This page highlights our ongoing partnerships, profiles of faculty, staff, and students actively engaged in community service, and showcases photos from recent college-sponsored events. Updated on the 25th of every month, this page serves as a hub for the latest community activities and initiatives involving KC. We encourage you to bookmark this page and visit regularly to stay connected with our efforts and involvement.
Director, QEP & Writing Studio
Answer: My incredible tutors bring a wide range of experience to the Writing Studio, yet they are always open to learning new methods of reaching students. I am blessed to work with such skilled and compassionate people!
Answer: After many years of working as a church musician – cantoring, directing, or accompanying – I am now studying organ. My husband and I also volunteer in our Sunday School program and other areas within our parish.
Answer: While on stage at a recent graduation, I watched a diesel mechanic student walk proudly across the stage. He had struggled with passing an English class that was required for graduation, and the Writing Studio tutors were able to help him through that challenge. It was exciting to see his pride in graduating. I am confident that he will be able to support his family. That’s a thrill for me!
Answer: During free time, I find myself in the kitchen, at the piano, in the garden, exercising, or curled up with a good book. My husband and I also enjoy trips to various hiking destinations.
Answer: Although I was born in Kilgore, my husband and I grew up together in Longview. We love to visit our daughters and their families in Texas and Maryland as many times per year as possible.
Answer: Our lives are gifts from God. What we make of our lives are our gifts back to Him. Although I make many mistakes, I am motivated to strive to live for Christ.
Financial Aid Veterans Specialist
Answer: Being able to help fellow veterans like myself navigate the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life while also assisting them in achieving their personal educational goals. It’s an incredible blessing to work at the same institution where I earned my first degree.
Answer: Teaching, mentoring, and spreading positivity through faith and music.
Answer: I’m always listening to a mix of gospel, jazz, and R&B—music is my therapy!
Answer: Albanese gummy bears or gummy worms!!! I probably eat 3 to four bags a week!
Answer: “Anchored in Faith: A Journey of Service and Purpose”
Answer: It is always a memorable moment for me when I’m able to witness our students’ success and growth here at Kilgore College and then be able to see them go on from here and achieve even more success. That is the greatest feeling ever!
Answer: Captain America—he leads with integrity, serves others, and always stands for what’s right.
Answer: Faith, family, and the mission to serve others.
Engineering Student & PTK Vice President
Answer: I knew since I was a little girl that one day I would break the generational curse of poverty and find success. My biggest motivation in life, both professionally and personally, is to give my children someone to be proud of. That means working hard toward my career and grounding myself in values that matter, such as kindness, hard work, and courage.
Answer: I am going to be a first-generation graduate, and that makes me so proud.
Answer: I love to read books; I make sure that I schedule in times to stay current on all of my favorite romance novels as they are released.
Answer: I enjoy singing and playing the piano. I was actually in choir at Kilgore for a semester, which was great.
Answer: “Does this woman ever sleep?”
Answer: I enjoy sitting on my couch reading and drinking hot tea after the house is quiet and everyone is asleep. Sometimes I even fill my tiered dessert tray with finger sandwiches and homemade macaroons to set the mood.
Maude Cobb Convention Center was packed March 22 as the KC Foundation held the first-ever Blue Star Gala, celebrating KC’s 90th anniversary and raising funds for the future Ranger Achievement Center. The sold-out event was a huge success. VIEW MORE PHOTOS
Photos by Rachel Stallard/KC
Kilgore College’s Level 1 nursing students took part in the East Texas Regional Airport emergency drill in March, providing them with hands-on experience in emergency response and crisis management. The drill simulated a real-world emergency scenario, allowing students to apply their clinical skills in a high-pressure environment while collaborating with first responders and medical personnel. This opportunity reinforced their training and preparedness for future healthcare careers, giving them valuable insight into emergency protocols and patient care in critical situations. WATCH KLTV STORY
The Industrial Technology programs of KC hosted the Spring 2025 Technical Career Fair March 20. Employers attended this event to discuss full-time employment and/or internship opportunities with KC students. Photo by Rachel Stallard/KC
For the first time since 1993 under head coach Evelyn Blalock, the Lady Rangers are Region 14 champions. They defeated Tyler Junior College, 67-58, to earn the crown. They are currently in Wyoming competing in the NJCAA National Tournament. MORE INFO HERE
Photos by Rachel Stallard/KC
(Below) KC held a watch party March 25 for the Lady Rangers’ first game in the national tournament held in Casper, WY. The Lady Rangers defeated Walters State (Tenn.) 71-59 to advance to round two of the tournament.
KC faculty, staff and administration visited Hallsville High School to answer questions and provide information to students and parents about dual credit at KC.
