‘This is just the beginning’
TC opens Industrial Technology Facility
TEXARKANA, Texas — Texarkana College hosted a grand opening Friday for its new Industrial Technology Facility, which will house classrooms and training rooms for electrical and HVAC programs.
The college’s staff and students have been waiting for the opening since November 2021, when college President Dr. Jason Smith and faculty broke ground on the building site.
Smith took time Friday to thank each person who contributed to the development of the building — from the builders, the planners, course instructors, event planners and the Mcculloch family, who donated to the construction.
“We are fortunate to live in a community where business and industry leaders invest in education,” Smith said. “The Mcculloch family’s humble and gracious approach throughout this whole process has been truly inspiring, and we are grateful for their support.”
The building features a range of hands-on practice tools. Tlectrical technology training modules will allow students to practice installing various electrical receptacles; the circuit training boards will assist students in learning how to wire electrical panels.
Other tools featured during the ceremony were heating, air conditioning and ventilation condensers, along with brand new classrooms featuring new desktop computers.
Texas state Rep. Dr. Gary Vandeaver said the event was a “great day for Texarkana, great day for Texarkana College and a great day for the entire area.”
Vandeaver said Texarkana College had the playbook before the Texas Commission on Community College Finance began its work in late 2021.
“Do you know what we came up with as a conclusion to be the best opportunity for the state of Texas? This building we’re sitting in today. This is the answer,” said
Vandeaver, a member of the commission.
Vandeaver said the education provided in the building will give way to generational change.
U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran said he and Smith have discussed further expansion.
“I know this is just the beginning. It’s not just electrical training that’s going to go on here. I know we’re talking about plumbing, other things that are going to happen in this building and beyond as a result of what’s going on here today,” Moran said.
A number of guests attended the ceremony in the 15,000-square-foot building.
Other speakers included Texas Workforce Commissioner Aaron Demerson; Ray Wilson, who represented Texas state Sen. Bryan Hughes; TC Dean of Workforce Education and VP of Campus Operations Brandon Washington; Wholesale Electric Supply President Buddy Mcculloch and Vice President Chris Mcculloch; and Texarkana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Denis Washington.