A newsletter for Coastal Bend College employees, students and community members

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Perkins funding helps CBC purchase an UltraLight drilling simulator for oil & gas technology students.

CBC men’s baseball gearing up for first season after a 29 year hiatus.

Cheer on the CBC men’s soccer team and CBC women’s volleyball team at their games this fall!

Honoring those who served: learn more about the men that were awarded the Operation Next scholarship.

CBC has some new leadership talent for the new academic year, and they have big plans for CBC.

CBC receives $50,000 to help veterans; OPPS program provides 5-day oil & gas entry level job training.

The importance of giving: how donating to the CBC Foundation can help improve student success.

Frank Hiracheta, CBC welding student and Marine Corps veteran, is one of the recipients of the DCP Midstream Operation Next scholarship. Read more on page 13.

Dual credit student feature: A Q&A session with A.C. Jones High School and CBC grad Victoria Elizalde.

Totally Rad: CBC’s radiology receives re-accreditation from JRCERT for eight years.

CBC named a 2014 Military Friendly School by Victory Media.

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Coastal Bend College PresidentDr. Beatriz T. Espinoza

CBC Board of TrusteesPaul Jaure Carroll LohseLouise Hall Emilia DominguezVictor Gomez Laura Fischer Douglas Arnold

Vice President of Student and Administrative ServicesVelma Elizalde

Vice President of Instruction and Economic & Workforce DevelopmentDr. Kyle Wagner

Dean of AcademicsDr. Twila Johnson

Dean of AdministrationKathlyn Patton

Dean of Student ServicesPete Trevino

Dean of WorkforceJulia Garcia

Director of Business ServicesSusana Morón

CBC Foundation Executive DirectorPatricia Patel

CBC Forum Articles/Photography/DesignMonica CruzManager of Marketing & Public Relations

CBC Forum is a publication of the Marketing & Public Relations Department at Coastal Bend College, 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, Texas. View this and previous issues online at www.coastalbend.edu/publications.

For more information about Coastal Bend College, visit our website at www.coastalbend.edu or call toll free (866) 722-2838.

Coastal Bend College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools [1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number (404) 679-4501] to award associate degrees. CBC is in compliance with Title VI and Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

Coastal Bend College is moving forward. I invite you to join us in this journey. The journey is about getting you to and through college. Your success is important to us. We kicked off the fall semester with over 3,500 students. We are grateful for those that enrolled with us, but we have room for many more. Our College service area encompasses 9,483 square miles in all or part of nine counties. That’s a lot of travel; we know that, so we’re bringing College close to you. In

your home via online courses, while in high school through dual credit and concurrent enrollment, or close to home at one of our four locations – Beeville, Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton – we are here to help you get started on your future.

Small town college. That’s what we are. Endless possibilities. That’s what we offer. Start at CBC. We are here for you. Bee County College/Coastal Bend College has been serving the greater south Texas for 47 years. We’ve got some experience and we keep building on that to make it right for you because your success matters to us, to our community, to our future. Allow us the opportunity to help you reach your goals, build your knowledge, exercise your talents and open doors to a future that is right for you. Take a class, earn a degree, become an alumni as you’ll see from the stories in the forum, you’ll be joining a group of distinguished students who are having a great time at CBC.

Our quality, state-of-the-art programs are designed to help you be successful in any route you choose. Want to transfer to a university? We have articulation agreements guaranteeing you a seamless transition to universities in Texas and beyond. Want to earn a degree in workforce? We are ready to train and place you with employers, offering great job opportunities, looking for our graduates. You want to earn your GED, we have that too. That’s what makes us a community college, and we are very pleased to be serving our community.

As always, I welcome you to stop by and visit, share your thoughts, and give me your input on how we can continue to improve as your institution of higher education and excel as Coastal Bend College. Have a safe, happy, and productive fall.

/coastalbendcollege @CBCFuture

4 | CBC FORUM

Perkins funding helps provide students with tools needed for hands-on training

Coastal Bend College recently purchased an UltraLight Drilling Simulator for students in the Oil and Gas Technology Program to utilize in their courses beginning summer 2013. The purchase was possible through the Perkins Grant Program which helps fund improvements to workforce programs and equipment at CBC.

“The UltraLight Simulator allows students to troubleshoot scenarios that can and will happen once they go out into the workforce. They get hands-on experience dealing with well control, blowout prevention, leak-off tests, and seeing what happens overall in a well operation. As the instructor, I remotely control what happens on the simulator, so I can create an infinite number of unique situations for them to troubleshoot. This is an amazing simulator,” said Roy Coley, oil and gas technology professor at CBC.

The UltraLight Simulator contains four components—a laptop station on which the professor can program and create problems for students to troubleshoot, a remote choke console, a driller’s console, and an interactive trainee LCD touchscreen that displays production/valve information to the students. For the simulator to run properly, a pair of students has to work together as a well driller and a choke operator to fix issues and problems that arise during the simulation.

