Texarkana College Responds to Need for Cybersecurity Skilled Workforce

Texarkana College Board of Trustees learned today that TC is responding to the national call for more trained workers with cyber skills by adding an Occupational Skills Award in Cybersecurity to their Computer Networking program. Charles Jordan, Constituent Services Representative in the Texarkana District Office for U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (TX-04), attended the meeting and read a statement of support from the Congressman, who serves as chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity for Homeland Security.

“Right now, we’re facing a cyber skills gap that’s left hundreds of thousands of jobs in our country unfilled,” said Ratcliffe. “Unfortunately, this gap is projected to grow exponentially in the years ahead. That’s why I’ve supported efforts to expand the cyber training options available for folks looking to join the cybersecurity sector. I’m grateful for the addition of the Occupational Skills Award in Cybersecurity at Texarkana College, which will encourage students to attain the expertise they need to enter the cyber workforce and close the cyber skills gap.”

Dr. Donna McDaniel, VP of Instruction, said the new award serves as a stackable credential with the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking degree program.

“There is much interest at the local, state and national level in cybersecurity,” McDaniel said. “We are adding a nine-hour occupational skills award in cybersecurity in response to that interest.”

McDaniel said the new program begins this fall and includes an in-depth study of Microsoft Windows operating system, fundamentals of networking, and information technology security.

“Campus-wide fall registration is in full swing, and classes start August 20,” McDaniel said. “We are gearing up for a strong fall enrollment with more and more students looking for affordable options to attain credentials leading to jobs in high-demand sectors such as cybersecurity and other trades. TC offers students a way to quickly learn skills that prepare them for today’s competitive workplace. For example, our new 16-week ‘Work Ready’ manufacturing certificate gives students the experience they need to show employers they have the commitment and skills needed to be an asset to any industrial workforce.”

TC’s Office of Enrollment Services stays open late Monday-Thursday until 7 p.m. to offer students greater access to advising and financial aid resources. Special Saturday hours are available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 4 and Aug. 11. To schedule an appointment with an advisor or learn more about course offerings, call 903-823-3012 or visit https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/fall2018/.

In other business, Trustees participated in a budget workshop and reviewed the second draft of the 2018-2019 proposed budget. A report by Kim Jones, VP of Finance and CFO, showed a break-even budget.

“Our faculty and staff work incredibly hard each year to operate within a bare-bones budget,” said Jones. “The 2018-19 budget year will be no exception. We are proposing a conservative, balanced budget that includes a recommendation to adopt the exact same tax rate for the 2018-2019 year that was used for the 2017-2018 year.”