Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Senator Lois Kolkhorst visited Victoria College on October 21 to tour the facilities, meet with VC leaders and students, and witness firsthand the college’s commitment to workforce development and educational innovation.
The senator’s visit began with a tour of VC’s newly renovated instrumentation, electronics and welding labs. She watched demonstrations and interacted with students as they developed hands-on skills using traditional and modern equipment.
Kolkhorst sat in one of VC’s new tractor-trailers, purchased through the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) grant awarded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, while learning about VC’s new Truck Driving Program. She also toured the prehistoric fossil exhibit, funded by a $3.6 million US Department of Education grant that aims to increase STEM education opportunities for K-12 students.
Kolkhorst also visited VC’s state-of-the-art simulation labs, made possible by a $1.3 million Economic Adjustment Assistance grant awarded by the US Economic Development Administration along with a donation from the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation. The new interdisciplinary medical simulation labs allow students in VC’s healthcare programs to work in a collaborative environment and gain valuable experience to better prepare for real-world healthcare settings.
“Under Dr. Kent’s and the VC Board of Trustees’ guidance, the focus on workforce education is thriving, with great collaboration between the community college and local business partners,” said Kolkhorst. “Students are getting real-life experience and going straight into the workforce equipped to succeed in HVAC, instrumentation, welding, truck driving, nursing and other rewarding careers. VC’s ‘level up’ philosophy allows Texans to continue their education while working and raising their family, always improving their personal opportunities for greatness.”
Victoria College President Dr. Jennifer Kent said she is grateful that Kolkhorst took the time to visit the campus and connect with students and faculty.
“We appreciate Senator Kolkhorst’s support of higher education,” said Kent. “Her visit highlights the impact Victoria College has on the lives of our students and the crucial role VC plays in preparing our community’s workforce for the future and driving economic growth.”