TSTC and Kilgore College signal continued area partnership

(MARSHALL, Texas) – Representatives of Texas State Technical College and Kilgore College signed an updated memorandum of understanding on Thursday regarding technical programs being taught at the East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy in Longview.

“It’s not a competition, but a partnership,” said Brenda Kays, president of Kilgore College.

The academy is about to finish its first year of operation in Longview. It offers the opportunity  for area high school juniors and seniors to take technical classes and earn dual-credit hours in programs including Instrumentation and Precision Machining Technology.

Under the updated agreement, TSTC in Marshall will continue to credential the instructors teaching the Precision Machining Technology program and Kilgore College will continue supporting the Instrumentation program.

Elton Stuckly Jr., TSTC’s executive vice chancellor and chief strategic relations officer, said there has been confusion in Longview about TSTC’s involvement in the academy.

“We want to do this today to show that we are area partners here,” Stuckly said. “We come in with the invitation of Kilgore College to work with them here.”

Earlier in the day, Stuckly toured the academy and said he was impressed with the labs and equipment.

For more information on the East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy, go to etxama.org.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to www.tstc.edu.