Del Mar College Foundation announces two new scholarships honoring retiring Executive Vice President and COO Lenora Keas during recent Board of Regents meeting
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December
2025
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15:15 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Gifted scholarships will keep DMC administrator’s legacy moving forward as resources for students pursuing their dreams locally and in Rockport area; Board also presented Keas’ favorite pelican painting that used to hang in Rockport’s City Hall
Article by Melinda Eddleman
Lenora Keas_DMC Executive vice President and COO_Headshot
She has served in many roles during her 43-year career at Del Mar College (DMC). The list is long and includes such titles as Professor, Department Chair, Executive Director, Interim Provost and more; and currently, Lenora Keas serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
College officials announced Keas’ retirement in September, which will be Jan. 31. During last week’s Board of Regents regular monthly meeting on Dec. 9, regents held a special recognition for Keas to honor her years of service and impact on the lives of students, fellow employees and the business and general communities across South Texas’ Coastal Bend region.
Of Keas, Board Chair Carol A. Scott read, “Her contributions to the college cannot be overstated, and her vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on Del Mar College and the Coastal Bend. The Board of Regents wishes Lenora all the best in her next chapter and with deep gratitude for your years of service to Del Mar College and the students of South Texas.”
Regents then took turns acknowledging working with Keas as and sharing parting words, along with DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla.
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Your years of service here are incomparable in so many ways. There is no replacing you, and we won’t try. That is not possible. Not in our lifetime.
Dr. Mark Escamilla, Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer
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Someone in our community who is a big fan of Lenora Keas and her professionalism has created two scholarships in her name. These scholarships will be the Lenora Keas Endowed Scholarship and the Lenora Keas Scholarship for Rockport Workforce Students with the Del Mar College Foundation [managing these scholarships and carrying] on her legacy of impact today and moving forward.
Matthew Busby, DMC Vice President of Development and Donor Advising
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Lenora Keas_DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Del Mar College Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas addresses the audiences during a joint announcement of the Aransas County Workforce Development Center in Rockport, Texas. The College will offer workforce training, Continuing Education, Career and Technical Education and academic courses to residents in Aransas County and surrounding communities to help rebuild their economies while targeting specific industry jobs needed in that area. (Photo credit: DMC College Relations)
Ready to Take a Swing
Del Mar College (DMC) administrators, Aransas County representatives and a Texas Legislative dignitary pose with the gold-painted sledgehammers in preparation to “take a swing” at a fabricated sheetrock wall to signify the beginning of interior renovations of the former Little Bay Primary School now known as the De l Mar College Workforce Development Center – Aransas County. The renovation launch was held Jan. 30, 2025, with college officials anticipating the re-opening of the facility in Spring 2026. Posing for the group photo are (from left) DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas; Dr. Mark Escamilla, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer; former Aransas County Judge Burt Mills; Representative Todd Hunter, Texas Legislature (District 32); Aransas County Judge Ray Garza; Nancy Bolting, Board of Directors Chair of the Aransas County Partnership Workforce Development Corporation ACPWDC); John Jackson, former ACPWDC Board Secretary and Past President; Dr. Lesley Austin, Rockport-Fulton Independent School District Superintendent; ACPWDC President Jeffrey Sjostrom; and Rockport Mayor Tim Jayroe. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
AEP Foundation Donation_DMC Workforce Development Center-Aransas County Renovation Kick-off_013025
During the Jan. 30, 2025, renovation kick-off for the Del Mar College (DMC) Workforce Development Center-Aransas County in Rockport, Texas, the AEP Foundation presented a $75,000 check to the DMC Foundation in support of the project. Shown with the oversized check from left is Texas Legislature Rep. Todd Hunter (District 32); DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla; Lenora Keas, DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Patrick S. King, AEP Texas External Affairs Manager; and Matthew Busby, DMC Vice President of Development & Donor Advising. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Standing Ovation_Lenora Keas_Board of Regents Retirement Recognition_120925
