Another milestone…DMC presents special stole, recognizes first 14 graduates of new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree during July 10 ceremony
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July
2025
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19:43 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Online program launched in fall 2024 with over 250 students starting journeys toward finishing college’s second bachelor’s degree
Article by Melinda Eddleman
They walked one-by-one to the front to receive a special stole that recognized their hard work after spending nearly a year completing Del Mar College’s (DMC) newest bachelor’s degree. The July 10 ceremony was in part a celebration of their accomplishment and as recognition of another “first” for the college.
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After 90 years, we still have firsts. Lots of them, so we’re celebrating some trailblazers at Del Mar College today––the first cohort to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. In one year, they’ve built upon their associate’s degrees and will soon receive bachelor’s degrees.
Dr. Mark Escamilla, Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer
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Those students include 13 who previously completed an associate’s degree––some more than one––from Del Mar College, along with one who earned her degree from Austin Community College (ACC). The college’s first BAS OML degree graduates include Justin Autry, Elizabeth Barron, Michael Castillo, Maria Elizondo, Loretta Garcia (ACC grad), Julia Lail, Nelly Lopez, Monica Martinez, Diana Mireles, Alfred Olivarez, Roxette Ramos, Ryan Rios, Christa Yda and Marisol Ynfante.
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This group of graduates exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and career advancement, and Del Mar College proudly congratulates them on completing our newest baccalaureate degree program. Their diverse academic and professional backgrounds––ranging from healthcare to public service to technology to culinary arts––highlight the flexibility and real-world relevance of this innovative degree.
Dr. Jennifer Sramek, DMC Dean of Business, Entrepreneurship and Health Sciences
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BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_071025_Group Photo
Del Mar College held a stole presentation ceremony to recognize the first 14 students to complete the college\s mew Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. Among the students, administrators and DMC Board of Regents who participated are (back row from left) Christa Yde, Alfred Olivarez, Maria Elizondo, Elizabeth Barron, DMC President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla and At-large Regent Dr. Anantha Babbili. The front row line-up from left includes District 4 Regent Dr. Laurie Turner, Marisol Ynfante, Roxette Ramos, Diana Mireles, Monica Martinez, Julia Lail, Loretta Garcia and Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_Graduate Elizabeth Barron_First Cohort 071025
Barron, who currently works in the Nursing Success Center with the college’s Nurse Education Department, earned her Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Management and Leadership from DMC last fall and chose to continue her studies to earn the new bachelor’s degree.
The 1992 King High School graduate noted that “returning to school can feel intimidating; but with determination and a clear goal in mind, anything is possible.”
She credits her husband, family, friends and Nurse Education Department faculty and students she works with for encouraging her to push forward and earn the BAS OML degree and says that “the support you’ll find […] along the way is what makes this program truly special.”
How did Barron accomplish her goal to earn the new degree in such a short time?
“I completed my prerequisites before entering the BAS program and set a personal goal to finish them early so I could fully focus on my [bachelor-level] courses,” she said. “However, the program is so well designed that students can balance prerequisite courses alongside their BAS classes if needed. This program offers incredible flexibility for working adults and busy families, and it’s built to help you succeed.”
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My goal in earning this degree is to grow into a leadership role within higher education and continue supporting student success initiatives at Del Mar College. For others who are thinking about enrolling in the BAS OML degree program, don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most powerful.