Omid Ebrahimi and Bob Forbeck-Owens were the first students to try out the simulator during class this summer. Their first simulation involved too much pressure accumulating in a well, and they had to find a way to safely level off the pressure to prevent a blowout. They both admitted that although it was just a simulation, they felt a bit of stress in getting everything all figured out.

“Well, I have to say it’s a good thing the blowout prevention worked in that particular situation,” Ebrahimi said, “You know, it’s really nice that we get to practice on this simulator in class. In a real job, these sorts of issues could be potentially dangerous, but here at CBC we get to focus on learning proper technique and focus on safety,” Ebrahimi said.

Access to hands-on tools and high quality instruction are what led Forbeck-Owens to make the move from the big city of Nashville, Tennessee

to Beeville, Texas to enroll in the CBC Oil and Gas Technology Program. He only needs a few more classes to finish with his associate’s degree from CBC this fall.

“I researched the heck out of all the oil and gas programs in the nation, and this one looked the best to me. We get hands-on experience on things like this simulator, and Mr. Coley does an excellent job of teaching us what we need to know. I know I’ve made the right decision coming here, and my family is supportive of my decision,” Forbeck-Owens said.

All students enrolled in the program will have access to this simulator in their oil and gas courses from July 2013 and onward. Coley also stated that he hopes to acquire more simulation technology like this in the future to provide his students with a full scope of what a career in the industry could be like.

“I want to really instill in my students that this program can lead to a variety of career paths for them. Above all else, safety is always a top priority in my classroom and in the field. This simulator helps drill home the message.”

For more information about the CBC Oil and Gas Technology Program, please contact Roy Coley at (361) 354-2551 or visit www.coastalbend.edu/oilgas.

For more information on Customized Industry Training, contact Lillian Garza at (361) 354-2331 or via email at lgarza@coastalbend.edu.

Bob Forbeck-Owens, a CBC student, took on the role of being a choke operator on the new UltraLight Simulator. Forbeck-Owens was one of the first students to operate the state-of-the-art simulator.

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EAGLE FORD SHALE

Coastal Bend College Board of Trustees Chairman Paul Jaure, left, and CBC President Dr. Beatriz T. Espinoza, right, accept a $50,000 donation from DCP Midstream’s Vice President of Operations for the East Region, Ghazi Shahin, center.

CBC is the only college in Texas to receive these funds as part of the Operation Next initiative to help veterans obtain education in oil, gas, and petroleum related industries.

“Operation Next is one way DCP can give back to veterans and the community. Veterans have discipline, structure, and technical skills. They have teamwork and leadership skills. But most importantly, veterans understand the importance of safety. This is why we recruit and help veterans. Safety is the most important thing in our line of work,” said Ghazi Shahin, DCP Midstream Vice President of Operations for the East Region.

This year’s scholarship recipients are: David Cervantes, Omid M. Ebrahimi, Michael E. Fahey, Frank Hiracheta, Joe Mendoza, Adam Nunez, Walter Richardson, and Danny Joe Webb. To learn more about five of the recipients of the Operation Next scholarship, turn to pages 12-13 of this issue of the CBC Forum.

Scholarships are also available to veterans interested in the OPPS safety training (see page right).

DCP Midstream donates $50,000 to help veteran students

Coastal Bend College, in partnership with Petroleum Education Council (PEC) Premier, will be holding five-day Oil Patch Preparation Systems (OPPS) safety trainings this fall at the CBC Pleasanton site. The OPPS trainings are scheduled for October 14-18, November 11-15, and December 9-13.

OPPS is a five-day entry level safety training and job placement program that is designed to help students gain the skills needed to get started in oil and gas safety related occupations in the Eagle Ford Shale. Students enrolled in OPPS will receive hands-on training in addition to classroom instruction, and the training credential is transferable.

The program is being customized to meet employer and industry demands in the Eagle Ford Shale area. OPPS provides an oil and gas career starting point for entry-level workers, veterans, and other people who want to work in safety related occupations.

“Coastal Bend College is proud to be a part of the dynamic opportunities that have presented themselves in the Eagle Ford Shale industries. The OPPS safety training will provide the entry level training that is needed to gain entry into the oil and gas occupations. Safety is of the utmost importance, and it’s the key component in making sure the employees get home safely at the end of the day,” said Lillian Garza, Director of Customized and Continuing Education for CBC.

A student that enrolls in OPPS will attend class from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. for five consecutive days at the CBC Pleasanton site located on 1411 Bensdale Road. The cost of the OPPS safety training is $600, and thanks to a generous donation from DCP Midstream there are scholarships available to veterans that will cover the entire safety training fee.

