have made fills us with immense respect and a strong desire to give back. We are honored to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish,' Longshore added. The full list of schools awarded Military Friendly status will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can also be found on the website Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tyler Junior College recognizes longtime supporters at board meeting
TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Longtime supporters of Tyler Junior College were honored for their philanthropic giving during last Thursday's TJC Board of Trustees meeting. Longview dispatcher dies from cancer after 22 years of service Jim and Margaret Perkins were honored on Thursday for supporting TJC through charitable giving like their recent contribution of a property in Rusk, their hometown. The 6,700-square-foot building located on South Henderson Street will help enhance the education of TJC students. 'The Perkins name is associated with paying it forward, and we truly appreciate and celebrate all that they do on behalf of others. The College's main plan encompasses our entire service area, and very important to our work is how we better serve the southernmost part of our region, specifically Rusk and Jacksonville, and their surrounding areas,' said TJC President and CEO Dr. Juan E. Mejia said, 'Communities need champions, and the Perkins family came forward and gifted the property to the TJC Foundation, and today it is being transferred to the Tyler Junior College District.' Mejia also recognized the previous contributions that Perkins has made to TJC's success over the years. Including when the couple won the Texas Higher Education Distinguished Service Award for the positive impact they've had on the state. Where to buy fabric in East Texas now that JOANN is closing Jim Perkins spoke about his and his wife's recognition and how the couple will continue to work to support TJC as the college continues to serve the community. 'When you receive an honor like this, the best thing about it is to be around people who work hard and embrace our efforts to make our communities stronger and stronger,' Perkins said. 'I've said before that, to me, Tyler Junior College is the best junior college in the United States. I thank the TJC Board, the TJC Foundation and the college community for their steadfast commitment to Rusk. We're going to stay fully behind it and ensure that TJC continues to be a leader in meeting the needs of our communities.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