Photo by Annabelle Phillips/KC Communications Intern
Phi Theta Kappa, under the faculty sponsorship of Curtis Ivory and Lori Solley, attended the PTK Regional Conference in Houston. Photo by Annabelle Phillips/KC Communications Intern
Student, Sophomore from Kilgore
Answer: My work-life balance consists of lots of work and not enough balance, so making sure that I am friends with those I work closely with is important to me. Making my co-workers my friends genuinely makes me feel like I’m never at work, and instead I’m just hanging out with my friends. To be able to work efficiently while strengthening friendships is truly a blessing to me.
Answer: A perfect weekend for me is spent at home watching movies or TV shows in the background while looking into or participating in some of my hobbies. Typically, a weekend for me will be unplanned for the most part, so going on “side quests” is another fun thing to do while I have to time myself.
Answer: My proudest achievement would be hearing my voice at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in January as I introduced the Rangerettes at AT&T Stadium. Announcing for the Rangerettes was always a dream of mine, so hearing the iconic “Raaaaaaaaaangerettes!” play from the speakers in a voice so familiar that I hear it every day was a dream come true. The feeling I felt in those moments would be difficult to replicate.
Answer: My family and ancestors have lived in Kilgore more than 100 years. I currently live on the same property that my grandmother’s grandmother originally purchased so long ago. I have three brothers and one sister, all living in either Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia or Texas. Being born and raised in Kilgore as my family and ancestors were, I am a proud native to this small town.
Answer: In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends and family. Playing games or going out to eat with those close to me is always time well spent to me. Always having a close group of friends and some shoulders to lean on is always a welcome addition to my life and I know that I can always count on my friends to help keep me in good spirits.
Director, Adult Education & Literacy
Charmyn Tumey has been employed at Kilgore College for just over a decade. As the director of the Adult Education & Literacy program at KC-Longview she encourages everyone to “come to our program’s graduation in June,” if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience. “Every year I tell myself I won’t cry, but if you knew what I knew about the students we serve and the adversity they have had to overcome to achieve their GED or receive their workforce credential, you would never forget why adult literacy programs are important to our communities.”
Answer: I love that my career has allowed me to meet many amazing people–students, co-workers and community partners. I especially love that it is not mundane and there is always something new to learn.
Answer: Outside of being my children’s chauffeur and sideline cheerleader, I volunteer with several local organizations that are related to things I love–education, children, and adult literacy.
Answer: Listen to audiobooks. I am currently reading “Lovely One” by Ketanji Brown Jackson. I enjoy going to the gym about four days a week, journaling, taking road trips, napping and trying new foods. I recently just had Ethiopian food…amazing!
Answer: My path has been anything but linear. From a childhood in a blended family and time spent in Germany, to a career in fashion merchandising and sales, I’ve embraced diverse experiences. An MBA and a question from a professor led me to reconsider teaching, a path I initially resisted due to my family’s experience in education. My current role at Kilgore College, leading the Adult Education and Literacy Program, has been transformative. It’s allowed me to combine my passion for education with my desire to make a difference, all while raising my two children. This journey has been a testament to embracing unexpected opportunities.
Answer: My children are my obvious proudest achievements. They have got to be the coolest, most comical people I know. They keep me laughing with their middle school/junior high drama. I was also the first person in my family to receive a master’s degree. Since then, my brother, mother and sister-in-law have achieved their master’s degrees in their prospective areas.
Answer: The Lord above, my children, my mom, family, students, and work team! Literally these individuals and groups of people inspire and motivate me each day. They remind me that we are not done and there is still work to do
Answer: Work-life balance is all about perspective. For me, it means prioritizing tasks, such as setting time blocks for work tasks and personal tasks. This has helped create positive habits, such as getting to bed earlier than I used to and getting at least 7 hours of sleep, eating more regularly, journaling, working out, read books, helping kids with homework and even find time to mindlessly scroll on TikTok. At work, by creating time blocks, I know when to check emails, work on that project or projects, return calls, etc. My time is more balanced and I don’t feel like I didn’t accomplish what I needed to do.
Answer: The New York Liberty basketball team and it is literally because their mascot is the best!
Answer: Young Charmyn: Whitley Gilbert-Wayne from Different World; Older Charmyn: Miranda Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy
Answer: In 2019 my siblings from my dad’s side all got together in Chicago (we all live all over the US) to see each other, some of us had never met, and we got an Air BnB and went to see Kendrick Lamar, Sza and other musicians as part of TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment). Best and most memorable vacation ever!
Answer:It’s Charmyn…Like the Toilet Paper–A Story of How Life Rolls and You Keep Rolling
Answer: Some people may know this, but I can sing…not just at karaoke. I went to UIL every year in high school. One year I completed a trio of tenors…yes, I can sing pretty low (I am an Alto 2).
Department Chair/Instructor for Mathematics, Engineering & Physics
Answer: I am an active member of Alpine Church of Christ in Longview. I enjoy teaching the children’s, youth and young adult Bible classes each week. My family and I try to serve and volunteer in any opportunity we are given through the different ministries in our church. Additionally, I currently serve as the Hallsville Bobcat Band Booster President and support the band program through the organization. I stay busy attending the numerous extracurricular activities my two sons are actively involved in.
