WCJC is governed by nine elected representatives, known as Trustees, who volunteer their time to guide and advance our institution towards a brighter future. They’re here because they care about our students and our school. Get to know our accomplished board members below!
Employment: Attorney, Paul Webb P.C.
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I became a Trustee because I felt that serving on the board would enable me to be a part of a college that offers so much to the community. The idea of serving the students, faculty, and administration through the work of the Board of Trustees was something I thought was very worthwhile.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: I am continually learning ways that WCJC helps prepare students for further education or the job force. I enjoy hearing about WCJC student success through the wide variety of programs the college offers. I am also continually impressed with the faculty and staff’s commitment to every student.
WCJC benefits the community by: WCJC offers students who want to pursue four-year degrees an affordable, student-focused pathway to a four-year university. The college also offers two-year degrees, job training, and vocational programs, which enable students not interested in a four-year degree to enter the workforce or enhance their skills and contribute to our economy. All of these options are available close to home and at an affordable price.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: In the three years I have been on the board, I have learned a tremendous amount about what a community college can do for its students and the community in general. I have enjoyed becoming educated not only about the financial and operational details of the college but also about how outside forces make strategic planning necessary. I now know that work must be done to make sure that the college continues to keep the highest standards while still providing an affordable education.
When I became a board member: I was appointed to replace Phil Stephenson in January 2013. I was then elected in May 2014.
Employment: Financial advisor
Why I became a WCJC trustee: I believe that WCJC is a vital part of our community, both in the vast educational opportunities it provides our students and the career opportunities it provides for our residents.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: What I like most about being a WCJC board member is helping to guide the college in its strategies and finances as we continue to provide a strong educational foundation for a wide variety of programs at an affordable price.
WCJC benefits the community by: WCJC benefits the community by providing a wide variety of educational opportunities, including developing trade skills and preparation for transferring to a four-year educational institution. WCJC’s primary focus is student success. Through the guidance of our dedicated instructors and staff members, we strive to ensure that our students create the life they want by furthering their education in whatever area they choose.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: My experience with WCJC has made me more aware of the college's challenges from a financial and legislative perspective. It has also made me even more aware of the importance and value that having a junior college in our community provides and has made me more committed to ensuring the ongoing success of the school.
When I became a board member: Appointed in February 2014 and elected in May 2014.
Employment: Retired
Why I became a WCJC trustee: WCJC has been a major part of my life. I was a student for one year and one summer, and I was an instructor full-time for 30 years and part-time for three years. Being a part of WCJC has been a very happy experience, and I want to continue that experience.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: Being a board member is a completely different approach to the value and importance of WCJC for me. The challenge of operating and keeping the best interest of all students is exciting and rewarding.
WCJC benefits the community by: WCJC benefits the community in many ways. I can’t begin to list all of them, but the one that means the most to me is hearing the students talk about their families and how proud their families are that their loved ones have had the opportunities that they never had, which is to obtain a good education.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: Being on the board has allowed me to serve WCJC and my community.
When I became a board member: 2018
Employment: I have been fortunate to continue my family’s legacy in our family business by serving as a Managing Partner for the Gertson Farms Partnership and Vice President of Lissie Flying Service.
Why I became a trustee: Serving as a member of the Board of Trustees allows me to serve my community by working to keep Wharton County Junior College a valued resource.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: It is a pleasure to work alongside my fellow board members and with the college president to oversee the fulfillment of the college’s strategic plan which continues to benefit students today, as well as future generations.
WCJC benefits the community by: WCJC benefits the community by providing an affordable, high quality education, making it possible for anyone to attain a higher education, whether they are seeking a short-term certificate program, a two-year technical or vocational degree, or a degree that will transfer to a university.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: I have served as a member of the WCJC Board of Trustees for 30 years and over this time I have learned a tremendous amount about the socio economic challenges of our students, the complexity of running an educational institution, and the importance education holds in building a stronger community.
When I became a WCJC board member: 1994
Employment: Analytical Chemist for Shell
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I became a WCJC BOT member because I have spent a significant portion of my life in higher education (B.S., MSc, and Ph.D.) while living in a variety of countries (USA, Canada, and Germany) and believe that junior college education offers some of the best return on investment that a student can garner, period. Our beautiful campuses are all within an area of the United States geared for tremendous future success due to the current political climate making the development of the Houston region advantageous for many large corporations. I want to make WCJC and the education we offer noteworthy for producing top-quality candidates to take advantage of this current situation.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: I will enjoy the community interactions and the ability to grow the WCJC footprint the most during my time on the BOT. I previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives as a field representative (within Wharton, Jackson, Matagorda, and Calhoun counties) and absolutely loved the community interactions and rewarding experiences from helping with grant applications and funding projects for community development.