To register for the program or to obtain more information, please contact Lillian Garza at (361) 354-2331, Nora Cartwright at (361) 354-2230, Katie Sherman at (830) 569-4222 ext. 1203, or Sharon Mayberry at (830) 569-4222 ext. 1201.

Five-day oil & gas safety training available at

CBC Pleasanton this fall

6 | CBC FORUM

FIeld of dreamsFIeld of dreamsCBC gearing up for NJCAA Men’s Baseball after 29 year hiatusAt the June 2013 regular CBC Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved the addition of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Men’s Baseball Team. The new team will feature many local athletes from around the Coastal Bend.

They will be led by head coach Mike Chavez, a Corpus Christi native and former Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders baseball player.

“We have good kids, and I have every bit of confidence that we are going to compete and compete well. Many of the players that we are bringing here to Coastal Bend College come from very good high school baseball programs and very good coaching. Those are the players that I am hoping that will help lead us in the right direction,” said Mike Chavez, Head Coach.

The season will kick-off in late January 2014 at Joe Hunter Field on the CBC Beeville campus. Renovation plans for the field are currently underway.

Tickets, sponsorships, and more information are available by contacting Estevan Vasquez, CBC Athletic Director, at (361) 354-2721 or via email at jevasquez@coastalbend.edu.

Left: Burke Ellwood, Former President of the Commercial National Bank; Dr. Grady C. Hogue, Former CBC President; and Bob Leach, Former CBC Baseball Coach examine the installation of the scoreboard at Joe Hunter field in 1974. The first game was against Concordia Lutheran College.

Women’s Volleyball GamesOctober 1 Concordia University (JV) @ 7:00 PM, Austin, TXOctober 2 Laredo Community College @ 6:00 PM, Laredo, TXOctober 8 Wharton County Junior College @ 6:00 PM, Beeville, TXOctober 11 Blinn College @ 6:00 PM, Beeville, TXOctober 14 Huston Tillotson University @ 7:00 PM, Beeville, TXOctober 17 Laredo Community College @ 3:00 PM, Laredo, TXOctober 17 Our Lady of the Lake University @ 5:00 PM, Laredo, TXOctober 21 Huston Tillotson University @ 6:30 PM, Austin, TXOctober 25 Lee College @ 6:00 PM, Baytown, TXOctober 26 San Jacinto College @ 6:00 PM, Pasedena, TXNovember 1 Laredo Community College @ 6:00 PM, Beeville, TX

Men’s Soccer GamesOctober 3 University of Houston- Victoria @ 4:00 pmOctober 6 University of Dallas @ 4:00 pmOctober 12 Northwest Texas Community College @ 4:00 pmOctover 13 Tyler Junior College @ 1:00 pmOctober 19 San Jacinto College @ 7:00 pm

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WORKFORCE PROGRAMS

Above: CBC Radiologic Technology students, from left to right, Cynthia Dean, Kimberly Stillman, Allison Dugger, and Mallory Morales give us an inside glimpse into the program.

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WORKFORCE PROGRAMS

CBC’s Radiologic Technology Program is prepped for a bright future. In late August 2013, Timothy Skaife, CBC Radiologic Technology Program Director, got the news he’d been waiting for–the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) re-accredited the program through 2021.

That’s eight years, if you’re keeping count.

program can be re-accredited for up to a maximum of 8 years, which is what we got. It’s not free sailing from here on out though. There will be an interim report in 2017, but for the most part, we’re set,” said Skaife.

Though the history of CBC’s Radiologic Technology program is a short one–the program was launched in the 2007-2008 school year– it’s made an impact on the college, its students, and it has helped meet the industry demands of the Coastal Bend region.

Since its inception, the program has graduated 58 students. The majority of them have passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist’s (ARRT) exam on the first try. Current students in the program attribute their successes to the fact that they get hands-on training. A lot of hands-on training.

The day I met with CBC radiology student Allison Dugger happened to be the day right after she participated as a student technician in a surgery that involved toes. Doesn’t sound too exciting until you hear what happened.

“The surgeon fixed the toes, but to fix them, they broke all the patient’s toes. Every single one. Then they fixed them with rods. All the knuckles were removed, too, and pinned in place. I helped by taking x-rays in the operating room,” Dugger said calmly.

As a second year student, Dugger has had about a year to build up the skills and confidence needed to be successful (and calm) assisting in the operating room. Both first and second year radiology students split their weeks in half; two days are spent at CBC in the classroom, and two days are spent at one of seven clinical sites in the Coastal Bend area.

During clinicals, radiology students observe and work in the radiology department of one of seven different hospitals. That means they get access and hands-on training with up to seven different types/set-ups of radiologic equipment. The seven clinical sites are Christus Spohn Hospital in Alice, Beeville, and Kingsville; Connelly Memorial Medical Center in Floresville; Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital in Kenedy; Refugio Memorial

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Hospital in Refugio; and South Texas Regional Hospital in Jourdanton.