Elizabeth Barron, Summer 2025 Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership Graduate
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BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol Scott
Del Mar College celebrated its first 14 students to complete the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree with a stole presentation ceremony on July 10, 2025. Among speakers was DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott. The Board approved the new degree program in spring 2024 with DMC launching the program in the fall. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_DMC Business Administration and Entrepreneurshiip Department Faculty and Dean_071025
On July 10, 2025, Del Mar College recognized its first 14 students to complete the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree, which launched in fall 2024. Anong faculty with the Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship who taught classes during the 2024-2025 academic year and attending a stole presentation ceremony for the graduates were (from Left) Dr. Charles “Chip” Campbell, Gregory Sanchez, Dawn Liguez, Dr. Jennifer Sramek, Bradley Norquist, Jerry Henry and Newman Wong. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
BAS OML Degree_Stole Ceremony_Interim Department Chair Bradley Norquist
Bradley Norquist, Interim Chair of Del Mar College’s Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, addresses individuals attending the college’s July 10, 2025, celebration for the first 14 graduates of the new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. As the first cohort to complete the program, the graduates received a special stole recognizing their accomplishment. Credit: DMC College Relations)
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
- Meeting a high benchmark…Del Mar College’s Automotive Applied Technology Program receives ASE Training Program AccreditationArticle by Melinda Eddleman On July 24, De Mar College (DMC) Automotive Applied Technology majors demonstrated why the college recently received the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation’s Training Program Accreditation. The accreditation runs through May 1, 2030. Enrolled in the Engine Repair and Automotive Engine Performance Analysis class this summer, the 10 students showed off their hands-on skills using Consulab trainers to practice diagnostics system testing in a controlled lab setting as well as applied other skills on actual fleet vehicles for assessment to ensure they can perform real-world automotive service and repair tasks that meet ASE standards. The need for skilled automotive technicians and mechanics continues to grow and will exceed 60,000 nationally by 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Locally, the Coastal Bend region shows high demand among employers to fill these positions in part due to a growing population generating increased vehicle registrations, along with a growing number of experienced technicians retiring from the field, according to Paul Creacy, Del Mar College (DMC) Interim Chair of the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department. ASE accreditation acknowledges that a training program meets industry-recognized standards for quality and prepares students for successful careers in the automotive service field. The accreditation ensures students’ training aligns with the skills needed for ASE certification testing. In a letter from the ASE Education Foundation, President Mike Coley stated, “We compliment you for attaining the level of excellence recognized by the ASE Education Foundation. Both the educational and automotive communities should be proud of your commitment to [offering a] quality automotive training program.” The foundation also sent a plaque. “Employers recognize ASE accreditation as a mark of quality and consistency, increasing the employability and earning potential of our graduates,” said Creacy. “It confirms that our students are trained on up-to-date vehicles, technologies and diagnostics and have been taught by instructors with real-world expertise.” Creacy also noted, “Our students are employed across a wide range of dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet services and government agencies.” Examples include AutoNation, General Motors, Hicks Automotive and Mike Shaw dealerships; the City of Corpus Christi’s Fleet Services; the Nueces County Maintenance Department and the Corpus Christi Independent School District’s Transportation Department, among others. To become ASE certified, individuals must meet certain qualifications and pass a series of online tests, including those covering brakes, steering/suspension, engine repair, electrical systems, heating/air conditioning and automatic transmissions. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE for short, conducts testing at Prometric Testing Centers across the country in a controlled environment with a certified proctor, and ASE certification is directly awarded to applicants who successfully complete each test. The Corpus Christi Prometric Testing Center is located at 6001 S. Staples. DMC Automotive Instructor Duane Beadle said, “We encourage our students to take exams at the appropriate time as they complete relevant courses.” On average, the DMC Automotive Applied Technology Program serves 20 to 30 students per semester with approximately 5 to 10 graduating annually, earning either Level 1 or 2 Certificates or their Associate of Applied Science degree. Creacy says these numbers are steadily increasing as the program continues to expand its dual credit offerings to high school students and engages in outreach and recruiting events at their schools. In the Corpus Christi area, the typical starting pay for entry-level automotive technicians is between $16 and $20 per hour. Experienced ASE certified technicians earn $25 to $35-plus per hour depending on their specialization. To become an ASE accredited program, the process is rigorous and comprehensive. Over several months, DMC faculty and staff compiled and submitted documentation covering the following: Curriculum alignment with ASE standards, Instructor credentials and ASE certifications, Advisory committee feedback and industry input, Facility, tool and equipment