“Innovating the Future of Educational Attainment in the Coastal Bend” … Del Mar College holds second annual Superintendent Symposium to provide update, cover progress impacting Dual Enrollment Program
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2025
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20:15 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Dual Enrollment participation among area high school students continues to grow, makes up 31 percent of fall 2025 credit enrollment; DMC currently partners with 51 ISDs
Article by Melinda Eddleman
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Del Mar College has much to celebrate, including growth in partnerships and student participation in our Dual Enrollment Program. Bringing together many of the Coastal Bend’s superintendents and other organizations will allow the college to share our progress with this program, collect ideas and needs among our primary education partners and network to discuss how we all can work together to produce the next generation of highly skilled, well-educated members of the Coastal Bend’s workforce.
Dr. Mark Escamilla, Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer
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DMC Superintendent in Residents Conrado Garcia and Flour Bluff Superintendent Chris Steinbruck
Del Mar College (DMC) Superintendent in Residence Conrado Garcia (left), who retired as Superintendent of West Oso ISD before joining the DMC family, poses with Flour Bluff Superintendent Chris Steinbruck at the college’s second annual Superintendent Symposium on Nov. 18 at the Oso Creek Campus. Garcia served as emcee of the event while Steinbruck was a keynote speaker and covered how his district partners with DMC and its Dual Enrollment Program. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Superintendent Symposium 2025_Full House
On Nov. 18, the Tres Grace Community Room in the Culinary Arts Building on Del Mar College’s Oso Creek Cam[us was a “full house” of Coastal Bend superintendents and other guests attending the college’s second annual Superintendent Symposium, “Innovating the Future of Educational Attainment in the Coastal Bend.” The event focused on the success of both the DMC Dual Enrollment Program and the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver initiative that make higher education attainable to area high school students while still in school and after they graduate. (DMC College Relations)
DMC President and CEO Dr. Mark Escamilla_2025 Superintendent Symposium
Del Mar College President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Escamilla addresses a room full of guests during the college’s second annual Superintendent Symposium on Nov. 18. The event, “Innovating the Future of Educational Attainment in the Coastal Bend,” focused on updates and continued progress of the college’s Dual Enrollment Program and its impact on area high school students’ attainment of higher education. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
On Nov. 18, DMC officials, superintendents from partnering Coastal Bend ISDs and other guests met for the second annual Superintendent Symposium scheduled at the Oso Creek Campus to cover the progress the college’s Dual Enrollment Program has achieved over the past year and what the next steps will be.
Superintendent Symposium 2025_Group Shot on Staircase
The symposium targeted the impact the Dual Enrollment Program provides in preparing students for either additional workforce training or transferability to the university level and how Del Mar will continue progressing forward through ISD partnerships to make higher education attainable for Coastal Bend high school students. Presenters, including students and faculty, highlighted the Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver Program and “next steps” as college officials prepare for another cohort in fall 2026. Additionally, Flour Bluff ISD Superintendent Chris Steinbruck provided an address focused on his district’s partnership with the college and other area entities to prepare students for regional high demand job opportunities.
