An idea conceived by one of Livingston’s own – followed by the efforts of many – resulted in an event on Wednes-day that could potentially transform lives for generations to come.
The Texas State University System (TSUS) held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate the Polk County Center, a joint educational venture in Livingston between Lamar State College Orange, Lamar State College Port Arthur, and Lamar Institute of Technology – known collectively as the Lamar State Colleges.
Dr. Tom Johnson, a 1981 graduate of Livingston High School, is beginning his seventh year as president of Lamar State College Orange, and when he heard that the college that formerly served Polk County was pulling out, he knew immediately that he wanted to pick it up.
Dr. Brian McCall, who serves as the chancellor and chief executive officer of the Texas State University System, flew in from Austin for Wednesday’s event.
“Tom will call me and say, ‘Brian, I’ve got this idea.’ And it’s always a good one. He had the insight and drive to in-clude the other two and make it a partnership. Together, they’re much stronger than they are individually. The board saw the value as well – the lives that will be changed here,” McCall said. “The Texas State University System is the third largest and oldest university system in Texas and in three years, will have in excess of 100,000 students … in no small part due to what is going on in this center. I encourage everyone to visit the website for a complete list of what will be offered here. Congratulations to all of us. Big things will happen here,” McCall said. “As an educator, I’m like a kid in a candy store. I couldn’t be more excited about the education buffet and array of things offered. This is taking Polk County to the next step of achieving an increased quality of life. Everybody is going to benefit,” Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy said.
“What a great day. We are so excited about this opporunity,” Andy Evans, president of the Polk County Higher Education & Technology Foundation, said. “Thank you, Dr. Brian McCall, and your regents for sharing our vision. Dr. Tom Johnson, thank you for your love of Livingston and Polk County. Dr. Wendy Elmore, thank you for your attention to detail and leadership throughout this process,” Evans said. “Dr. Ben Stafford is a leader in securing federal grants and has already kicked off our career in trade schools. We’re in the middle of our second CDL class with major plans to expand. And Ms. Kristin, welcome to Livingston. We’re delighted to have you, not only for the benefit to our com-munity, but more importantly, the lives of our students.”
Dr. Betty Reynard, president of Lamar State College Port Arthur, addressed the crowd.
“It is truly an honor to stand before you today as we cel-ebrate this significant milestone. I’m reminded of the im-portance of access to education. The Texas State University System Polk County Center will be a beacon, a place where your aspirations will be honored, and your dreams real-ized,” Reynard said.
Dr. Sid Valentine, president of Lamar Institute of Technology, also spoke. “The last time I was in this room was for purse bingo. They all showed up to support the vision, to support the cause. I have no doubt they will support this too. With the Texas State University Sys-tem, your possibilities are endless. We are honored to be here,” Valentine said.
Dr. Tom Johnson, president of Lamar State College-Orange, spoke next.
“This is my home. Many of y’all have known me my entire life. My sister is here today. I was a hick from the sticks and didn’t know what to do, but Ruth Bass literally changed my life and thou-sands of others. She said, ‘Yes, you are going to college.’ I will never stop do-ing what I can for my hometown. We’re a small school, but we fight above our weight class. I was happy to bring in the other two. We came to purse bingo and on the way home, they said, ‘We’re com-ing to Livingston. That’s where it’s at.’ We will offer an array of skills, crafts and trades, as well as academics.
“This is the greatest honor of my life and I’m going to do all I can, but I’m go-ing to need your help. Send your kids, your nieces and nephews. I also want to just say thank you for all you did for little Tommy Johnson. Y’all changed my life, and I am forever grateful,” Johnson said.
Starting this fall, the center will offer a diverse range of courses and training programs offered jointly by the state colleges, including: adult education; nurse aide certificate program; teaching programs; business programs including cosmetology operator, business admin-istration and management, real estate management, construction manage-ment, and entrepreneurship; workforce and continuing education courses, in-cluding CPR, ESL, insurance training, medication aide, Quickbooks, and phle-botomy; and CDL/truck driving.
“The TSUS Polk County Center looks forward to offering education and technical training for in-demand jobs that lead to high wages and a well-prepared workforce,” Kristin Tow-Walker, ex-ecutive director of the center, said. “The Polk County Center will be an agent of change, transforming lives through student-centered resources, small class sizes, and affordable tuition.”
For more information about the TSUS Polk County Center, please visit pcc.tsus. edu or call 936-268-3048.
