Del Mar College News

"One of our big education initiatives is at our partner institution, Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. They’ve developed one of the nation’s first AI occupational skills awards for students to learn new technologies and skills."

2022 was a significant year for Del Mar College. During the second summer session held in July and August, students took credit courses for the first time on Del Mar College’s new Oso Creek Campus while construction continued for a full opening in January 2023. The new campus is the first the College has built in over 60 years.

Business is booming in Texas. The Lone Star State ranks first in the nation in over-the-year jobs added according to the Texas Workforce Commission. However, we have a shortage of skilled workers that continues to concern our employers. Thankfully, our state’s community colleges are poised to help us build the workforce of tomorrow with the help of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance’s final recommendations.

The next generation of law enforcement, firefighters or EMTs are well trained and ready to take on the challenge. Over 600 high school students who feel they were called to be emergency responders competed in the Texas Public Service Teacher Association's annual competition at Del Mar College’s Windward campus on March 11.

Del Mar College is one of three area institutions working with the Depot to help recruit new employees among students who may want to seek jobs with CCAD, including those in the Building Maintenance, HVAC and Electrical Programs.

Learning technology can be difficult for anyone, and as technology constantly evolves, there are always so many features that smart devices have to offer. To remedy that, Del Mar College is hosting an educational course specifically geared toward helping senior citizens navigate their Apple devices.

A renewed partnership between four major Corpus Christi entities is hoping to boost the Coastal Bend work force. On Friday, the Corpus Christi Army Depot, Del Mar College, the Island University and the Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend joined together in an effort to put more people to work.

Del Mar College’s Board of Regents unanimously approved the designation of “Professor Emeritus” to retired Professor of Political Science Elizabeth N. Flores during their Feb. 14th regular meeting.

It’s not too early to think about attending Del Mar College (DMC) during the 2023-2024 academic year. And covering associated costs to attend college can be as simple as applying for a scholarship. Currently, the DMC Foundation is taking online scholarship applications through midnight on April 30.

Anantha Babbili, Ph.D., was selected by Del Mar College's Board of Regents to fill the at-large seat vacated after the Jan. 1 resignation of Dr. Linda P. Villarreal, who accepted a full-time position with Texas A&M University-Kingsville. During a meeting on Feb. 14, the Del Mar College Board of Regents interviewed three candidates and unanimously selected Dr. Babbili to fill the spot.

In a 4-3 vote after extended discussion, the Del Mar College board of regents on Tuesday approved a tuition rate increase of $2 per semester credit hour for the 2023-24 school year.

The Del Mar College board of regents appointed Anantha S. Babbili to an at-large position on the board Feb. 14. The board chose Babbili, who has experience in higher education leadership, after interviewing three applicants for the position.

Students at Del Mar College Heritage Campus are celebrating Black History Month with a unique dance lesson. African Soul International dance group visited students this week to share the influence and history behind African dance.

If you're an educator or student, then odds are you've heard of the popular chatbot known as ChatGPT. The site is capable of writing essays for those who provide it with a few prompts or questions. Some educators are concerned about what that could mean for the future of creative writing and free thought.

Doing Business With the City 101 is the name of a seminar between city departments and potential local business vendors set for this week. The class is all about teaching businesses how to connect with the city to get contracts for goods and services. Del Mar College APEX Accrelerator's Robert Mirabal is holding the class.

Prior to the Jan. 31 called meeting, the Del Mar College Board of Regents swore-in the remaining Regent who filed unopposed for one of three seats available during the General Election in November 2022. After signing the appropriate paperwork, Carl Crull, who filed for the District 5 seat, took the Oath of Office before taking his seat with the Board.

Maxine Snapka graduated from Del Mar back in 1941. For her 100th birthday, daughters Kathryn Snapka and Marlene Carper honored their mother and late father with an endowed scholarship through the Del Mar College Foundation, the Method and Maxine Endowed Scholarship, which will financially support DMC Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management students for years to come.

Snapka's Drive Inn restaurant has been part of Corpus Christi's dining out scene since 1948. Now, the Snapka family is doing its part to help Del Mar College students who plan to enter restaurant management or the culinary arts and to honor its founders with an endowed scholarship through the DMC Foundation, the Method and Maxine Snapka Endowed Scholarship, which will financially assist DMC students for years to come.

The Del Mar College board of regents is looking for a new member. Candidates interested in the open board seat can apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume and up to five letters of reference addressing their qualifications to the Del Mar College Office of General Counsel. Applications are due by noon Friday, Jan. 27.

Opinion contribution by Texas State Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa: As the demand increases for skilled workers, our community colleges fill a critical role in the effort to prepare Texans with the work skills they need to compete for higher paying jobs. The Texas Commission on Community College Finance's recommendations focus on performance-based funding that's tied to measurable outcomes, including the number of credentials that provide professional skills, credentials awarded in high-demand fields, and transfers to four-year universities.

Coastal Bend veteran and trucking business owner Ashley Leiva was named "Top Military Veteran Rookie Driver" in a national trucking competition. She completed Del Mar College's Transportation Training Services Program in November 2021 and, along with her brother Johnny Leiva, was nominated for the national competition that is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation\s Hiring Our Heroes initiative.

Ashley Leiva, the Army veteran who won a Kenworth big rig on Dec. 16, returned to Del Mar College's Windward Campus on Monday, where she completed training for her CDL through the College's Transportation Training Services Program. The program's director nominated Leiva for the 2022 National Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award, and she won.