At CBC, they’re taught by Skaife and Ludie Tyran, both of whom have been with the CBC Radiologic Technology program since its inception. Collectively, they bring over 60 years of experience and knowledge to their students at CBC. The students all have positive things to say about the program and their instructors– just don’t let the students hear you call it an “x-ray program”.

“We don’t just take x-rays. This is not an x-ray technician program. We have to know the body inside and out. We need to learn proper positions, we need to know what the doctor wants to see and how to show him, and we have to know the bones,” Dugger said. “We also spend hours and hours studying.”

Dugger’s second year classmates Cynthia Dean, Mallory Morales, and Kimberly Stillman will attest to the fact that the program involves countless hours spent studying, and that the program requires commitment and dedication. The program takes 22 months to complete, so these students must learn to work together and be a team. Interested students can apply to the program every spring, and the competition is stiff.

“My advice to students who want to apply to our program is to take both levels of anatomy and physiology, and to take college algebra before applying. They have to want to learn. They need to be committed because 22 months is a long time. Students do get burned

out, so they have to be mentally prepared. It’s exciting though. The clinical sites and surgeons need them, even as students,” Tyran explained.

Once they graduate, they are ready to enter the workforce. But the transformation from student to radiologist doesn’t happen overnight. Tyran and Skaife, from day one, have to mold their students to become caring, knowledgeable professionals.

“What we start with and what we end up with are two different people. We have a professional mold we want students to fit into. There’s never any question about attire, behavior, what to say or not say. We ingrain the knowledge and behavior that is expected of a radiologist into them,” Skaife explained.

And boy does a radiology student’s hard work pay off...literally.

According to data the program collects about their students, most of them start off earning about $20 per hour here in the Coastal Bend (the median hourly wage in Texas in 2012 was $25.02 according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics). However, Skaife recalls a story about two former radiology students who were trying to see who could earn the most money their first year out of the program.

The winner came up just shy of earning $100,000 their first year in the workforce. Skaife explained that once students start getting certified in medical specialties, and start working weekends and overtime, a student can feasibly make up to $70 an hour.

While the pay makes for a great living, Skaife and Tyran emphasize that an ideal radiology student, and therefore an ideal radiologist, is compassionate, patient, and has a desire to help people.

Stillman decided to focus her studies on radiology because it’s such a diverse field that can improve the lives of people.

“You can learn how to do CT scans, MRI’s, and even take mammograms, in addition to taking general x-rays at hospitals or doctor’s offices. We help diagnose, help, and heal people. It’s a good way to help take care of my family financially,” Stillman said.

Dean chose to study radiology after working in another field for over 13 years. After finishing up the program this year, she looks forward to transferring to a university to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the field.

“As students we see motor vehicle

accidents, we see open bodies, we see bones sticking out. How our bones can just heal after trauma is fascinating and interesting. The program is demanding– I have my family quiz me on stuff while I am cooking, and I study about 2-3 hours for each class I take,” Dean said.

As these students embark on the final eight months of the CBC Radiologic Technology program, they have a lot to do and a lot to look forward to. In addition to classes, clinicals, and studying for their ARRT exams, the students are pumped up about the 26th Student & Radiographer’s Seminar and Educator’s Conference being held in Atlanta, Georgia in March 2014.

At the conference, the students get to meet the authors of their textbooks. Plus, Tyran spoke of a radiology bee (quiz game) where the students get to showoff their knowledge and compete for a cash prize. Throughout the year the radiology students hold fundraisers to help offset the travel costs of getting to the conference.

“Seriously, people can support us just by buying lunch from us,” Dugger said.

As excited as the students are about their conference, they’re even more excited about graduation day– May 9, 2014. Luckily, none of the students seem to be stressed about finding a job. Maybe it’s the fact that employment in the radiologic technology field is expected to grow 25.9% by the year 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.

“I had a student that was offered a job during Christmas break, and they didn’t even graduate until May 2013. We are required to obtain employment data about our grads, and every student that wants a job, has a job. A job might start on an as-needed basis, then part-time, then leads to full-time. We have former students that have climbed up the ladder and contact us wanting to hire students from our program,” Tyran said, “Simply put– our radiology students get hired.”

Totally Rad Quick Facts:CBC’s radiology program accepts about 15 students a year, which means students receive one-on-one attention and more hands-on learning opportunities.

Applications for admittance into the program are accepted every spring. Stay tuned to the CBC Radiologic Technology website for info/deadlines: www.coastalbend.edu/radiology/

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Join the CBC/BCC Alumni & Friends Association!

• $25 per year—membership will consist of graduates, any person who took classes at CBC/BCC or friends/supporters of CBC/BCC.

• 2013 graduates and past members get 1 year free!

• Benefits will include: e-newsletter (CBC Forum), alumni decal, and admission to one CBC sporting event.

