Angelina College Celebrates Renovations, New Programs
By GARY STALLARD
AC News Service
Angelina College on Tuesday rolled out the red carpet…literally.
AC hosted a “Red Carpet Salute” in celebration of the completion of numerous campus renovations, along with the launching of some new programs considered valuable to the entire East Texas community.
Members of the Lufkin Chamber of Commerce, along with State Representative Trent Ashby and several AC officials and staff members, were on-hand for the big event.
Dr. Esther Campbell, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, announced the launch of the new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program (and the donation of a tanker truck), which includes both Class A and Class B licensing; and the upcoming Electrical Line Worker program, which she says “represents another critical workforce need in our region, and reflects our commitment to preparing our students for high-skill, high-demand careers that support local industry.”
Ashby praised the college and its leadership for its ability to meet the specific demands of the region’s workforce needs while making East Texas “competitive” with the rest of the state.
“This college really is the cornerstone of workforce development. not just for Angelina County, but really across the entire East Texas region,” Ashby said. “What happens here shapes so many lives.
“The work we’re doing here, specifically at Angelina College, gives me a great sense of pride. You are recognized not just here, but in the hallways of the capital in Austin for the incredible job you are doing in training the workforce for the future of Texas. Angelina College sets the standard.”
The renovations spanned several years of planning and construction, employing what AC president Dr. Michael Simon called a “pay as we go” plan, by which the college used grants and saved funds rather than accruing debt. The overall cost of $5.18 million was spread over the years 2023-2025, and participating entities included CMOST Construction, Timberline and Langston and Bonner Roofing, along with Goodwin-Lassiter-Strong, Inc.
Simon said the focus on renovating the 57-year old campus came from faculty suggestions after the leadership team asked, “What can we do to improve the learning environment at AC?”
“Our staff members came back to us and said our public areas were in need of a facelift,” Simon said. “We took the feedback and made it a goal to take everything to another level.
“We’re not finished yet, we still have a few projects remaining, but we thought this was a good time to pause and celebrate these accomplishments – and of course, thank the faculty and staff, as well as some of our partners, for the work they’ve done to make it all possible.”
The newly remodeled on-campus facilities include the Student Center, the Conference Center, the campus library, Hudgins Hall and the Community Services, Liberal Arts, Social Behavioral Sciences, Health Careers II, Science and Math and Technology Workforce buildings.
For further information, contact Krista Brown at kbrown@angelina.edu.
Photo captions below:
Group photos:
Angelina College members and visiting dignitaries gather outside AC’s Student Center for Tuesday’s “Red Carpet Salute” ceremony. The event served as a celebration of the completion of numerous campus renovations, along with the launching of some new programs considered valuable to the entire East Texas community. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)
Trent Ashby:
State Representative Trent Ashby addresses the crowd during Tuesday’s “Red Carpet Salute” ceremony held at Angelina College. AC’s event served as a celebration of the completion of numerous campus renovations, along with the launching of some new programs considered valuable to the entire East Texas community. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)
Dr. Esther Campbell:
Dr. Esther Campbell, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at Angelina College, welcomes the crowd inside AC’s Student Center during Tuesday’s “Red Carpet Salute” ceremony. The event served as a celebration of the completion of numerous campus renovations, along with the launching of some new programs considered valuable to the entire East Texas community. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)
Dr. Michael Simon:
Dr. Michael Simon, president of Angelina College, welcomes the crowd inside AC’s Student Center during Tuesday’s “Red Carpet Salute” ceremony. The event served as a celebration of the completion of numerous campus renovations, along with the launching of some new programs considered valuable to the entire East Texas community. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)