Victor “Vic” J. Wheeler is the new Director of Rural East Texas Career Academy, an innovative career and technology education center being launched by Lamar State College Orange at the Texas State University System Polk County Center at 1015 US 59 Loop North in Livingston.
The purpose of the center is to help high school students earn industry credentials in nursing, welding and early childhood education before they graduate high school – at no cost to the students.
Funded by a grant from the TLL Temple Foundation, the $1.5 million initiative targets rural students in Polk and Tyler counties, removing traditional barriers like transportation and costs that often prevent students from accessing career training programs.
As of now, Livingston, Leggett and Chester ISDs have signed on to participate and Wheeler will meet with each of these school districts Monday.
The three-year grant aligns with CTE pathways, or career/technology programs of study.
“I think the goal of the grant is to get it started. This spring we’ll hire three instructors for the three programs, and we’ll provide transportation,” Wheeler said. “The issue we’re having right now is finding qualified teachers. For nursing, they must have at least a BSN and for welding, they must have industry certification.
“We’re presently building the program and will hire teachers in the spring and begin setting up equipment. We’re hoping to implement the welding and teaching in the fall of 2025 and nursing in the spring of 2026,” Wheeler said.
By 2028, the program expects to serve 260 students annually, providing them with state-of-the-art equipment, hands-on training and direct connections to high-wage jobs in fields that are experiencing worker shortages in East Texas.
“The program represents a unique partnership between local school districts, industry leaders, and higher education, creating a direct pipeline from high school to high-paying careers in our region.” Wheeler said.
Each graduating cohort is expected to generate about $5 million in additional lifetime economic impact for our local economy, as these students will be ready to step into high-demand jobs immediately after high school graduation.
Wheeler said the initiative particularly targets economically disadvantaged students, offering them comprehensive support services including tutoring, career counseling and transportation assistance to ensure their success in the program.
Wheeler is recently retired from the military and has been an instructor for the last four years at Azusa Pacific University in California where he taught military history and military science. He and his wife, Dana, a Leggett ISD graduate, have recently relocated to the area.