• Annual membership dues help to fund student and alumni events at all CBC sites/locations.

• For more details, email foundation@coastalbend.edu

BEE COUNTY COLL

EGE

COA

STAL BEND COLLEGE

Alumni & FriendsAssociation

Victory Media, the media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named Coastal Bend College to the coveted Military Friendly Schools® list. The 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the

country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

“Inclusion on the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools® shows Coastal Bend College’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students,” said Sean Collins, Vice President at Victory Media and a nine-year Navy veteran. “The need for education is growing and our mission is to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools.”

The Military Friendly Schools® media and website, found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, feature the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences. The 1,868 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. These schools have world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility, and other services to those who served.

“Coastal Bend College offers so many high quality workforce programs and college courses that are available to servicemen and women. We can help them take that next step in their life by helping to further their education and reach their goals. I am honored CBC has been deemed ‘Military Friendly’ because we are here to truly serve our veterans/dependents and service members,” said Rosie Streicher, CBC Veterans Affairs Specialist.

Now in its fifth year, the 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools ® was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 10,000 schools nationwide approved for VA tuition funding. The survey results that comprise the 2014 list were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media. Each year schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria, and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country.

For more information about veteran benefits, programs, and scholarships at Coastal Bend College, please visit www.coastalbend.edu/veteransaffairs or call Rosie Streicher at (361) 354-2421.

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At Coastal Bend College, we’re honored to serve our servicemen and women. Here’s a look at the CBC Veteran Students that received the

DCP Midstream Operation Next scholarship.

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Mike E. Fahey, U.S. ArmyRound Rock, TexasCBC Oil & Gas Technology Student

Military Honors: 82nd Airborne Division Soldier of the Year, Jump Qualified, Canadian Commando Wings

Fahey has a 4.0 GPA at CBC and has been on the Dean’s List. After graduation, he hopes to obtain employment as a lease operator working in a remote location.

“Receiving the Operation Next scholarship helped make my semester less stressful. All veterans should take advantage of these great opportunities available at the college– they’re yours, go get them!”

Frank Hiracheta, U.S. Marine CorpsCorpus Christi, TexasCBC Welding Technology Student

Military Honors: 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Marine Unit Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal

Hiracheta and his brother-in-law are working on a top secret patent for a welding product thanks in part to what Hiracheta is learning at CBC.

“It’s hard for vets to put education before money, but taking the time to get an education is always worth it. CBC is helping foster my entrepreneurial spirit, and after I complete the welding program I plan on enrolling in the oil and gas program. The Operation Next scholarship helped my wife and I a lot. It’s hard being a husband and student.”

Danny Joe Webb, U.S. ArmySkidmore, Texas

CBC Oil & Gas Technology Student

Webb’s son served in Iraq and was wounded. As the parent of a veteran and a veteran himself,

Webb realizes the importance of providing services and opportunities to those who have

served our country. Webb will graduate with his oil and gas certificate in May 2014, and he will

continue his education and pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“Mr. Coley and Rosie (CBC VA Specialist) are the 2 best things to happen in my life in a long time. It’s never too late to get an education, and education

is important to building a stable financial future. My advice to young veterans is to not wait to go

to school–go to college right off the bat.”

Walter Richardson, U.S. ArmyCBC Oil & Gas Technology Student

Military Honors: Good conduct award, ARCOM, Driver’s Mechanic Badge, 2 time Iraqi War Vet

Richardson graduates in December 2013, and hopes to put his hands-on training to use in the oil and gas industry. He’s a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“Mr. Coley (CBC Professor) worked hard to give us hands-on training and opportunities to visit oil and gas companies. I would encourage any veteran to attend CBC.”

Adam Nunez, U.S. ArmyKenedy, Texas

CBC Oil & Gas Technology Student

Military Honors: 2 Good Conduct Medals, 3 ARCOM’s, 4 Army Achievement Medals, Combat

Action Badge

Nunez enrolled at CBC to improve he and his children’s lives. He has a passion for oil and gas

technology, and firmly believes you have to love what you do in life.

“I’m a hard worker, and so thankful for the Operation Next scholarship. I put every effort I have into making good grades and improve

myself. I have many opportunities at CBC, and I don’t take any of them for granted.”

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CBC FOUNDATIONAs a native of South Texas and an alumnus of Coastal Bend College, I am deeply honored and excited to help CBC grow in my new role as the Executive Director of the Coastal Bend College Foundation. Dynamic students, caring staff, and dedicated faculty make CBC a great place to study and work, and I am thrilled to be a part of the CBC family.

Many wonderful things are happening at CBC, and we invite you to take part in

our success. Last year, CBC awarded 775 certificates and associate degrees. Some of our top programs included Oil & Gas Technology, Dental Hygiene, Vocational Nursing (LVN), Professional Nursing (RN), Radiologic Technology, and Law Enforcement. Together we can enrich lives, build futures, and uplift communities – one student at a time.

