DMC Board of Regents and Institutional Leadership Appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to New Texas Commission on Community College Finance
Board Chair Carol A. Scott and President and CEO Mark Escamilla to both serve on new commission with no set term expiration
Article by DMC College Relations Office
Announcements by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Office and the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), in conjunction with the Texas Business Leadership Council, acknowledge the appointment by the Governor of two Del Mar College (DMC) leaders to the new Texas Commission on Community College Finance. DMC Board of Regents Chair Carol A. Scott and Mark Escamilla, Ph.D., College President and Chief Executive Officer, have both been appointed to the commission for “terms set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor,” according to news releases from his office and TACC.
Established by Texas Senate Bill 1230 (87-R), the commission will provide recommendations to the 88th Texas Legislature to establish sufficient state formula funding for public community and junior colleges in support of education and training and improved student outcomes that meet Texas’ higher education goals.
Scott and Escamilla will be among 12 appointees overall to serve the state’s public community colleges while on the commission. Member representation includes college, business and policy leaders from across the state.
“Community colleges are critical to Texas’ future prosperity due to their role in providing affordable and accessible education and training opportunities to all Texans. The current state funding formula for public community and junior colleges was established almost a half century ago and is no longer adequate for determining actual funding needs of the 50 community college districts,” said Scott. “The Texas Commission on Community College Finance will examine the funding model and recommend updates that reflect the needs of our colleges and our students across the landscape of the state and higher education.”
Scott is the current Chair of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees and notes, “I am honored to represent the voice of more than 400 elected community college leaders across the State in this important work.”
As an Executive Board Member of TACC, Escamilla adds, “It’s my honor to serve on the newly established Texas Commission on Community College Finance. Protecting and advocating the interests of Del Mar College and the other 49 community colleges in Texas have always been among my driving forces as president and chief executive officer of DMC. The Commission appointment affords me an even greater opportunity to interact and collaborate with decision-makers at the state level and ensure our colleges receive the funding and other support they need to be successful in these trying times. I would like to thank Governor Abbott for this appointment and look forward to serving the great State of Texas.”
Individuals can learn more about the commission during an hour-long webinar hosted by TACC beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23. Register here.
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.