TJC, UT Tyler Developing Patriot Pathway

TYLER — Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler, focused on an authentic collective impact, announce the strengthening of their collaboration and partnership through a program currently being developed as the Patriot Pathway, according to a TJC news release. Together, officials say, the TJC and UT Tyler academic leadership teams will create a plan leading to the seamless transfer of students between the institutions.

Dr. Ross Sherman, UT Tyler interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC provost and vice president for student affairs, are committed to increasing the educational attainment levels for East Texas, according to the release. School officials say the two, who are also participating in the region’s Collective Impact work, will focus on economic development and regional prosperity.

“UT Tyler and TJC have enjoyed a positive relationship for a number of years, and our goal is to take it to a higher level where the models of collaboration that we create between our institutions can become the national models,” Mejia said. “In working with Dr. Sherman, his team, and the academic leadership team of TJC, it is clear that we have the ability to rapidly implement models that best serve our communities, do it at scale, and make them sustainable.”

Sherman said, “Our goal is to increase the educational attainment level of the citizens of East Texas. We recognize the economic and social benefits that come when students earn post-secondary degrees. Dr. Mejia and I are committed to working collaboratively to achieve this goal.”

Dr. Mejia and Dr. Sherman also expressed appreciation to Dr. Bill Geiger, UT Tyler vice provost and dean of the graduate school and academic affairs, and to Dr. Tampa Nannen, TJC assistant provost, for their leadership with the initiative, according to the release. Pictured from left: Sherman, Nannen, Geiger, and Mejia.