Answer: I love to follow the SFA Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks in all sports. Their recent success in men’s basketball gave us the opportunity to watch them play in the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Unfortunately, they didn’t win that game, but it was an experience I’ll never forget. I’m also a fan of the Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.
Answer: I enjoy grabbing my riding mower with my headphones and taking my mind off of everything. Depending on the day, I’ll listen to music, podcasts or just ride in silence.
Answer: I listen to Christian music and allow Spotify to shuffle recommendations. I’ve come across artists I may not have heard otherwise. I like to listen to “Unashamed with the Robertson Family Podcast” when I want to listen to a Bible study, work on my faith and have some time for improving myself.
Answer: I always turn to a salty snack so a bag of chips or popcorn are easily found. I have a small popcorn machine I use to make fresh popcorn and season to my liking.
Answer: My family recently went to The Great Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg, Tenn. We stayed in a cabin near the ridgeline and enjoyed the solitude it brought in the morning and evening. During the day we drove around the national park and hiked to various sites. It’s rare to do something for an extended amount of time that the entire family enjoyed.
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
The Kilgore College Rangerettes spent their Wednesday morning spreading some Galentine’s Day cheer, visiting local seniors and creating special pieces of art.
Kilgore College hosted the 62nd annual East Texas Regional Science Fair Feb. 7, showcasing more than 80 projects from elementary, junior high and high schools students from across East Texas.
Art instructors and students (from left) Laminda Miller, Lori Solley, Yuliza Castro, Natalie Hunt and Coy Lothrop present some of the bowls created for the Empty Bowl fundraiser being held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler.
These bowls will be donated as part of the second annual event to bring awareness to the 1 in 6 adults, including 1 in 4 children in East Texas, who are hungry. Empty Bowls will feature live music and a raffle and silent auction for prizes. Guests can purchase handcrafted bowls from East Texas artists. Tickets are $50 and are available at EmptyBowlsTyler.com.
The Kilgore College Human Resources Department accepted the Billy Hibbs Safety Award from Claims Administrative Services (CAS) on Feb. 13.
Frank Crisp, CAS safety representative, presented the award to college representatives in recognition of KC’s commitment to safety and risk management.
The Billy Hibbs Safety Award is presented annually to schools and colleges participating in CAS’ workers’ compensation program. It honors institutions that achieve the Lowest Loss Ratio, Most Improved Loss Ratio and Best 3-Year Loss Ratio. READ MORE
Instructor of Computer & Information Technology
Danny Darden has been a faculty member in Kilgore College’s Computer and Information Technology department (CIT) since 2018. He teaches operating systems, cybersecurity and networking to Associate of Applied Science Workforce students. As a doctoral student in Human Resource Development (HRD) at The University of Texas at Tyler, his research focuses on the impact of Business Industry Leadership Teams (BILT) on workforce development, organizational learning, and change. In the fall, he was selected as one of five people nationwide to participate in the 2024-25 Fellows of The Community College Presidents Initiative in STEM (CCPI-STEM) project – funded by The National Science Foundation. Darden’s involvement in initiatives such as the GenCyber educators’ program, Cisco’s Women Rock IT program, AWS Jam events and local hackathons has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in STEM fields.
Answer: My career in information technology started in the dial-up Internet days. I entered the field like many do, through the support desk, as a way to earn experience while I was earning my baccalaureate degree. From dial-up service, I transitioned to DSL services, multi-lingual support, and alternative OS support. My next career move was into cellular telecommunications where I held a number of roles. One of my favorite job roles was as a technical operations specialist. From week to week, I never knew the challenges I would face and was asked to solve many problems. Finally, I transitioned into a role with a wireless internet service provider where I quickly moved to engineering.
Answer: Spend time reading in every field that you take classes in. Every area has a collection of industry reports, trade journals, magazines and blogs. I encourage my students to read every morning before class as it gets the mind moving and begins to seed one’s thoughts with technical information. Reading in the field is another way to gain and improve technical language exposure.
Answer: I like teaching students to explore the world around them. Most of my students are interested in technology and are looking to learn how to find their footing into the career field. Through hands-on learning, knowledge becomes experience that can go with them to the workplace. I teach them to understand their capabilities and to interview with confidence.
Answer: I lead a great group of men in Bible study on Sunday mornings and have done so for the past 12 years. Technologically, I like to learn about the Linux operating system, open-source software development, and cybersecurity. Satellite communications really interests me, including deep space communications and delay-tolerant networking.
Answer: I grew up in East Mountain, Texas attending school in Gilmer. I am a KC alum. My father’s family hails from Kilgore and Leverett’s Chapel and I have deep roots at Kilgore College. My great aunt Lois was a KC Rangerette (1950) and my cousin David was the voice of the Rangerettes (2000). My great uncle Horace is memorialized at the entrance to R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium.
