Southwest Texas Junior College

Southwest Texas Junior College is a public community college located in Uvalde, Texas, with additional campuses in Del Rio, Texas, and Eagle Pass, Texas. The college was established in 1946 and has since become a vital part of the South Texas region, providing higher education opportunities to students from Maverick County, Zavala County, and Uvalde County. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. Notable alumni include Texas State Representative Poncho Nevárez and Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin.

● History

The history of the college dates back to 1946, when it was established as Uvalde Junior College. Over the years, the college has undergone several name changes, becoming Southwest Texas Junior College in 1967. The college has a strong connection to the University of Texas at Austin, with many students transferring to the university after completing their associate's degree. The college has also partnered with other institutions, including Texas A&M University, Texas State University, and University of the Incarnate Word, to provide students with a seamless transfer process. Notable events in the college's history include the 1969 student strike, which led to the establishment of the Student Government Association, and the 1985 flood that damaged several buildings on campus.

● Campus

The college has three main campuses, located in Uvalde, Texas, Del Rio, Texas, and Eagle Pass, Texas. The Uvalde Campus is the largest, with over 40 buildings, including the William R. "Bill" Klager Library and the Rodney W. Glover Student Center. The campus is also home to the Uvalde Memorial Hospital and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The Del Rio Campus is located near Lake Amistad and offers stunning views of the surrounding Hill Country. The Eagle Pass Campus is situated near the Rio Grande and provides students with easy access to Mexico.

● Academics

The college offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate's degrees in arts, sciences, and applied sciences. Students can choose from over 50 different majors, including business administration, nursing, and computer science. The college is also home to the Southwest Texas Junior College Honors Program, which provides students with a challenging and rigorous curriculum. The college has partnerships with several universities, including University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas Tech University, and University of North Texas, to provide students with transfer opportunities. Notable faculty members include Dr. Linda Garcia, Dr. John Smith, and Dr. Maria Hernandez.

● Student Life

The college offers a variety of student organizations and clubs, including the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Society of Black Engineers. Students can also participate in intramural sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The college has a strong connection to the Uvalde Community, with many students participating in volunteer work and community service projects. Notable events include the annual Uvalde Festival, the Del Rio Fiesta, and the Eagle Pass Charro Days.

● Athletics

The college's athletic teams are known as the Cowboys and compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The college offers men's basketball, women's basketball, baseball, and softball. The Cowboys have won several championships, including the 2015 Region XIV Basketball Championship. Notable athletes include NBA player Shaquille O'Neal, MLB player Nolan Ryan, and Olympic athlete Carl Lewis. The college has also hosted several tournaments, including the NJCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and the NJCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

Category:Education in Texas