“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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November
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
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- 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.
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- Del Mar College hosts annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 to honor all who serve in U.S. Armed ForcesArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. On Veterans Day, we recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on their dedication, express gratitude for their contributions and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting those who have defended our freedoms. To honor all who have served, Del Mar College Veterans Services presented its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11. The ceremony was held in the courtyard at the Peace `Pole between the Harvin Student Center and the Memorial Classroom Building. DMC Regent and U.S. Navy veteran Dr. Nicholas Adame was the guest of honor, according to Dr. Jennifer Armentrout, Sergeant Major, USMC (ret) and DMC Veterans Services Director. Currently, 812 total veteran students and family members are enrolled in fall 2025 courses at DMC with 510 receiving Veterans Affairs benefits and 302 Hazelwood Act tuition exemptions. Gov. Greg Abbott announced in early September that Del Mar College is one of 33 two- and four-year public higher education institutions to receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze award based on criteria set forth by the Texas Veterans Commission and outlined in the Governor’s release. Del Mar College's Veterans Services received a Gold Award. Read about the college's announcement: https://vikingnews.delmar.edu/dmc-veterans-services-receives-tvc-gold-veterans-education-excellence-recognition-award-us-rep-michael-clouds-office-presents-congressional-acknowledgement-during-board-of-regents-regular-october-meeting/ The Veterans Education Excellence Recognition Award was established by the Texas Legislature and is given after thorough review of college and university applicants that demonstrate educational excellence and support services that “significantly contribute to the academic success of student veterans and military-connected students.”
- DMC Board of Regents holding workshop and regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 11Article by DMC College Relations Office Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold a workshop beginning at 10 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: • 10 a.m. Workshop: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/workshop-packet-11-11-25.pdf • 1 p.m. Regular Meeting: www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/regular-meeting-board-packet-11-11-25.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.