Answer: I spent 23 years in public-facing customer service roles before becoming a professional educator. I have the capability to listen, understand, and empathize with virtually anyone. That also means I’m an expert problem solver. I bring this problem-solving mentality into the classroom and teach my students to be solution finders and problems solvers.
Answer: I have a strong Christian faith and always seek to follow God in all that I do. I believe that I was called to serve at Kilgore College and can testify to the presence of many faculty members here who believe in serving others out of their own love for God.
Answer: The Texas Aggies are my favorite team. I was a member of the Texas Aggie Band. As a former bandsman and member of the Corps of Cadets, I stand with Robert Earl Keen and sing, “I’ll be a Fightin’ Texas Aggie till I’m dead.”
Answer: My wife and I reside in Gladewater and can often be found dining at one of the local restaurants, which are welcoming and feel like home, where “everybody knows our name.”
Answer: I will take a nap every chance I get, any time of day. It refreshes the mind and allows new solutions to current problems to appear almost spontaneously out of nowhere.
Answer: Jack Ryan
Answer: If it’s 1970s or 1980s rock count me in. I know all the top hits. Very soon my wife and I will head to Arlington to see Hindley Street Country Club, an Australian cover band billed as the “World’s Greatest Cover Band.”
Answer: My wife and I are avid cruisers. However, my most memorable vacation was not a cruise, but instead was a 2017 road trip to McCall, Idaho. Seeing the northwest and driving through the mountains was a treat. We visited Royal Gorge, Colorado; Salt Lake City, UT; and toured the first breeder nuclear reactor in the US at Arco, Idaho. Our nation has so many wonderful places to visit.
Workforce Education Dual Credit Coordinator
Answer: Serving students and supporting their teachers is rewarding and keeps me “in touch” with the kids and their interests. A good teacher can change the life of a child, lead them to use their strengths for a better future and they can teach the teacher along the way. Being with kids keeps you young. Students first!
Answer: I am the Secretary/Treasurer of the Area 3 Chapter of the Career & Technical Association of Texas. We provide professional development, resources and advocate for the Northeast Texas CTE staff and programs. I often act as a contact for the Texas Education Agency for our partner schools. I serve on various Advisory Committees for Kilgore College and our school partners.
Answer: My wife, Cindy, and I have been married 32 years and have our little dog, Gracie. Cindy has dedicated 28 years to teaching children with special needs. While we have no biological children, we are blessed to be “parents” to kids from our families and throughout our careers.
Answer: Cindy and I collect antiques and have made friends all around the state and region in our search for “treasures.” We also play in the garden, and can and preserve salsas, relishes, jellies, etc. We like to travel, enjoy history and museums; we hike and picnic, and love the beach. But nothing is more important than spending quality time with family and friends. Put your phones down, turn off that TV and listen to the stories. Read to the little ones and then roll them in the leaves. Watch the clouds and then look at the stars when the sun goes down. Sit by a fire with a bag of marshmallows and someone you love. Trust God. And enjoy these things you cannot buy.
KC Student, Softball Player
Answer: My favorite thing is to talk to the people I love, like my friends or family. I also enjoy playing Minecraft on my phone or watching Netflix while I have a snack!
Answer: That would either be some of my favorite fruits like pineapple, mango, and strawberries; or you may find something a bit less healthy like chips or Cheez-its.
Answer: One of my interests aside from softball would have to be music. Strangely enough, there are not many genres I cannot enjoy, and I also love researching some of my favorite artists such as Nirvana, Alice In Chains, SZA, and Frank Ocean; I literally cannot survive without music. Another one of my interests would be crime. I love watching crime shows and documentaries as well as researching various crimes and criminals. Lastly, I enjoy watching sports outside of softball like football and baseball – on TV or in person.
Answer: The Chicago Cubs. One of the reasons for this is because I used to live in Illinois. The Cubs are a sentimental thing for me because my family and me have always watched them play together ever since I was a little girl.
Answer:
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
Exciting things are happening this March as Kilgore College proudly presents the inaugural Blue Star Gala! This elegant evening will celebrate student success with a night of fine dining, dancing, live entertainment, and both silent and live auctions.
And that’s not all—don’t miss your chance to win a 2025 Chevy Silverado, generously provided by Patterson of Kilgore, through our exclusive raffle!
If you’re interested in sponsoring a table at this unforgettable event, please reach out to Merlyn Holmes via email or call (903) 988-7521 for more information.
Instructor of Fine Arts, Co-Adviser of PTK
Lori Solley is a fine arts instructor at KC, as well as the co-adviser of Phi Theta Kappa. Most recently, she helped plan the PTK Induction that welcomed more than 100 new members. She was also instrumental in the planning and success of the Phi Theta Kappa Haunted House and Trunk-or-Treat which brought together faculty, staff and students across the Kilgore and Longview campuses to promote a special Harry Potter-themed evening event for the community.