WCJC benefits the community by: I believe that WCJC helps the community by being the primary step that a resident can take towards higher education and an increased sense of awareness that they control their destiny. Wharton City, county, and the WCJC tax district do not have very many means of attracting young talented professionals into the area, and WCJC stands as one of the best methods to grow the overall average education level of the area as well as the average income level of the area.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: I grew up in Hungerford and went to Wharton High School (class of 2004). While attending WHS, I took many dual-credit courses and had my first experience with higher education through WCJC. Its influence on the community cannot be understated and is underutilized in the region. WCJC prepared me to attend a four-year university, and the quality of education was excellent when I had to take transfer classes for my four-year university. I want to continue to develop our education and help more students have similar successes to mine.
When I became a board member: 2022
Employment: Wharton Eye Associates.
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I was born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin by parents who instilled in me the belief one should give back in community service. Nearly 40 years ago, I moved to Wharton to join South Texas Medical Clinic as their eye surgeon. Then, five years ago, I established Wharton Eye Associates. My strength, I believe, is that I listen and can see merit in various points of view. Issues rarely have only one solution. Rather, one may be better than the others. I have opinions, but they are not set in stone.
WCJC benefits the community by: I want to see WCJC succeed in being proactive. We need to look to employers and the community to access areas of need and expand our technical training courses. We also need to ensure that credits earned here are transferable to any four-year college program. That degrees here transfer to employment opportunities. We need to partner with employers and communities to assess needs and possible expansion of technical courses. I will work hard and listen to ensure WCJC survives and flourishes.
When I became a board member: 2022
Employment: I am a Professor at the LBJ School of Public Policy at the University of Texas. I retired from the Federal government as a senior executive, and I am also retired from the United States Army Reserves.
Why I became a WCJC trustee: I wanted to serve the community and could think of no better way to serve in the light of my experiences and interest, combined with the value I place on the contributions community colleges make in the lives of students and in enhancing the economic viability and competitiveness of the area.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: I enjoy hearing about outstanding outcomes for our students.
WCJC benefits the community by: Many educational opportunities provided are unique, from preparing students to complete four-year degrees at a much more manageable cost to providing certifying vocational training that leads directly to employment to offering opportunities for students with a full-time job and family requirements.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: I enjoy constantly learning new things about the way we impact kids and the community, as well as new challenges and opportunities facing the college in a rapidly transforming educational space.
When I became a WCJC board member: 2018
Employment: I own Larry Sitka Signs and Wharton Steam Laundry.
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I want to help build a stronger future through the growth and development of WCJC so that it can continue to serve the community I love for years to come.
What I like best about being a WCJC board member: I like being able to have an active voice in the fundamental decisions of the college and how we will move forward, as well as having a front-row seat to witness all of the good the college does in the lives of our citizens.
WCJC benefits the community by: WCJC provides an opportunity to people in our service area looking to better their lives through education and gainful employment. The college is also a testament to the community's dedication to education throughout our long history.
How my Experience with WCJC has affected my life: My life has been enriched by Wharton County Junior College since the days I attended as a student before transferring to Sam Houston State University, where I received my degree in Business Administration. WCJC gave me the foundation I needed to succeed, and I'm honored to be both an alumnus and a trustee.
When I became a board member: 2016
Employment: Retired as Professor Emeritus of Music from the University of Texas RGV
Why I became a WCJC Trustee:
As an advocate for community colleges and an experienced educator, my family and friends throughout the WCJC service area encouraged me to serve as a trustee. With over 35 years as a teacher and administrator in universities, community colleges, and public schools, I bring diverse and varied perspectives. For example, during my 14 years as Chair of the Fine Arts Department at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, I successfully led capital improvement campaigns for new buildings and the renovation and retrofitting of older buildings as well as securing fourteen scholarship endowments. To meet the needs of our community, I presented new degree proposals approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at the Certificate, Associate degree, Bachelor degree, and Master degree levels. I am honored to serve as a WCJC Trustee.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member:
I firmly believe in the community college system and am committed to our community, the success of our students, and the support of our faculty and staff. What I like most is the opportunity to serve my community in a meaningful way and play a role in strategizing the future of WCJC through the support of its initiatives and mission.
WCJC benefits the community by:
WCJC is an invaluable resource for our service area's current and emerging needs. The college provides high-quality, affordable, academically flexible education in a supportive environment. With certifications, associate degrees, academic credit transfer programs, job training, and professional development, WCJC provides accessible education opportunities throughout our service area.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life:
I began my academic career at WCJC and continued my education at Sam Houston State University, earning a BMEd in Music Education and Piano Performance, Texas A&M Corpus Christi earning a MAIS in History, Communications, and Clarinet Performance, and at the University of Arizona, earning a Ph.D. in Music Education with a minor in Statistics and Clarinet Performance. Undoubtedly, the finest teachers in all of my educational experiences were the faculty at WCJC. In addition, many of my family members attended WCJC, including my mother, brothers, sister, and nephew. I also learned the value of continuing education as my father took adult education classes at WCJC to learn welding and land surveying.
When I became a board member: 2020
