Lone Star College-Tomball President Dr. Lee Ann Nutt and Tomball Independent School District Superintendent Huey Kinchen signed a ceremonial agreement on Tuesday, January 24, solidifying the partnership between the two entities to establish an early college high school, Tomball Star Academy, beginning fall 2017. The event rounded out an interactive Community Forum, hosted by Dr. Nutt, at which she shared information and updates about LSC-Tomball with community members.
“It was in 1972 that Tomball ISD passed a resolution declaring its support of a college campus in Tomball,” Dr. Nutt reminded the forum attendees. “And now, here we are, signing an agreement with TISD for an early college high school. I really feel things have come full circle. I’m proud of how fruitful our partnership has been.”
Reaffirming the fact that community colleges are intended to be “college for all,” Dr. Nutt began the forum outlining LSC-Tomball’s current enrollment and how Lone Star College compares to other community colleges in the country. She also explained why a “two-year school” often ends up being a “six-year school” for most students, who often attend part-time while also working and/or raising a family. “We are the option for those who want a college education, but cannot attend a four-year university away from home,” she said.
According to the presentation, thousands of community members utilized LSC-Tomball facilities such as the Beckendorf Conference Center, the Performing Arts Center, and the LSC-Tomball Community Library over the last year. Recent construction on the third-floor of the Health Science Building located near the Tomball Regional Medical Center now places LSC-Tomball in the top-tier when it comes to training in Allied health programs such as pharmacy technology and surgical technology.
Attendees were invited to provide feedback to the information they received via a real-time mobile app that displayed responses on a screen for all to see. Based on the answers provided, it was innovative programs such as LSC-Tomball’s work with GRIT in the classroom as well as the lifePATH degree that delighted the audience most. lifePATH is a unique program that allows adult students who have disabilities that affect executive functioning learn the social and skill expectations needed in the business world, academic world, and personal relationships.
Lone Star College-Tomball is located at 35000 Tomball Parkway, at the intersection of SH 249 and Zion Road. For more information about the college, call 281.351.3300 or visit LoneStar.edu/Tomball.
[Photo – “Tomball ISD Superintendent Huey Kinchen and LSC-Tomball President Dr. Lee Ann Nutt (seated, left to right) signed a ceremonial agreement instituting Tomball Star Academy. TISD Chief Academic Officer Marth Salazar Zamora and LSC-Tomball Vice President of Instruction Dr. Quentin Wright (standing, left to right) look on.”]