Answer: I’m really fortunate in my work because I love talking to students about visual arts. My background is mainly in printmaking – specializing in lithography and intaglio; but my first love is drawing, which I do as often as time allows. This past year, I started taking ceramics classes every Wednesday night at A.S. Dirtworks in Tyler. I hadn’t done ceramics since college (which has been a minute), and I’d forgotten how much fun it could be. This was supposed to be a simple refresher on throwing on the wheel that turned into such a great experience that I keep going back.
Answer: I’m originally from this area and graduated from Gladewater High School in 1999. I earned my bachelor’s degree from UT Tyler and later moved to Fort Worth for grad school at TCU. I’ve been married to my husband, Jason, for 17 years; we met while working at Olive Garden during college. We have two kids, a 14-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter. Our home is in a rural, country setting, so we’ve taken in many stray or dumped animals, including our number one pup, Dumpy, and our pack of cats: Tiny, Fat Boy, Biddy Boy and Baby Girl.
Answer: I have a weird mix of music that I like and what my kids like in my Spotify playlists. Every morning when I take my kids to school my daughter will request specific songs. Right now, she’s really into “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics and a musician named JVKE’s Golden Hour so those are daily songs at this point. But I’ll also have some David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and Radiohead sprinkled in the mix.
Answer: I really look forward to Wednesday night ceramics class when I can sit at the wheel and just make something. I can chat with others or work quietly on my own. It’s such a relaxing, but also frustrating, process. The best part is when the kiln is unloaded — it’s like Christmas morning. Sometimes pieces don’t survive the firing, or the glaze turns out differently than I expected, but that’s all part of the fun. You just keep trying.
Answer: Cosmic Crisp Apples. Now I know coffee isn’t technically a snack, but we always have coffee going.
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Manny Almanza came to Kilgore in 1995 to serve as the Operations Director of public radio station KTPB-FM. Since the station’s closure in 2006, he has worked in the areas of recruitment, student communications and marketing. Manny is also in his 24th season as the play-by-play voice of KC Athletics.
In addition to his duties at KC, Almanza serves in the audio/visual ministry at Pursuit Church in Kilgore, and is on the Board of Directors for the East Texas Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. He was inducted into the KC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016 as a contributor, and is honored to be included in the Region XIV – Texas Eastern Conference Class of 2024 Legends for his media coverage of junior college athletics. Almanza also spends time in the broadcast booth on Friday nights during the fall as the radio play-by-play voice for Tyler High School football on the KTBB family of stations.
Answer: I love the variety of tasks I’ve been able to perform during my time at KC. From broadcasting, to student recruitment, to being the “email guy,” to marketing and communications, I have enjoyed learning and growing in my career. I can truly say my job is not boring. Also, I have been blessed to work with the best staff and interns on the face of the planet. They make it worth coming to the office every day.
Answer: Serving in my church as the sound technician, and growing various hot peppers and tomatoes so I can make my own salsa.
Answer: There has been more than one memorable experience. I would say being the radio play-by-play announcer for the 2001 KC football team that went 12-0 (they should have been voted national champions), and doing play-by-play for the 2012-13 men’s basketball team at the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. Also, working with students as the advisor for Latinos en Accion and announcing names at graduation have been memorable experiences.
Answer: I grew up in El Paso. We were a military family with my dad serving in the U.S. Army just shy of 30 years. He was a veteran of three wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam. There are no words to describe my pride and gratitude for his service. My mom was the absolute best at taking care of things with dad working all the time. I am one of five siblings, and we had a lot of fun. My wife Tracy and I have been married for 31 years. She has been my support and encouragement, and was the best caregiver during my bout with leukemia 10 years ago. We are blessed to have our daughter and her family living in East Texas.
Answer: Induction into the KC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016; honored by the Region XIV – Texas Eastern Athletic Conference as a member of the Class of 2024 Region XIV Legends (media); producer of two nationally syndicated Christmas programs for National Public Radio while working at KTEP-FM at the University of Texas at El Paso (1991-95).
Answer: KC Rangers; UTEP Miners
Answer: When I have time, any coffee shop that serves good, strong coffee.
Answer: Peanut butter (and in the office, too)
KC Student, Music & Business Major
Chase Geissel is a 27-year-old non-traditional student who attended KC out of high school, but then went into a string of other work experiences. Since returning, he has accomplished several goals – including playing for the Ranger football team, being a member of the Ranger Band and giving tours to prospective students and their families as a Ranger Ambassador. He was also named “Most Representative Student” for the 2023-24 academic year.
Answer:
Music, cooking, cars, and boats
Answer:
One memorable experience was last spring, when I played in the spring football game and then immediately after performed in the Kilgore College Jazz Festival that night. It was a long and busy day!
Answer: Being a member of the President’s List; receiving “Most Representative Student;” serving as a Ranger Student Ambassador; receiving the Wally Read, Ambassador and Glenn Wells Band Scholarships; being named “Best Speaker” in Michele Daniels’ speech class (her class is tough); and being recognized as a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court.