Standing at the podium and addressing the Del Mar College Board of Regents, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas thanks the Regents and everyone for recognizing her 43-years of service to the college and South Texas community while audience members give her a standing ovation. Keas will retire on Jan. 31, 2026 after having served many roles from faculty member to top administration official while at the college. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Favorite Pelican Painting_Lenora Keas Board Recognition_120925hoto 120925
During their Dec. 9 regular monthly meeting, the Del Mar College Board of Regents held a special recognition for retiring Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas and presented her with a favorite pelican painting that once hung in Rockport’s City Hall. Keas will retire on Jan. 31, 2026. Shown with the painting are (from left) At-large Regent Dr. Nicholas L. Adame, At-large Regent Libby Averyt, District 4 Regent Dr. Laurie Turner, District 3 Regent Bill Kelly, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla, District 5 Regent Carl Crull, Lenora Keas, Board Chair and At-large Regent Carol A. Scott, District 1 Regent Rudy Garza and District 2 Regent David Loeb. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
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Seldom in life do you get to do what you really want to do and enjoy every day. But to be able to do it with steadfast friends is even more meaningful. And I've had the great pleasure of being able to do that […] and touching lives is a true gift. And, we all have it,” she added. “So, what you've done and what you do every day makes such a difference.
Lenora Keas, DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
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Sheriff John C Hooper_Lenora Keas_Leonard Rivera_DMC NCSO Announcement_071222
On July 12, he Nueces County Sheriff’s Office and Del Mar College administrators jointly announced their partnership to train carpentry skills to selected inmates through the DMC Continuing Education Construction Skills Training Program. The training will help meet the demand for skilled workers in the construction industry in the Coastal Bend and provide participants at the McKinzie Jail Annex with life-changing skills for a better future in a high-demand field. Pictured are Sheriff John C. Hooper (left), DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas and Dr. Leonard Rivera, Dean of DMC Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs. (Credit: DMC Digital Services)
Executive Vice President and COO Lenora Keas and Guests_ERT Open House_051524
During an open house on May 15 on the Windward Campus, Del Mar College unveiled the $1.7 million investment in new emergency response training props and equipment used to prepare Public Service Department credit students for careers as first responders and Coastal Bend industry employers’ safety personnel through the College’s Workforce Programs & Corporate Services Division. Pictured at the podium is DMC Executive President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas thanking industry employers in attendance for their partnership, support and utilization of training opportunities offered by the department and division. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
DMC CBC Transportation Training Agreement
Del Mar College Vice President of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives Lenora Keas (left) and Coastal Bend College Interim President Dr. Carry DeAtley sign a Transportation Training Agreement on Sept. 24 as a partnership to offer DMC’s commercial drivers license training on CBC’s Pleasanton campus to address the shortage of professional truck drivers in South Texas. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Commencement_Summer 2019_Gulf Coast Growth Ventures Scholarship Announcement at Del Mar College 4 copy
Del Mar College student Gilbert Cortinas (right) explains why he chose his major as a means to propvide a good life for his young family during the Gulf Coast Growth Ventures scholarship annuincement for 17 students majoring in Process Technology as DMC President and CEO Mark Escamilla and Vice President of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives Lenora Keas listen. .(Photo credit: DMC College Relations)
DMC_ArcelorMittal Texas HBI Celenration_021524_Group Shot