The Coastal Bend College Foundation is devoted to providing excellence in education to all our students and increasing institutional support to CBC, but we cannot do this alone. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college. Over 86% of first time college students attending CBC require financial aid to realize their academic goals. Of all our students that qualified for financial aid during the 2012 academic year, only 176 students had all of their financial need met for the year. Support from our alumni and community is more important than ever. Because of the generous support of caring individuals such as you, the Coastal Bend College Foundation is able to provide student scholarships, help grow CBC programs, and reward innovative teaching.

As we embark on the 2013 academic year, we do so with renewed vigor and focus. We continue to collaborate with our communities to increase educational opportunities for our students. We look to our staff and faculty to lead the way in innovative teaching as we work to provide support and reward excellence in education. As we reconnect with CBC alumni, family, and friends, we will establish a network of professional contacts, career development opportunities, and help to rekindle old friendships and begin new ones through a Bee County College/Coastal Bend College Alumni and Friends Association. Great things are happening at CBC, and we hope you will join us on this amazing journey!

Sincerely,

Patricia PatelExecutive Director, CBC Foundation(361) 354-2447 // foundation@coastalbend.eduwww.coastalbend.edu/foundation

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CBC FOUNDATION

The main goal of the Coastal Bend College Foundation is to foster and create a culture of student success at Coastal Bend College. You can help support our mission by making a contribution. No contribution is too small.

For some of our students, simple things such as child care, car problems, or the cost of textbooks can be the difference between realizing their dreams or putting college on the back burner for a year, 5 years, 10 years, or even a lifetime. Your contribution can fund dreams and improve our communities.

Together, we have the responsibility to enhance and enrich our students’ education and lives. Make a contribution today, and you can impact lives tomorrow.

• A $10 monthly donation can help support a student success or cultural activity for students to enjoy.

• A $25 monthly donation can help provide textbooks and supplies for a student.

• A $50 monthly donation can provide a CBC scholarship for a student to help offset the cost of tuition.

• A $100 monthly donation can help provide childcare services for students who have young children and want to better their lives.

• A $200 monthly donation can help fund grants to encourage innovative and cutting edge teaching methodologies in our classrooms.

The CBC Foundation raised over $250,000 in the last fiscal year thanks to generous contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Coastal Bend. The funds helped provide scholarships to veterans, student athletes, and community members. Now it’s your turn to help.

Make a difference. Donate today at www.coastalbend.edu/foundation

16 | CBC FORUM

COLLEGE NEWS They may be new, but they bring fresh enthusiasm and ideas for taking CBC to the next level. Here’s a closer

look at some of CBC’s new leadership talent.

Eloisa Garcia, D.N.P.Director of Nursing Education

Dr. Eloisa Garcia, a Corpus Christi native and a Family Nurse Practitioner, looks forward to bringing her

knowledge from the medical field to her classroom and laboratory to help educate the next generation of nurses in the Coastal Bend. Having worked in nursing programs at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi and Vista College in Beaumont, Garcia knows what it takes to be successful in and out of the classroom. One of her goals is to focus on student remediation and lowering attrition rates with the help and support of the talented CBC nursing faculty.

Garcia also wishes to continue strengthening the program’s involvement with the community, “The community has embraced the Nursing Department through various private sector participation of clinical sites where our student nurses can apply hands-on practice. CBC has small faculty to student ratios and has a variety of workforce studies to choose from. Students should choose CBC Nursing for the opportunity to fulfill their goals to serve the community as proficient Licensed Vocational Nurses and Registered Nurses.”

She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2011 from Frontier Nursing University, and she has experience in simulation lab education, online nursing education, and curriculum review/support.

To learn more about the CBC Nursing Program, please call (361) 354-2544 or visit www.coastalbend.edu/nursing.

Julia GarciaDean of Workforce & Director of Pleasanton Site

Julia Garcia has years of experience in the business and sales industry. She helped garner sales of over $20 million by procuring food from Latin American countries and distributing them to vendors all across the United States and Canada. Additionally, she’s sold over $1 million worth of workforce training to companies such as Toyota, Kimberly Clarke, and Caterpillar in the greater San Antonio, San Marcos, and Seguin markets.

Given all her experience in sales and workforce training, Garcia is a beneficial asset to the CBC team. She looks forward to expanding CBC’s workforce training by ramping up CBC’s Customized and Continuing Education Division, in addition to improving current CBC workforce college credit programs. Furthermore, Garcia is working on ways to bring more workforce training opportunities to local high schools via CBC’s Dual Credit Program.

“As a college dean, I would like for the community to know that we are here to assist and support the community and industry in every possible way. The ideal for me is that the community will come to Coastal Bend College for their training and educational needs. CBC can help pave the road to their success,” Garcia said.