Answer: I was born and raised in Destin, Florida. In high school, my family moved out to Allen, Texas, where I quickly learned everything is bigger and better out here! I come from a big, crazy family with three sisters and a brother. We are an exciting bunch and life is always crazy… in the best way.
Answer: The key is to work hard, play hard. Prioritize the bulk of your schoolwork Monday through Wednesday. Then Thursday through Saturday, go do something you enjoy. Go out to eat. Go fishing. Go do something exciting and new!
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
The Rangerettes were present to represent Kilgore College Nov. 11 at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Kilgore’s city park.
Exciting news for East Texas! Workforce Solutions East Texas received a $71,706 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant from the Texas Workforce Commission presented by Chairman Bryan Daniel. This funding will support training for 70 Texans in advanced manufacturing, focusing on millwrighting. In attendance were Dr. Brenda Kays (KC president) and D’Wayne Shaw (executive dean of Professional and Career Education.
The Kilgore College Computer Information & Technology department and CIT students helped sponsor (along with the Longview Chamber of Commerce) the “KC CIT Code Longview” event where students had an amazing time diving into the world of computer coding, winning prizes and getting hands-on experience. an a fantastic event! Pictured here is CIT instructors Mark Stephens (top center) and Karl Riley (top left) with student participants.
Instructor, Business Management
Julian Redfearn is a stand-out instructor in the Kilgore College classroom, consistently garnering praise from his wide base of students, as noted through positive class evaluations. He has also been recognized as a leader in the classroom as the 2022 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor nominee and recipient of the Hamilton F. and Kathryn G. Beeson Teaching Award. That was also the year he was one of six KC instructors to receive the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award, “for demonstrating a level of outstanding commitment to (his) craft and dedication to students and fellow faculty members,” according to NISOD. He has won this teaching award four times.
Redfearn has taught a slew of business management courses at KC since 1998, as he helps students complete either a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate program in Business Management or Entrepreneurship. His course load each year includes: Operations Management, Quality, Supervision, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, Human Resources, Supervision, Management, and Financial Literacy.
Redfearn joins his years of experience in the industry to local owners/managers through his Business Management Advisory Committees. Past and present representatives who have sat and advised alongside him hail from: Komatsu, Skeeter Boat (now Yamaha), Austin Bank, Brookshires, Target, Republic Industries, Westlake Chemical, Gregg County, Longview Transit, Longview Mall, Texas Bank (in Henderson), the City of Longview, and Fastenal.
He is also actively involved in mentoring business students through the college’s co-op courses, like the one currently meeting on the KC-Longview campus each week. Students receive internships (usually where they work) and Redfearn walks through some of the challenges of the jobs with the students in a smaller class setting. His students have most recently represented: Chick-fil-A, East Texas Professional Credit Union, Raven’s Playland, JCPenney, Clean Cut Roofing, DKT Investments (Whataburger), Famous Footwear, Blast Control Systems, Ulta Beauty, Orr Cadillac, Discount Tire, and White Oak Radiator.
Answer: I am a third generation East Texan having grown up in a law enforcement family. Both my mother and father served as county sheriffs. I am married with one adult married daughter; a great son-in-law; and three sparky grandchildren.
Answer: I had a student in their forties that has had some rough things happen to them over their life. They enrolled in our business degree while still living in a shelter residence. They persevered finishing their two- year degree then went on to complete a four-year degree. They went from poverty to productivity.
Answer: My wife and I love to watch murder mysteries; play with our 75-pound boxer; and enjoy our Connect Group at Mobberly Baptist Church.
Answer: I am a fan of the two universities where I received my degrees: The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em Horns) and Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers).
Answer: My wife and I love cabin life and hiking, especially in Oklahoma.
Answer: Willie Nelson; Seal; Marin Morris; and Adele
Admissions Counselor
Jordan Collard is an admissions counselor and the staff sponsor of the Ranger Ambassadors. She started working at KC in Fall 2021 and took over the Ranger Ambassadors in Fall 2023. The Ambassadors are a group of student leaders who hail from varied backgrounds and academic disciplines and offer a face to the Ranger experience, often leading campus tours and answering potential students’ questions. Collard “hopes to bring the organization to a new level in terms of our community involvement,” she said. “We had the opportunity this past spring to work with Kilgore Fuller Center for Housing to clear a lot for a new home to be built. I hope to increase volunteer opportunities for the Ambassadors to make the organization a pillar of the greater Kilgore community as well as Kilgore College.” Some of the Ambassadors’ upcoming events include a Chili Cook-Off and other Homecoming Week activities.
Answer: I love the ability to work closely with students and assist them with going to college, and, through my work with the Ambassadors, give them peer examples of student success.
Answer: My most memorable experience of working at KC was working with the international student club! We were able to take them cabin camping, we took them to Six Flags for the first time, and we also hosted a cultural awareness day. Working with students from such diverse backgrounds certainly made my life more interesting!