On Feb. 15, 2024, Del Mar College, DMC Foundation and ArcelorMittal Texas HBI officials as well as invited guests celebrated the company reaching a milestone with cumulated donations reaching $500,000 for scholarships and other support. The event was held on the Windward Campus and recognized the impact the ArcelorMittal Texas Scholarship has on transforming DMC students’ lives and the community where the company resides. Pictured from left to right are Dr. Mark Escamilla, Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO); DMC Vice President of Advancement and Government Relations Mary McQueen; DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott; Welding Technology major Samira “Sam” Marin; Industrial Instrumentation major Patrick Lee; ArcelorMittal Texas HBI CEO Uwe Leopold; Michael Spitz, ArcelorMittal Texas HBI Chief Technical Officer; Industrial Instrumentation major Nicholas Martinez; and DMC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lenora Keas. (Credit: DMC Digital Services)
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
- CANCELLED: DMC Board of Regents Called Meeting Scheduled for Dec. 18 Postponed Until After Winter BreakThe Board of Regents Called Meeting scheduled for today, Dec. 18, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date after the college's Winter Break. A notice will be sent out and posted when the date and time is determined after the holidays. Article by DMC College Relations On Thursday, December 18, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a called meeting beginning at 4 p.m. in Room 106 of the Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 3:55 p.m. A copy of the Agenda Notice is available online as follows: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/called-meeting-12-18-2025.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- DMC announces Winter Commencement scheduled this Friday, Dec. 12, with 573 participants walking stage out of nearly 890 combined fall “prospective” graduates and summer 2025 graduatesArticle by Melinda Eddleman For friends and family of the Del Mar College (DMC) Classes of Summer and Fall 2025, it will be a wonderful moment when the “prospective” fall graduates and participating summer graduates march into the arena of Hilliard Center this Friday, Dec. 12. The ceremony is more than “Pomp & Circumstance.” It represents the work both classes completed to reach their goal … “walking the stage.” “Prospective” fall graduates and summer graduates combined is 889 with 573 participating in Friday’s ceremony, including 139 from the summer class. Between the two classes, the college will have awarded 1,092 certificates, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and occupational skills awards overall overall. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. in the Hilliard Center arena (1901 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401). Graduates were given a limited number of tickets to distribute to family and friends; so for anyone who is unable to attend the event, DMC will livestream commencement activities beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/cLxaMOnAi2M. Prior to fall “prospective” graduates and summer grqaduates making their way to “center stage,” DMC Nurse Education major Melissa Torres will serve as commencement speaker. Torres is the first student in recent memory to deliver the keynote address. Torres is also a member of the Class of Fall 2025 and will join her peers to “walk the stage” to receive her Associate in Applied Science in Registered Nursing degree after addressing everyone in the arena. A Corpus Christi native who graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1992, Torres, is recognized for her exceptional commitment to academic excellence, service and leadership as she advanced her journey in health care education. She first graduated from Del Mar College with an Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology degree in 2004 and began a career as a medical professional with Driscoll Children’s Hospital. The 51-year-old takes pride in being a dedicated mother, partner and daughter and brings a deep sense of purpose to her studies and her future career as a registered nurse, and Friday night, she’ll address her graduating class with a theme focused on “bettering one’s self.” Before Friday’s commencement, Torres will also receive her pins and cords during the Department of Nurse Education’s two ceremonies at Richardson Performance Hall on the Heritage Campus––including the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society’s pinning and the department’s pinning that includes students taking the Florence Nightingale Oath. Torres has served as President of the Fall 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony Committee, leading the group with professionalism, collaboration and a strong commitment to her classmates. In addition to being a member of Alpha Delta Nu, Torres is an active member of the National Student Nurses’ Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success. For her next step after DMC’s Winter Commencement, Torres has been rehired by Driscoll Children’s Hospital, and she begins their Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Residency Program in February.