inventory, Student learning outcomes and job placement rates, and Classroom safety procedures and lab practices. Additionally, an on-site evaluation was conducted by a team of industry professionals who verified that the program met national benchmarks in all required areas. To learn more about DMC’s Automotive Applied Technology Program, learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/degrees/automotive-applied-technology/index.html or contacting the Architecture, Aviation and Automotive Department at 361-698-1725 or pcreacy@delmar.edu. Fall 2025 registration is currently underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/registration or contacting the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar College’s TexPREP Summer Camp Participants Showcased Robotics and Engineering Skills on Media DaySymbolic logic, problem solving, physics and linear coding ... those are subjects you don’t normally think sixth and seventh graders would spend time covering during the first part of their summer break. In fact, those subjects sound more like what upper-level high school or college students would take during summer semester courses. But for nearly 50 area middle school youth, that’s exactly how they’ve spent the past six weeks as participants with Del Mar College’s Texas Prefreshman Engineering Program or TexPREP. The annual summer camp is free and offered through an application process to students demonstrating strong academic aptitude, especially in mathematics. “Our goal is to prepare these students to excel while attending college, not to just get into college,” said James Shollenberger, DMC Professor of Mathematics and TexPREP Co-director. “We believe students who complete the college’s TexPREP program are going to progress forward and finish their bachelor’s degree and any further academic work that they would choose to pursue.” TexPREP is a statewide initiative that began in 1979 at The University of Texas at San Antonio to encourage middle school- through early high school-age students to pursue studies and careers in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Del Mar College introduced TexPREP to its summer youth programming in 2000. The program’s longevity has been made possible by the 13-year lead sponsorship from Flint Hills Resources with overall donations reaching nearly $300,000. “Our 13-year partnership with Del Mar College through the TexPREP program reflects our mutual commitment to preparing students for success in STEM fields,” said Kara Rivas, Public Affairs Manager at Flint Hills Resources. “We look forward to continuing this shared vision and nurturing the next generation of leaders.” The college’s rigorous TexPREP is accredited by the Texas Education Agency. Students who complete each program year can earn one elective credit for every camp they attend. The coursework and projects become more advanced each progressive year that students complete. Shollenberger noted campers can start high school with almost a half semester of credits by completing all three program years and even use those credits to graduate early. The college’s TexPREP utilizes project-based learning that progresses as students continue their participation each summer. Bridge building introduces campers to civil engineering, robotics to mechanical engineering and computer programming and vehicle model building to electrical engineering and aerodynamics. Members of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects also teach and mentor second-year students as they build models while learning the principles behind designing such wonders. Students also learn more about STEM-based career opportunities with guest speakers sharing their experiences and the skills and knowledge needed to enter their fields. This year those speakers included representatives from the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Corpus Christi City Council, Del Mar College, Flint Hills Resources, Hansoni Inc., MEG Corp, Steel Dynamics, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Valero and Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, among other guests. Additionally, the program focuses on serving underrepresented populations, including youth who will be first-generation college-going students in their families and those nontraditionally represented in the STEM fields. Demographic data for 2014-2024 show that DMC TexPREP participation has been nearly 50% female, including one-third Hispanic female and three-quarters Hispanic and African American among students attending the summer program. Half of the participants were prospective first-generation college students with over 25% being female. Additionally, historical data for all PREP students shows on average: approximately 44% completing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline compared to 15% nationally, three-quarters completing a bachelor’s degree are from underrepresented and/or minority groups compared to less than one-third nationally, and nearly 70% who complete a bachelor’s degree do so in a STEM discipline and are from an underrepresented and/or minority group compared to 31% nationally. To learn more about the college’s TexPREP, visit www.delmar.edu/ccprep.
- 11th annual Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar offering panels on art, dance and music on Saturday, July 26Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Murals, mariachis and traditional Mexican dance are among the highlights of this year’s Summer Seminar, which is presented annually by the Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program at Del Mar College (DMC), which offers an Associate in Arts degree. The 11th annual Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar, “Community, Culture y Más” is scheduled from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, on the first floor of the Solomon Coles Building, which is located on DMC’s Heritage Campus. The event is free and open to the public. However, attendees are encouraged to register to help organizers plan for breakfast and lunch activities. Visit the online Summer Seminar event page to register at www.delmar.edu/degrees/mexican-american-studies/summer/index.html. For further questions, contact MAS Coordinator and Social Sciences faculty member Dr. Isabel