(HUTTO, Texas) – Kelly L. Coke, Ed.D., provost at Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus, has been named a Women of Wilco Awards finalist.
The Women of Wilco Awards are a collaboration among Williamson County area chambers to recognize women who are making a positive impact across the county through leadership, dedication, and service. Winners will be announced at the Women of Wilco Awards event on March 6, at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center in Georgetown.
“I’m honored to be named a Women of Wilco Awards finalist,” Coke said. “This recognition reflects the work our students, campus team, TSTC leadership team, and community partners are doing to expand opportunity and help Texans gain skills that lead to good jobs in Williamson County and Central Texas.”
Coke has served as provost at TSTC’s Williamson County campus since Feb. 5, 2024. Under her leadership, Advanced Manufacturing enrollment increased 23% in fall 2025 compared to fall 2024, and overall program enrollment growth increased 22%.
“Dr. Kelly Coke and her team are leading an effective effort for those in Williamson County and across our region to gain stackable skills that will allow them to not only enter, but advance in high-paying, high-demand careers needed in Central Texas,” said Susan Dawson, E3 Alliance president. “Our region is better because of her proven leadership.”
Kyle Seipp, the E3 Alliance’s senior director of postsecondary readiness and workforce readiness, said that leadership and focus have carried into collaboration between the organization and the college.
“She and TSTC have been hospitable and welcoming to our growing partnership, which makes it easy to focus on outcomes and benefits, especially in how to strengthen our local workforce pipelines,” said Seipp.
Under Coke’s leadership, the campus advanced plans for a Manufacturing Technology Center scheduled to open in spring 2027. The 70,000-square-foot facility will increase training capacity and add new offerings, including accelerated semiconductor technician training and robotics, to help prepare more students for high-demand manufacturing careers.
Kevin Fincher, CEO of the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association, said Coke has helped strengthen manufacturing workforce efforts in Central Texas.
“Dr. Coke has been a pivotal partner and ally in the manufacturing workforce,” he said. “She engaged with industry to seek direct feedback on how TSTC could improve current programs and identify gaps where new training was needed. She has collaborated at a regional level with industry and other education and workforce partners to help drive apprenticeship programs.”
David Porter, executive director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, said TSTC is helping create a “talent pipeline” to cultivate a strong workforce in the county.
“What TSTC is doing is only going to enhance our capability of attracting even more companies, but they are one of our greatest assets,” he said. “It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity to bring in even more people to train to go to work in the semiconductor industry.”
Gov. Greg Abbott’s office announced a $3.5 million grant for TSTC’s Williamson County campus to expand the Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program. Coke and staff at the campus helped secure the grant to meet the region’s growing demand for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing talent.
In 2025, Coke helped TSTC in Williamson County collaborate with 377 manufacturing and industrial employer partners through advisory participation, recruiting engagement and work-based learning opportunities, including 13 employers offering internships, co-ops or apprenticeships.
“I’m proud of our students, our campus community and the industry partners who make this work possible,” Coke said. “When our community comes together, we can better support Texas industry and connect Texans with great-paying jobs.”
Coke also supported The TSTC Foundation, which helps remove financial barriers by providing scholarships and Helping Hands Emergency Aid and by securing grants that strengthen student success efforts. Partners supporting these initiatives include Samsung, the Applied Materials Foundation, EOS North America, Skybox Critical Operations, SpawGlass and Vistra Corp.
“By expanding support through the Helping Hands program, we’re working to remove barriers that can keep students from completing their training,” Coke said. “When students finish, they can step into good jobs and help meet workforce needs in Williamson County.”
For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.