Answer: I strive for success to make myself and my family proud in both my personal and professional life. I am not a person who often strives for the bare minimum, so I’m always trying to at least improve on who I was last year. If I don’t improve on myself, I can feel stagnant.
Answer: My most memorable vacations have been the solo trips I’ve taken over Spring Breaks since I started working here at KC. I have been to Kansas City, Missouri and Denver, Colorado to visit my cousin! I have been to so many museums, plays, and sporting events during these trips, and I also learned to snowboard!
Answer: I love listening to music in my free time, and I tend to be a whole album listener. My most recently played (and re-played) albums have been: “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter; “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” by Chappell Roan; “Charm” by Clairo; and “Unreal Unearth” by Hozier. However, my favorite song right now is definitely “Arrow Through Me” by Wings.
Answer: I enjoy reading and I love to go to concerts with my friends! For my book club, we are currently reading Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me.” I have a few live music events lined up for this fall as well!
Drum Major, KC Ranger Band
As a drum major of the Kilgore College Ranger Band, Elizabeth Calhoun exemplifies leadership and dedication from the football field to the rehearsal rooms. Collaborating closely with the band leadership team, Calhoun helps the marching Rangers navigate hurdles and fosters a supportive environment for musicians and non-musicians alike. She prides herself on being a guide for her peers, inspiring them to put forth their best effort.
“The time spent at Kilgore College has only strengthened my work ethic, integrity, and time management,” she said. “I have learned to not just work hard in the things that I want to work hard in, but work hard in everything that I do, being honest with the work I have done, and creating enough time set aside for any extra activities outside of school and band. Many opportunities have been presented in ways I would not have had if I had stayed in Danbury. I am blessed to have the opportunity to help lead such a wonderful group of musicians into the next chapter of the Kilgore College Ranger Band.”
Answer: I love to listen to music, play my trombone, and paint in my free time. These are all ways I decompress and express myself after a long week. Fine arts has made a huge impact on my life, and I love when I get to share it with friends and family.
Answer:I come from a small town south of Houston where I have spent most of my life. I am the oldest of four amazing siblings, and currently hold “the favorite child” title between both of my parents. Of course, if you ask my parents, they will deny it. I joined band in 6th grade, and although I wanted to drop out many times, my family wouldn’t let me. I now have a passion for music, and want to share music with everyone who is willing to listen.
Answer: Schedules are crucial for me to keep a work-life balance. Without them, I would have such a hard time keeping up with my busy schedule and making sure I don’t accidentally over-commit to something. If you ask to see my monthly calendar, you will see that it looks like a Christmas tree.
Answer:I have been a Houston Astros fan since I was a young kid. Jose Altuve is my favorite athlete, and has been since he started playing for the Astros in 2011.
Answer:Charburger and Kilgore Mercantile and Music are my two favorite hangout spots. They are both really great for so many reasons, and everyone is so friendly. If you see me at Kilgore Mercantile and Music, I would love to play a game of checkers with you.
Answer: After a long day at the college, I love to listen to music on my drive home. I also regularly call back home and try to catch up with my family.
Answer: Cherry Tomatoes
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
(Above) While at the Gilmer Yamboree, the KC Communications and Public Relations department met several successful KC Grads. Among them were Syreeta Johnson (above left) and Jody Pearson (above right).
Johnson is a 2002 graduate of Kilgore College, where she studied finance. Syreeta then transferred to the University of Texas and graduated in 2006. She now runs her own business, Syreeta’s Precious Gems.
Pearson attended KC in 1971 and 1973-74. While at Kilgore, Jody drove the Rangerette bus to football games and played in the KC Band. He also was in the Beta Fraternity and repaired projectors for the media department. He told us he was hand-selected by Gussie Nell Davis to drive the bus, making sure the Rangerettes made it safely to practice.
KC Department Chair of History, Government, and Geography;
Associate Professor of History
Started at KC: August 2017
Dr. May is active on the board of the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance. The East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. ETAA offers respite care grants, educational classes, weekly day clubs, and other critical services to caregivers and families, ensuring that no one in East Texas faces the challenges of Alzheimer’s alone. The Walk to End Alzheimers will be takes place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Teague Park in Longview. The Walk benefits the Alzheimer’s Association, which raises money for a cure for Alzheimer’s. As long as there is Alzheimer’s, we need both the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance, pouring resources in to helping local families, and the Alzheimer’s Association making sure this disease comes to an end.
Answer: I serve on the Committee for Community Colleges within the Organization of American Historians; on the board for the East Texas Historical Association; on the membership committee for the Southern Association of Women Historians and as part of the team of scholars for the Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History project. I also serve on the boards of ETAA (see above); the Gregg County Historical Museum; and the Junior League of Longview, as a commissioner for the Gregg County Historical Commission, and as part of the steering committee for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Longview 1919 Remembrance Project, which is in the process of making a documentary about the 1919 Longview Race Riot.