- DMC Board of Regents holding workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 9Article by DMC College Relations Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 11 a.m. and their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the college’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The college will also livestream the regular meeting. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. Copies of the Agenda Notices and Board Packets are available online as follows: • 11 a.m. Workshop: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-12-9-25.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-board-agenda-packet-12-9-25.pdf Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the college’s guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
- Behind the glamour … DMC Cosmetology Program launching new Associate of Applied Science degree, Level II Certificate beginning this coming springArticle by Melinda Eddleman Most people may not think about the training that prepares professionals with the skills to “glam up” their clients for those holiday parties and special occasions, including haircuts, coloring, manicures, pedicures and other services. No matter where you go, beauty is big business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists has been projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034. And for the projected decade, the bureau determined about 84,200 openings each year for these positions due to career changes or retirement. Job growth among nail technicians is projected to grow 7% during the same period with about 24,800 openings available annually across the country. If you “Google” for hair or nail salons in Corpus Christi, the .To meet the growing opportunity to enter the Coastal Bend’s beauty industry, the Del Mar College (DMC) Cosmetology Program with the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department is expanding from offering Level I Certificate training to launching a new Level II Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cosmetology degree beginning with the spring 2026 Gonzalez says that the AAS degree will give licensed industry professionals the opportunity to earn a college degree rather than just hold a training certificate. “Individuals can petition for credit from any Texas cosmetology school as a licensed professional and will only need to complete eight courses at Del Mar College to earn our associate degree,” she says. Total required semester hours to earn the college’s AAS degree in Cosmetology is 60 hours for students beginning their training at DMC. Required semester hours for students already licensed and who are petitioning to have outside credits count toward the AAS degree may vary. “This is a major opportunity for professionals who want to own their own business or change career paths altogether because earning the AAS degree can then lead to completing Del Mar College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS OML) degree,” Gonzalez notes. The college launched the BAS OML degree in fall ’2024, the second bachelor’s degree DMC offers––with the first 14 students completing the program this past summer (online release). The new Level II Certificate also gives licensed professionals the opportunity to update their skills and learn about current cosmetology trends, including advanced haircutting and styling techniques, eyelash extensions and nail services as well as wigs and hair extension services. “This certificate will move students beyond the 1,000 clock hours needed for licensing,” Gonzalez says. As compared to the required 33 semester hours or credits to earn the Level I Certificate, the new Level II Certificate requires 45 semester hours. Curriculum for all three Cosmetology Program offerings fall under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which also administers the written and practical exam that students must take after completing their training at the college to receive their license. To learn more about the Cosmetology Program and all three offerings––Level I and Level II Certificates and the Associate in Applied Science degree––visit the program website at delmar.edu/degrees/cosmetology/index.html. Individuals can also contact Lissa Gonzalez at 361-698-1782 or lgonzale43@delmar.edu. Currently, registration is underway for Del Mar College’s spring 2026 semester with classes beginning on Jan. 12. On-campus and online registration before the DMC two-week Winter Break runs through 12:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. The college will be closed during this period with regular operations opening at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5. Individuals can get in-person assistance with the admissions process, registration and other help on all three campuses––Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek. For further details, visit the college’s Registration web page at www.delmar.edu/registration or contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar College and Tesla Partnership to Boost Skills, Careers and SustainabilityArticle produced as a collaboration between Tesla and DMC College Relations In partnership with Tesla, Del Mar College (DMC) launched a Chemical Operations Internship with the first cohort starting this fall at the Tesla Gulf Coast Lithium Refinery and cathode production at Gigafactory Texas in Austin. The internship offers early-career opportunities for students to gain industry experience while developing their expertise through higher education. Eleven interns were selected for the inaugural program, which runs for 16 weeks and includes students and graduates from the college’s Process Technology and Industrial Instrumentation Programs with the Industrial Technology Department. Interns include Nadia Barrera, Bradley Boren, Brian Garza, Christopher Karl, Raul Mora, Stan Perkins, Matthew Perez, Albert Soliz, James Vesely, Alan Villarreal and Jordon Wolfe. These students have the opportunity for a sponsored scholarship or full-time roles at Tesla after successfully completing their internship. High-achieving DMC students and graduates participating in the program are developing quality control and equipment operation skills to help increase the supply of lithium and cathode in North America, making it local to Texas. Chemical Operations Intern and DMC Process Technology major Stan Perkins II noted, “Working at Tesla provides on-the-job experience to troubleshoot issues in real-time, an understanding of day-to-day safety operations and the opportunity to apply what I’ve already learned. Through this internship, I’m helping drive sustainable energy right here in Corpus Christi and build the next evolution of chemical refining in the Bay Area.” The partnership runs through 2026. Tesla representatives shared future opportunities and recruited the next cohort of DMC students last month for spring internships. “Del Mar College administrators, staff, faculty and students are enthusiastic about our partnership with Tesla. Our relationship will take the college and our region to greater heights while benefitting our students and their families,” said Dan Korus, DMC Dean of Workforce Programs and Corporate Services. “We’re very grateful for the opportunity to partner with Tesla and look forward to seeing the success it will bring.”