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Listen to KEDT Radio’s Nov. 19 broadcast of interviews with Dr. Escamilla and Steinbruck conducted during the symposium:
DMC Dual Credit Welding Technology Students and Faculty_Panel Discussion_2025 Superintendent Symposium
Among the presentations during Del Mar College’s second annual Superintendent Symposium was a panel discussion by DMC Dual Enrollment Welding Applied Technology Program students and faculty. The program provides high school students with first-rate, college-level training while still in high school with tuition at no cost and prepares them with the skills and knowledge employers required. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Rockport-Fulton ISD Superintendent Dr. Lesley Austin and DMC Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jonda Halcomb_2025 Superintendent Symposium
During a networking opportunity on the first level of the Oso Creek Campus Culinary Arts Building, Rockport-Fulton ISD Superintendent Dr. Lesley Austin visits with Del Mar College Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jonda Halcomb. Both attended the second annual Superintendent Symposium on Nov. 18 to hear about the progress and impact the DMC Dual Enrollment Programs has made across the Coastal Bend through partnerships between the college and 51 high schools whose students participate in the program. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Freedom to Dream Student Participants_Panel Discussion_2025 Superintendent Symposium
Recent high school graduates who are currently enrolled in fall 2025 credit courses through Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver initiative served on a panel during DMC’s second annual Superintendent Symposium, “Innovating the Future of Educational Attainment in the Coastal Bend.” Held on Nov. 18, 2025, the event brought together area superintendents from 25 independent school districts that partner with the college’s Dual Enrollment Program to hear about progressive work over the past year and its impact on students’ attainability of higher education during and after high school. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Vice President of Dual Enrollment and Continuing Education Dr. Leondard Rivera_2025 Superintendent Symposium
Dr. Leonard Rivera, DMC Vice President of Dual Enrollment and Continuing Education, shares updates and innovations with a room full of Coastal Bend superintendents during Del Mar College’s second annual Superintendent Symposium held at the Oso Creek Campus on Nov. 18. Enrollment in the Dual Enrollment Program has grown 40 percent since fall 2020 with current program participation in fall 2025 credit courses making up 31 percent of the college’s overall credit enrollment for the semester. (Credit: DMC College Relations)
Vice President and Chief Information Officer A. Kolahdouz and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Patricia Benavides-Domingez_2025 Superintendent Symposium
Coastal Bend superintendents and other guests heard a data report covering the impact of Del Mar College’s Dual Enrollment Program and Freedom to Dream Tuition Waiver initiative during the college’s second annual Superintendent Symposium on Nov. 18. DMC Vice President and Chief Information Officer Ali Kolahdouz (left) looks on as co-presenter Dr. Patricia Benavides-Domingez, Vice President for Student Affairs covers data on both programs. (Credit: DMC College Relations`)
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Del Mar College is proud of the pioneering initiatives we launched over the past few years, including the FAST Program and the Freedom to Dream initiative. We’re giving more regional students access to higher education not only while still attending high school but also the opportunity to continue their journey with the college to either complete training and move into the workforce or take the next step after earning those core degrees that support transitioning to a university for further study.
Dr. Leonard Rivera, Vice President of Dual Enrollment and Continuing Education
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The Superintendent Symposium concluded with a video produced onsite featuring a few of the area’s superintendents providing quick remarks about what is the most exciting achievement occurring in their district now, along with a special message from retired West Oso ISD Superintendent and current DMC’s Superintendent in Residence Conrado Garcia, who emceed the event:
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.
- Del Mar College Foundation announces two new scholarships honoring retiring Executive Vice President and COO Lenora Keas during recent Board of Regents meetingArticle by Melinda Eddleman 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. He concluded, “On behalf of the entire community, the Del Mar College community and the greater South Texas community, we thank you for your love and devotion to this institution.” Vice President of Development and Donor Advising Matthew Busby also announced two new scholarships established to honor Keas’ contributions to the college and the South Texas community throughout her career. Having grown up around the Rockport area, Keas has led the college’s acquisition and renovation initiative for the Del Mar College Workforce Development Center–Aransas County to expand higher education in the region (read the release), which is attributable to the establishment of a scholarship focused on that area’s workforce development. A web page has been set up for anyone to gift any size donation supporting these scholarships and can visit give.delmar.edu/lenorakeas. Additionally, the DMC Foundation will begin taking scholarship applications online for the next academic year (2026-2027) beginning Feb. 1, 2026. During the Dec. 9 recognition, the Board of Regents also gifted to Keas a favorite pelican painting she admired that hung in Rockport’s City Hall. Regent David Loeb recalled a trip he and Keas made to discuss with city leaders some coding issues related to the college’s renovation project. “Lenora and I were sitting [there], and she was looking at this painting,” he explained. “I asked her if she liked it, and she said ‘Yes.’” So, this gift is to you from the Board,” he added as the painting was presented. Keas then spoke and noted, “The reason I love pelicans is because when I come back in life, I'm going to be a brown pelican that dives in the water […] not the pretty kind but the spunky kind that gets in the water and eats the fish.” Keas also addressed colleagues with words she had written sometime in the past:
- 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.”