Garcia has a master’s degree, and is originally from Mission, Texas. She currently resides in San Antonio, Texas. She can be contacted at (830) 569-4222 or via email at jgarcia@coastalbend.edu.

FALL 2013 | 17

COLLEGE NEWSDenice HadwinHuman Resources Director

Denice Hadwin began her career with Coastal Bend College nearly 22 years ago when she was the Student Life & Housing Coordinator. After doing that for nearly a decade, she became the assistant to the Human Resources Director, the Assistant Human Resources Director, and finally the Human Resources Director. She and her team work hard to ensure all employees and student workers get their pay on time, have access to their benefits, and that the

community is aware of open employment positions at the college.

“I love being a part of an organization that strives and encourages individuals to achieve their dreams. I believe students will find that CBC has tremendous faculty and staff dedicated to their success. A unique characteristic of CBC is the strong relationships that develop between the students, faculty, and staff. A number of students that attended CBC 20 years ago still communicate with me today,” Hadwin said.

She is an avid traveler and has visited over 11 European countries, and in 2011 she traveled through Israel. Hadwin, an animal lover, loves to spend time with her four-legged children Dotti, Ike, Briggs, Abby, and Dassah when she’s not hard at work. To contact Hadwin or the Human Resources Department, please call (361) 354-2224 or visit www.coastalbend.edu/Human_Resources/.

Kayla D. JonesDual Credit Director

Kayla Jones, a CBC Alum, has transitioned from the CBC TRiO Student Support Services Counselor to the

CBC Dual Credit Director. Jones has had a passion for higher education ever since she was a child– her parents instilled in her the importance of higher education. Her hope is that she can continue to grow and flourish partnerships with area school districts to offer an array of dual credit courses which can lead to a Level I, II Certificate and/or CBC degree.

“The community can help our mission by promoting the dual credit program at CBC to anyone they know. Tuition is really affordable (and sometimes free) for dual credit students. This is a great opportunity for ALL students to save on their college education. As a CBC Alum, I can tell student’s first-hand that CBC is a great institution to begin their college career. I not only received a college education, but learned many life lessons. The CBC faculty and staff are friendly and always willing to help students succeed. Who wouldn’t want to attend an institution where “student success” is their #1 priority?”

Jones received her master’s degree in counseling, and currently resides in Beeville with her husband and son. She can be reached via email at kdjones@coastalbend.edu or via telephone at (361) 354-2714.

Susana MorónDirector of Business Services

Moron is a CPA from Beeville, Texas, and she has previously served as the Goliad County Auditor and the Bee County Auditor. She graduated from Texas A&I University in Kingsville with her Bachelor in Business Administration.

In her new role at Coastal Bend College, Moron looks forward to implementing best practices related to accounting and business services.

“Overall, I want the CBC Business Office to provide outstanding customer service to all of our students and patrons. CBC is a good college for students to gain a solid educational foundation. It is an honor, and very rewarding, to see our students graduate and embark on their careers.”

To contact Morón, please call (361) 354-2212 or email moron@coastalbend.edu.

18 | CBC FORUM

DUAL CREDITPatricia PatelExecutive Director of the Coastal Bend College Foundation

Patricia Patel, the 2013 CBC Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, is the new face of the Coastal Bend College Foundation. A life-long advocate of public education, Patel has devoted her personal life to helping improve access to quality education for at-risk populations. Through her volunteer networks, she was instrumental in bringing the first summer migrant program to Lansing Community College. Her background and commitment to CBC and its

students will help take the CBC Foundation and its goals to the next level.

“My new role as the CBC Foundation Executive Director is an opportunity to pay it forward and promote lifelong learning. Through the work of the CBC Foundation and the philanthropic spirit of our donors, we are able to provide opportunities for excellence in education and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students,” Patel said. “Overall, the CBC Foundation wants to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for students and promote innovative teaching.”

A native of South Texas and an alumnus of Coastal Bend College and The University of Texas at Austin, Patel enjoys traveling with her son and husband. To contact the CBC Foundation to see how you can help increase student success, please call (361) 354-2447 or email foundation@coastalbend.edu.

Susan SmedleyDirector of the Alice & Kingsville Sites

Smedley isn’t new to Coastal Bend College, but she is new to her position

of overseeing programming and classes at the CBC Alice and Kingsville sites. Her enthusiasm, passion for student success, and decades of experience in economic development, advertising, and marketing make her a creative, forward thinking leader. One of the items at the top of her agenda is strengthening partnerships.

“Throughout my career one core belief has remained constant: collaboration and partnering are critical to the process of building vital and productive relationships. This mind-set ultimately leads to more vibrant and economically viable communities and regions. Coastal Bend College is committed to doing our part as an economic agent and facilitator,” Smedley said.

