Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) President, Dr. Jason Morrison, enthusiastically shared updates about the college at the Athens Rotary Club luncheon held at the Athens Country Club on Thursday.

“We've accomplished a lot in the past year since I joined this institution,” Morrison said. “From reevaluating programs to enhancing efficiency and aligning with new performance funding criteria, we've made significant changes at Trinity Valley. My goal is to ensure that the institution is presenting itself in the best possible way and truly representing the communities it serves.”

During the luncheon, Morrison announced that TVCC has begun the process of offering a Bachelor of Early Education.

“We know that our local school systems sometimes struggle to attract, retain, and keep teachers,” Morrison explained. “So, we're partnering with our ISDs to help them ‘grow their own’ teachers by targeting paraprofessionals currently in the field.”

Morrison added that he hopes paraprofessionals will be especially excited about this opportunity.

“If you're a paraprofessional, you must love the work,” Morrison said. “You're doing the grunt work every day. I plan to offer a tuition discount to paraprofessionals who pursue a degree at Trinity Valley. If they complete their first two years now, they will be ready to start the bachelor’s degree when it launches.”

Morrison noted that the Bachelor of Early Education will be the second bachelor’s degree offered at TVCC. The college currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“We have the capacity to offer up to five bachelor’s degrees,” he said. “In fact, Dr. Spencer Bradley, our new Vice President of Instruction, and I have been discussing two other degrees we’re considering, along with some workforce-related programs. But before we expand too much, we want to perfect what we’re already doing.”

Morrison also mentioned plans to rejuvenate the college’s computer science program with a focus on cybersecurity or to offer a sonogram program at the Health Science Center in Terrell.

Not only did Morrison highlight the educational opportunities, but he highlighted the importance of enhancing the student experience as part of the college's mission.

“One of my main focuses since I arrived has been the student experience,” he said. “I want students to enjoy a full college experience—perhaps not as much as I did, because I want their grades to be higher—but I want them to have access to activities, clubs, and organizations.”

Morrison proudly mentioned that TVCC offers award-winning organizations like the Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa.

“Our Student Government Association just won their 19th state title in Texas,” he said. “That shows the strength of our student leadership. Our Phi Theta Kappa chapter has also earned numerous state, national, and international awards.”

In addition to student organizations, Morrison noted that TVCC’s athletic programs have brought home 31 national titles.

“Folks, we’re the home of champions here at Trinity Valley,” Morrison said. “We love to win, and students are taking notice of what we offer at TVCC. It’s an exciting time at our college!”

In addition to academic programs and award-winning programs, Morrison informed the Rotary Club about upcoming campus renovations.

“We’re investing nearly $1 million in our Fine Arts Building on the Athens campus,” Morrison shared. “This project will include replacing the roof, renovating the interior, and refreshing the exterior. It’s going to be a tremendous improvement for our students, who spend a lot of time in that building.”

Morrison emphasized his commitment to providing TVCC students with a campus they can be proud of.

“They should have a building they can brag about,” he said. “The building is the right size for our institution; it just needed some love. Thanks to our Board of Trustees, who recognized the need and approved the investment, by the end of September, when you come here for a Rotary luncheon, you’ll see a whole new look for that building. And that’s just the beginning.”

The Fine Arts Building renovation is part of a broader plan for campus improvements.

“We’re making substantial upgrades, including $2.5 million for roof replacements and mechanical systems,” Morrison continued. “The auditorium on the Palestine campus will also be replaced. Given the community’s need for event spaces, and our own need for hosting various functions, this renovation is essential. Additionally, we're constructing a $7 million facility to train Texas Department of Criminal Justice workers. The structure is up, and the walls should be wrapped by next week. The building will be completed by the end of November.”

Morrison added that capital improvements include repairs at the Health Science Center in Terrell, sidewalk repairs at both the Terrell and Athens campuses, and the installation of a new digital sign at the front of the Athens campus.

“Folks, we’re fully committed to making Trinity Valley the premier institution of higher education,” Morrison stated. “These are just some of the exciting developments happening on campus.