- Two DMC Biotechnology students earn “Award for Excellence” for research presentations during ATE Principal Investigators’ Conference in Washington, D.C.Article by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. It’s one thing to receive recognition for your research project at the state level, which is a major accomplishment. But going the distance in the nation’s capital and receiving an award in front of representatives from more than 240 community colleges is definitely the next level. Del Mar College students Megan O’Shaughnessy and Kristen Waddell, both Biology and Biotechnology majors, recently experienced the honor. Led by DMC Natural Sciences Department faculty member and mentor Dr. Daiyuan “Daisy” Zhang, Professor of Biotechnology, and accompanied by Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jonda Halcomb, the Viking pair attended the 32nd National Advanced Technical Education (ATE) Principal Investigators’ Conference held in Washington, D.C., Oct. 29-31. During the conference, O’Shaughnessy presented her research poster examining whether the extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in the blood of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Virgina opossum could protect these animals from rattlesnake venom. Her results show that the EVs from the snake and the opossum did weaken the venom, making it less able to break down fibrinogen, which helps blood clot, and gelatin, which is like the material found in tissues. O’Shaughnessy, who graduated from Kingwood High School and the Texas Connections Academy in 2022, said her favorite experience during the trip was presenting her research poster to a range of professionals working in STEM fields. “Being able to break down my poster to people at different levels definitely increased my confidence in my knowledge of my project and made me a better presenter,” O’Shaughnessy said. “Del Mar College has provided me with so many opportunities and experiences that have made a big difference on my confidence as a student.” Waddell’s poster focused on a very local and critical area of concern––environmental pollution in Baffin Bay. Baffin Bay and the creeks that flow into it are used for ranching, farming, fishing, bird-watching and other outdoor activities. But some of these waters have a problem. They contain too much fecal bacteria, which can come from humans or animals, which pollutes the environment. Scientists are already studying where this pollution comes from—cows, pigs, humans and birds. And in this project, researchers have added another tool to help track pollutants: a special gene called Class 1 Integron-Integrase gene, or intI1. This gene is important because it is often found in bacteria that carry antibiotic resistance that can be harmful. Including Waddell, researchers collected 142 water samples from Baffin Bay and three nearby creeks. The gene was present in every test site with some places having more than others. San Fernando Creek had the most, followed by Los Olmos Creek, Petronila Creek and then the bay. The amount of the intI1 gene also increased when there were more signs of poop from humans, cows and pigs. This means the intI1 gene is a good clue for spotting pollution caused by people and their activities. Adding this gene to water-testing studies will help scientists better understand how fecal pollution and antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread in the environment. Waddell, who graduated from Veterans Memorial High School in 2023, said she especially enjoyed having a meaningful conversation with a Florida researcher who was interested in the genetics side of her research. “I loved hearing how his lab approached the same techniques I was using as they were incredibly innovative and inventive,” Waddell said. “This conversation was inspirational, and I saw the significance of continuing research in this area.” Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President and CEO of co-sponsor American Association of Community Colleges, noted that 800 National Science Foundation grantees attended the conference and remarked that the conference provided students and faculty with remarkable opportunities to share their work and learn from others. “Helping students see pathways from learning to application in the workplace builds the pipeline of skilled workers in our economy,” Pollard said, adding: “Since economic stability drives further innovation in businesses, these are investments in our shared futures.” For O’Shaughnessy and Waddell, attending this year’s ATE Principal Investigators’ Conference is one step among many toward bringing their own innovation to STEM professions that will benefit us all. Learn more about Del Mar College's Biotechnology Program and the use of innovative technology on the featured “In the Spotlight” blog page at the following web address: vikingnews.delmar.edu/in-the-spotlight-biotechnology/