Araiza at iaraiza2@delmar.edu. The day promises to offer a substantive immersion into topics and issues related to Mexican Americans, culture and experience. Panels will address a wide variety of topics, including art, identity, language, mariachi music and the importance of Mexican American Studies programs. “The seminar will begin with a ceremonial Mexica danza conducted by the group Kapulli Ollin Papalotl,” says Dr. Isabel Araiza, DMC Assistant Professor of Sociology and MAS Coordinator. “During the afternoon, they have graciously volunteered to participate on a panel to discus traditional Mexica danza, the artifacts they use and how they became a part of this group.” Araiza also adds that organizers are excited to share that this year’s keynote speaker is artist and DMC alumnus Tony Armadillo, who designed the Connections Mural, which was painted on the side of the K Space Building in Downtown Corpus Christi by muralist Sandra Gonzalez and 45 teen artists in 2019. The 2025 MAS Summer Seminar is the first for Armadillo to serve as a speaker. “If people are familiar with the murals in the Downtown District, they’ve probably appreciated and been awed by Mr. Armadillo’s work,” Araiza notes. “He is a renowned local artist whose work has been shown and won awards across Texas and the nation, so he will discuss his work and creative process when he speaks during the seminar.” Another item of interest, Araiza notes, is a morning panel featuring scholars and artists who recently published “Somos Tejanas: Chicana Identity and Culture in Texas.” Panelists will share details about the book, which explores the complexity of identity by weaving together poetry, art, history, and personal experiences. Given music’s importance to the cultural traditions of the Mexican American community, Araiza says she’s excited to have Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Amanda Marquez, a faculty member who is also a co-founder of the university’s Mariachi Festival, as a presenter. She will cover the history of mariachi music. While organizers have held previous seminars in other college locations, this year’s full-day event will take place in the Coles Building which also houses the Center for Mexican American Studies. Attendees will have an opportunity to visit the center, which is a community space, and to learn about projects the center has planned for the near future. The college’s Mexican American Studies Summer Seminar dates to 2014. “This annual event is a gift to the community from former English Professor Mike Anzaldúa, who was deeply involved at Del Mar College from 1969 until his death in 2012,” Araiza says, adding, “The summer seminar is a unique opportunity for the community to learn about itself and our experiences.”
- Del Mar College Choir Camps offer early opportunity for high school singers to work on 2026 TMEA All-State Audition repertoireArticle by: Richard Guerrero, Jr. For young Coastal Bend singers, the long road to potentially earn a spot with one of four All-State choirs begins at Del Mar College (DMC). The honor includes performing during the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic and Convention at the Henry B. González Center in San Antonio early next year. This week (June 30-July 3), the college’s Music Department is hosting the TMEA All-State Choir Camp for small schools, which consists of 40 students from smaller high schools in the area––including A.C. Jones (Beeville), La Feria Early College (La Feria), Sinton and Tuloso-Midway high schools. The Small School Choir Camp will wrap up with a free concert in Richardson Performance Hall this Thursday, July 3, at 4 p.m. The performance is open to the public. For more information, contact the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1211 or music@delmar.edu. Last week, the department held its Large School Choir Camp for 90 students who attend King, Ray, Carroll, Moody, Miller, Veterans Memorial, Gregory-Portland, Calallen, Flour Bluff, Shoemaker (Killeen), United (Laredo) and Donna North high schools. Home-schooled students from Bridgeway Academy also attended the camp. The camps are designed to prepare students for the 2026 TMEA All-State Choir audition process according to Dr. Mirae Lee, DMC Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. In addition to serving as camp director, Lee also conducts the full choir each week for the camp concert finale. In addition to the Music faculty member, nine current and retired high school choir directors as well as DMC Music students help run the camps. During the Large School camp, students participated during an online session with guest clinicians Dr. Shekela Wanyama and Dr. Marcela Molina, both from the 2026 TMEA All-State Choir. Campers were provided a sneak peek at the All-State Choir repertoire, which was released in May. Early preparation during the college’s camps will serve students well as they prepare for the audition process, which consists of four stages: District, Region, Pre-Area and Area. The camps also offer sight-reading sessions, which are required for the TMEA audition, as well as diction classes, vocal health instruction and vocalization practice. Dr. Lee notes that Del Mar College is the only institution in South Texas offering this unique opportunity to small school students. “These activities are designed to help students better understand the vocal system and improve their singing skills,” she says. However, the camps are not all work. Campers participate in fun team-building activities throughout the week. Dr. Carla Gamez-Vela, DMC Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Intermural Sports Director, leads a line-dancing session, and campers can take part during other activities such as karaoke, a talent show and a mini-Olympics event, along with a pool party with pizza and an ice cream social. “Our camps allow students to stay musically engaged over the summer, strengthening their skills and preparing for the All-State audition process. It’s a unique blend of focused training and fun, led by local passionate educators,” Dr. Lee says. “I’m proud that Del Mar College is an institution that supports the dreams of local students, and I’m honored to contribute to that mission by helping camp participants grow, achieve and stay inspired.”