Smedley has a Bachelor of Science in advertising, and is a native of Bee County. You can contact Susan Smedley at smedleys@coastalbend.edu or (361) 592-1615 (Kingsville site) and (361) 664-2981 (Alice site).

Kyle Wagner, Ph.D.Vice-President of Instruction and Economic Development

Dr. Kyle Wagner brings innovative and effective plans and ideas that will help students/graduates of CBC’s workforce programs obtain jobs in

their respective fields. Wagner’s Stackable Degree Model for employment of students helps students boost their knowledge and earning power one semester at a time–each semester builds upon the knowledge learned from the previous semester.

Wagner also has experience in developing workforce education programs from the ground up. In doing so, he’s worked with the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as several regional workforce businesses and organizations.

Wagner’s call to action is simple, “ I ask that the nine counties, (Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Karnes, Live Oak, McMullen, and parts of Atascosa and Kleberg counties) that make up all the communities we serve, come to the table and work with us to build a strategic plan that partners with and serves each county, city, school district, and business. CBC has the time and the dedicated staff and faculty here, RIGHT NOW, wanting to help everyone to become successful and start making a difference in their community.”

Wagner oversees all instruction and economic development at CBC, and can be contacted at (361) 354-2268 or via email at kvwagner@coastalbend.edu.

FALL 2013 | 19

DUAL CREDIT

Victoria Elizalde may be the daughter of the Vice-President of Student & Administrative Services at CBC, but more importantly, she’s also a CBC Dual Credit Program graduate and success story. Alright, no pressure, but tell me what it’s like to have your mom (Velma Elizalde) work at CBC while you’re enrolled in dual credit classes at A.C. Jones?

My mom and dad both instilled in me the importance of dual credit and doing well in school. My mom working at CBC means she tells me a lot more than my dad does. But, honestly, they both tell me that they feel I will do great in whatever I do. They encourage and support me 100%.

You were a female in the dual credit welding program– tell me about that experience.

Everyone kind of looked at me funny because welding is usually a "guy thing". I couldn’t walk around without getting stared at. I proved everybody wrong though. We had our district meet, and over 40 people competed. I ended up being the only girl in the district to win first place. Anyone can be successful if they just try.

That’s an amazing feat. Why did you feel it was important to take dual credit classes?

I liked the idea of taking classes that will count twice, once for high school credit and once for college credit. Honestly, it was just a better use of my time. I also loved taking classes online because it allowed me to set my own schedule. The classes helped me with time management, being disciplined, and knowing what is expected of me in college.

You graduated from CBC before graduating from high school. That’s kind of awesome, right?

It was pretty awesome. All my friends were kind of freaking out. They were really happy for me. My family is proud, too, of course. It’s all thanks to CBC.

What do you want high school students to know about CBC and the dual credit program?

I would tell anyone and everyone that CBC is a great place to get your college career started. The people are all there to help you. My teachers were understanding and helpful, whether online or on campus. I feel dual credit students still get the same attention and quality of education as traditional college students. Plus, I’m going to a university this fall with over 60 credit hours on my transcript.

Which university are you attending, and what are your overall career goals?

I’m attending Huston-Tillotson in Austin, Texas to play basketball and work on my Bachelor’s degree in teaching. After that, I’d like to obtain a BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) from the University of Houston. As long as I can remember, nursing has always been my top career choice. I love helping people.

At CBC, our motto is that a student’s future starts here. Would you agree?

Definitely. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for CBC.

DUAL CREDIT

The term “community” is at the heart of any community college’s mission. Coastal Bend College takes our commitment to the communities we serve to heart in everything we do.

At CBC, we thrive on creating a community college experience that focuses squarely on student success.

Our main campus is located in beautiful Beeville, Texas. Beeville is home to many great local restaurants, businesses, and friendly Texans. Conveniently located within 1-2 hours of major metropolitan cities, Beeville is an ideal location to start your education and enjoy all that South Texas has to offer. Cowboy boots are optional.

Coastal Bend College also proudly serves the cities of Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton, Texas, as well as their surrounding communities. CBC has sites in each of these cities that offer many of the same affordable, quality academic and workforce courses offered on our main campus.

All of our locations feature state-of-the-art computer labs and equipment, knowledgeable and talented faculty, and a dedicated and friendly team of staff members ready to help you succeed. It’s all part of our commitment to student success, and it’s part of our South Texas charm.

Our courses and programs are offered during the daytime, evening, and even weekends. Although we’d love to see you in-person, CBC offers many courses online allowing you to work on your degree at any time and any place with an Internet connection.

Small town college. Endless possibilities. Start at CBC.

Beeville Campus361.358.2838

3800 Charco Road

Alice Site361.664.2981

704 Coyote Trail

Kingsville Site361.592.1615

1814 S. Brahma Boulevard

Pleasanton Site830.569.4222

1411 Bensdale Road