by Elise Mullinix
Tyler Junior College achieved a new milestone on May 9th, with a record 1,689 graduates crossing the stage to earn nearly 2,000 awards during Spring 2025 commencement. TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia conferred the degrees on the graduates during four ceremonies in Wagstaff Gymnasium on the TJC Central Campus.
“Graduation is the day we look forward to all year,” Mejia said in his address. “Graduates, we love you and we already miss you. There is so much excitement and energy here because of you. You are our signature of authenticity for what we are all about.”
TJC graduated the first group of students from its new Bachelor of Applied Science in Emergency Management program, including: Julie Baker, Pearland; Casey Cabaniss, Tyler; Kathryn Bazil, Tyler; William Davis, Martins Mill; Danielle Gilbert, Tyler; and Perry McClendon, Houston. Created in Fall 2023, the two-year, all-online program prepares students already holding associate degrees in related fields to assume advanced responsibilities in leadership and management roles. Julie Baker volunteered with Pearland’s Office of Emergency Management and completed their internship program. “I have a background as a volunteer firefighter, paramedic, and EMS and clinical course coordinator. Emergency management is in the same house as those areas but a different room,” Baker said. “This degree is providing a vast amount of information, enhanced critical thinking skills, and it revealed so much about what emergency management actually is. I know this will enable me to be confident in my new career.”
Ronda Knight, of Lindale, graduated with associate degrees in psychology and sociology. On May 12th, she began TJC’s 16-month Associate Degree Nursing program. But she’s just getting started. “I originally chose TJC because it was close to home and offered the courses I needed — but I stayed because I found a place where I was accepted and feel at home,” Knight said. In addition to her TJC degrees, she is also two credits from earning her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from UT Tyler and is applying to their Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Eventually, she plans to earn doctorates in psychology and nursing — and maybe be a professor. “I’ve thought about coming back here to teach someday,” she said. “To anyone thinking about going back to school, I would just say to do it. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors or advisors because they are here to help. Most of all, get involved on campus. This is a great place, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Starla Taylor, of Hideaway — who crossed the stage with her sister, Janese Largent, and her daughter, Destiny Taylor — earned an associate degree in business management and a certificate in bookkeeping. Their journey wasn’t easy, but it was meaningful. After overcoming addiction, Starla returned home determined to change her life. She’s now nine years clean. Her sister, Janese, who is five years clean, joined her at TJC a year later, earning credentials in EMT and medic courses. And when Starla’s daughter Destiny graduated high school two years ago, she decided to pursue her college education alongside her mother and aunt, majoring in general studies with an interest in psychology. “We never thought this would happen,” Starla reflected. “It’s a testament to God that we are here. To have my daughter with me — after getting her back and everything we went through — it means so much.”
Marc Patrick’s path didn’t come from following a straight line but through trial, redirection and an eventual passion for a trade he once knew nothing about. After serving nearly a decade in the U.S. Navy, Patrick, of Wills Point, needed a new direction and found it in TJC’s HVAC/Refrigeration program. After completing an entry-level HVAC certificate last spring, he’s now earning his advanced certificate and has already committed to returning next year for the specialized ammonia refrigeration track. “The HVAC community is small, and the ammonia field within that it is even smaller,” he said. “A lot of people are retiring, and not many are coming in to replace them.” He’s determined to be part of the solution, currently studying for the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator (CARO) exam and plans to gain five years of field experience to become a technician. “If you had told me 10 years ago that I would go into HVAC, I would have laughed,” Patrick said. “But once I started learning about it — how it works and all that goes into it — it really grabbed my attention.”
When Jimmy Purcell was named White Oak city manager in 2022, he had 30 years of experience in fire and law enforcement but needed more expertise in running a municipal government. Purcell signed up for TJC’s 18-month Public Administration certification program and earned his award on May 9th. “TJC made it easy,” Purcell said. “The courses were all online and specifically tailored to public service. I learned a lot about how cities function — things I wish I had known before stepping into this role.”