Another milestone…DMC presents special stole, recognizes first 14 graduates of new Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree during July 10 ceremony
Online program launched in fall 2024 with over 250 students starting journeys toward finishing college’s second bachelor’s degree
Article by Melinda Eddleman
They walked one-by-one to the front to receive a special stole that recognized their hard work after spending nearly a year completing Del Mar College’s (DMC) newest bachelor’s degree. The July 10 ceremony was in part a celebration of their accomplishment and as recognition of another “first” for the college.
After 90 years, we still have firsts. Lots of them, so we’re celebrating some trailblazers at Del Mar College today––the first cohort to complete the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree. In one year, they’ve built upon their associate’s degrees and will soon receive bachelor’s degrees.
He noted that the first 14 graduates are what success looks like, saying “They now have in their arsenal the expertise in organizational management and leadership that can propel them to new horizons in their careers, whether they’re skilled technicians, seasoned professionals or aspiring entrepreneurs.”
The college launched its newest bachelor’s degree program last fall; but the 14 honorees who began their studies 11 months ago completed the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership (BAS OML) degree in less than a year.
Those students include 13 who previously completed an associate’s degree––some more than one––from Del Mar College, along with one who earned her degree from Austin Community College (ACC). The college’s first BAS OML degree graduates include Justin Autry, Elizabeth Barron, Michael Castillo, Maria Elizondo, Loretta Garcia (ACC grad), Julia Lail, Nelly Lopez, Monica Martinez, Diana Mireles, Alfred Olivarez, Roxette Ramos, Ryan Rios, Christa Yda and Marisol Ynfante.
This group of graduates exemplifies the power of lifelong learning and career advancement, and Del Mar College proudly congratulates them on completing our newest baccalaureate degree program. Their diverse academic and professional backgrounds––ranging from healthcare to public service to technology to culinary arts––highlight the flexibility and real-world relevance of this innovative degree.
The BAS OML degree is the second bachelor’s degree that the college now offers. In fall 2021, DMC launched its first through the Nurse Education Department––the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree––that provides for RNs holding associate’s degrees to complete their baccalaureate-level training.
Of note, DMC administrators’ original expectation was to enroll 30 students in the new degree program last fall. However, more than 775 individuals requested information about the BAS OML degree during spring and summer 2024 with 256 beginning online studies last fall.
Among those who start3d the program last fall was Elizabeth Barron, who received her stole July 10.
Barron, who currently works in the Nursing Success Center with the college’s Nurse Education Department, earned her Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Management and Leadership from DMC last fall and chose to continue her studies to earn the new bachelor’s degree.
The 1992 King High School graduate noted that “returning to school can feel intimidating; but with determination and a clear goal in mind, anything is possible.”
She credits her husband, family, friends and Nurse Education Department faculty and students she works with for encouraging her to push forward and earn the BAS OML degree and says that “the support you’ll find […] along the way is what makes this program truly special.”
How did Barron accomplish her goal to earn the new degree in such a short time?
“I completed my prerequisites before entering the BAS program and set a personal goal to finish them early so I could fully focus on my [bachelor-level] courses,” she said. “However, the program is so well designed that students can balance prerequisite courses alongside their BAS classes if needed. This program offers incredible flexibility for working adults and busy families, and it’s built to help you succeed.”
My goal in earning this degree is to grow into a leadership role within higher education and continue supporting student success initiatives at Del Mar College. For others who are thinking about enrolling in the BAS OML degree program, don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most powerful.
Approved by the DMC Board of Regents in spring 2024 and offered completely online through the Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Department, the BAS OML degree program targets individuals in the workforce who already hold an associate’s degree and are ready to expand their expertise in organizational management and leadership, including those working as skilled technicians, seasoned professionals, employees aiming for higher leadership positions or individuals considering becoming an entrepreneur.
The BAS OML degree also targets new DMC students who are beginning their studies in any of the college’s 55 programs that can transition into the new bachelor’s degree after students complete their AAS degree in their selected major.
The BAS OML degree is stackable, meaning it builds upon the foundation acquired by earning one of the applicable associate’s degrees currently available and offers a comprehensive skill set necessary in today’s competitive market.
Of the first 14 students completing their BAS OML degree this summer and receiving their stole on July 10, Dr. Sramek said, “These graduates are already making an impact across industries, and their success sets a strong foundation for future generations
For anyone interested in starting DMC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree program this fall, information about program requirements, the admissions process and an online form to get started are available at www.delmar.edu/basoml. Interested individuals can also inquire about the program at basoml@delmar.edu or 361-698-1372.
Fall 2025 registration is currently underway with classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Learn more by visiting www.delmar.edu/registration or contacting the DMC Student Enrollment Center at 361-698-1290 or enroll@delmar.edu.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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