- Del Mar College holding job fair at Heritage Campus on Wednesday, June 25Article by Melinda Eddleman Working in higher education can be rewarding no matter the position while serving students and the community. And, an opportunity to explore employment at Del Mar College (DMC) is just around the corner. The college’s Human Resources Office will hold a job fair on Wednesday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Retama Room (second floor) at the Harvin Student Center on DMC’s Heritage Campus, which is located at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get online directions and view a campus map using the following link: www.delmar.edu/becoming-a-viking/discover/tours/locations.html. Ranging from college-level teaching positions to support staff jobs, DMC currently has over 300 employment opportunities available now and beginning with the fall semester. Individuals can explore job openings by visiting dmcjobs.delmar.edu/postings/search before attending or during the event. Additionally, participants can: Meet with HR staff and hiring managers to answer your questions, Receive personalized guidance on how to apply and stand out as a potential employee, Learn about benefits, growth opportunities and workplace culture, and Access on-site application assistance with computer availability. Questions? Inquiries can be directed to the DMC Human Resources Office at 361-698-2178 or dmcjobs@delmar.edu. Individuals can also explore Del Mar College, its campus culture, program offerings and more at www.delmar.edu. Whether you’re a student or employee, you can “own your dreams” at DMC! ### Download a printable flyer below:
- Registration for DMC Summer II and Fall 2025 credit courses is ongoingArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Whether you’re seeking a full course correction in life and would like to start working toward a new career path or you’re already working on an associate degree but have taken a break and are ready to get back on track, online and on-campus registration and advising are currently underway for Del Mar College Summer II and Fall 2025 credit courses. Summer Session II includes five- and six-week courses to fit in with your busy summertime schedule while fall courses include eight-, 12-, 15- and 16-week sessions that also give you options. Registration and tuition/fees deadlines vary for summer and fall sessions, so go online to the college’s Registration page for specific dates. In-person admissions/registration assistance is available on all three campuses (online directions and campus maps): • Heritage Campus – Harvin Student Center, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404) • Windward Campus – Coleman Center, 4101 Old Brownsville Road (78405) • Oso Creek Campus – Main Center Building, 7002 Yorktown Blvd. (78414) Both current and prospective students can view course offerings, which are frequently updated throughout the registration process. Additionally, students can use WebDMC to check their financial aid status, review their degree plan and find other information. Current students also need to contact the department of their declared major for specific instructions (access the Academic Advisor Directory). Prospective students needing to complete their admissions file can get more information about the process on the Admissions web page or contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu. Summer Session II classes begin Monday, July 7. Currently, Fall 2025 registration is underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. To learn more about registration opportunities, payment deadlines and other pertinent information, visit https://www.delmar.edu/registration. Individuals can also contact the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroill@delmar.edu about fall registration. The college will host two more One Stop Saturday events, July 12 and Aug. 2, in the Harvin Student Center on the Heritage Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist individuals with their admissions files, registration and other processes in preparation for the fall semester. During the July 12 One Stop Saturday, DMC in-district residents can also learn more about Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Pilot Program, which launches this fall and has an Aug. 1 application deadline. For details about other steps, you can take to get a head start before attending a One Stop Saturday event, visit www.delmar.edu/1stop/index.html. Already hold an associate degree from one of the many programs offered at DMC? Take the next step to earn a bachelor’s degree––either the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree for those already working as registered nurses or the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS-OML) degree that applies to well-over 50 associate degree programs among the college’s curricula. The college offers the BAS-OML degree completely online through the Department of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Both individuals who already hold an associate degree and those students just beginning their studies among the 55 programs applicable to the bachelor’s degree when completed are encouraged to pursue the BAS-OML. Information about program requirements, the admissions process and an online form to get started are available at www.delmar.edu/basoml. Interested individuals can also inquire about the BAS-OML degree program at basoml@delmar.edu or 361-698-1372. The next student group for the RN to BSN degree begins in spring 2026, but the application process runs July 1 through Oct. 1. Applicants must hold a valid RN state license and have completed 90 semester credit hours (SCH) that include required general education credit courses. Additionally, interested individuals must also have completed associate degree-level RN coursework from an accredited nursing program. Prospective applicants can learn more about the program at delmar.edu/bsn/index.html or by contacting the college’s Department of Nurse Education at RNtoBSN@delmar.edu or 361-698-2809. What are you waiting for? Apply or get registered to “own your dreams” at Del Mar College!