Answer: I don’t think of a singular experience when I encounter questions like this. Instead, I think of all the many connections I can see in students when we are discussing the past and I can really see something hit them, whether they are getting how that events impacts them or simply having an emotional reaction. My favorite experience is when I have a student who tells me that they hated history or didn’t see the point of it until my class. That’s my drive.
Answer: My family has been in Deep East Texas for a very very long time. I grew up as an only child to Eugene and Saundra May, only grandchild, and only great-grandchild in Huntington, near Lufkin. I think that’s how I grew to love history so much. As the only person in my generation on my mom’s side, I was the one who heard all the family stories and lore, and I soaked it up.
Answer: My husband, Travis Lipscomb, is the executive chef at Scotties Bistro in Longview, and I love going there for food and to watch the sun set on their amazing outdoor patio.
Answer: A glass of a great wine that I’ve purchased from Britt’s Wine & Dine here in Kilgore, curled up on the couch with my two dogs and my husband watching a movie.
Answer: I’ve been obsessed with a playlist on Spotify called “lit girl fall x”. It’s perfect for autumn.
Answer: The mini bags of movie theater butter popcorn. Just the right amount for one person and delicious.
Program Manager for KC’s Upward Bound program
As the Upward Bound Program Manager, she is responsible for developing, implementing, and directing the program which serves high school students from Kilgore, Longview and Pine Tree. Her job as UB Manager is to ensure that the program meets all the goals outlined by the grant, supports students in meeting their goals, and supports advisors as they work with the students. Her team assists and advises students academically, helping them stay on-track and improving their GPAs. She creates and facilitates programming that focuses on social-emotional learning, college and career goals, and life skills. Ultimately her goal is to get all of the students to college and help them earn a college degree.
Answer: I enjoy shopping, listening to music, watching movies, and just relaxing. I also enjoy volunteering in the community. One organization I’m passionate about volunteering with is Longview PAWS. We hope everyone can come to the Longview PAWS HOWLS & GROWLS event on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. Bring your pets and enjoy local vendors and a “Spooky Shelter” as the backdrop to the event.
Answer: I grew up in Longview my whole life before moving to Shreveport to attend Centenary College to earn my bachelor’s degree, and later lived in Boston for two years while I completed my master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston. My dad is from East Texas (all over), and my mom is from Alabama originally and has lived in different states. Their parents and families instilled in them a strong work ethic, which they passed down to me and my siblings. We work hard and serve others where we can. We have a lot of extended family and our family get-togethers are loud, but so much fun.
Answer: I have always enjoyed helping people and finding ways to serve others. When I began working in KC Financial Aid, my goal was to help people the way that the financial aid office at my college had helped me. Moving into Upward Bound was a natural progression of that desire to serve. We didn’t have a program like Upward Bound at my high school. I would have benefitted from having one. I did have a couple of teachers who pushed me and supported me. Without their support, I would have struggled to navigate the college process and probably would not have been as involved in school organizations. I want to ‘pay it forward’ in a sense and be that same kind of support for our program participants.
Answer: Alabama Crimson Tide Football – Roll Tide!
Answer: Popcorn!
Captain of the 85th Line of the Rangerettes
From: El Paso, TX
“As Captain, not only am I expected to uphold the “All-American” image in and outside of practice, but to hold my teammates to the same standards as well. I communicate daily practice attire and necessities, lead all practices, and alongside the other four lieutenants, help guide the new freshman Rangerettes to exceed far beyond what they thought possible. I am beyond humbled to be a small part of such a prestigious organization that represents the United States around the world. This year the Rangerettes will be traveling to London to perform in their New Year’s Day parade! Nothing compares to the incredible opportunities this organization brings. In just two short years, Rangerettes has taught me the importance of integrity, discipline, humility and so much more. I will always carry with me the lessons I have learned and will continuously strive to lead in a way that upholds the beautiful and prestigious legacy that is the Kilgore College Rangerettes.”
Answer: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and taking advantage of the little time that we have here together in Kilgore.
Answer: I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas where I grew up with three siblings. As a family of six, things were not always easy but it only brought us closer. Being so far away from home has made me homesick at times, but I am lucky to say that my youngest sister has now joined me as a part of the Rangerettes during their 85th Anniversary. It is very special to me to have her in Kilgore, pursuing our dreams together once again.
Answer: In high school, I competed on the track and field team as a high jumper. High jumping became a fun outlet for me as it was very different from the passion I have for dance. Though I was not able to continue that after I graduated, I claim it as a hidden talent because my senior year I was ranked number one in the city of El Paso and at one point was top ten in the state of Texas!
Answer: My most memorable vacation was the summer of 2022. My best friends and our families came together for one big family vacation to Disneyland! At one point all 22 of us got on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” ride and I will never forget the picture of us taking up every seat on the ride. We enjoyed every moment we had together and it will forever be a core memory.
Answer: A lot of my motivation comes from my teammates. My teammates constantly encourage me and give me mounds of support daily. Having them by my side and becoming so close with them is something that I will always be grateful for.
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
