WCJC is governed by nine elected representatives, known as Trustees, who volunteer their time to guide and advance our institution towards a brighter future. They’re here because they care about our students and our school. Get to know our accomplished board members below!
Employment: I am a Professor at the LBJ School of Public Policy at the University of Texas. I retired from the Federal government as a senior executive, and I am also retired from the United States Army Reserves.
Why I became a WCJC trustee: I wanted to serve the community and could think of no better way to serve in the light of my experiences and interest, combined with the value I place on the contributions community colleges make in the lives of students and in enhancing the economic viability and competitiveness of the area.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: I enjoy hearing about outstanding outcomes for our students.
WCJC benefits the community by: Many educational opportunities provided are unique, from preparing students to complete four-year degrees at a much more manageable cost to providing certifying vocational training that leads directly to employment to offering opportunities for students with a full-time job and family requirements.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: I enjoy constantly learning new things about the way we impact kids and the community, as well as new challenges and opportunities facing the college in a rapidly transforming educational space.
When I became a WCJC board member: 2018
Employment: Wharton Eye Associates.
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I was born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin by parents who instilled in me the belief one should give back in community service. Nearly 40 years ago, I moved to Wharton to join South Texas Medical Clinic as their eye surgeon. Then, five years ago, I established Wharton Eye Associates. My strength, I believe, is that I listen and can see merit in various points of view. Issues rarely have only one solution. Rather, one may be better than the others. I have opinions, but they are not set in stone.
WCJC benefits the community by: I want to see WCJC succeed in being proactive. We need to look to employers and the community to access areas of need and expand our technical training courses. We also need to ensure that credits earned here are transferable to any four-year college program. That degrees here transfer to employment opportunities. We need to partner with employers and communities to assess needs and possible expansion of technical courses. I will work hard and listen to ensure WCJC survives and flourishes.
When I became a board member: 2022
Employment: Analytical Chemist for Shell
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I became a WCJC BOT member because I have spent a significant portion of my life in higher education (B.S., MSc, and Ph.D.) while living in a variety of countries (USA, Canada, and Germany) and believe that junior college education offers some of the best return on investment that a student can garner, period. Our beautiful campuses are all within an area of the United States geared for tremendous future success due to the current political climate making the development of the Houston region advantageous for many large corporations. I want to make WCJC and the education we offer noteworthy for producing top-quality candidates to take advantage of this current situation.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: I will enjoy the community interactions and the ability to grow the WCJC footprint the most during my time on the BOT. I previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives as a field representative (within Wharton, Jackson, Matagorda, and Calhoun counties) and absolutely loved the community interactions and rewarding experiences from helping with grant applications and funding projects for community development.
WCJC benefits the community by: I believe that WCJC helps the community by being the primary step that a resident can take towards higher education and an increased sense of awareness that they control their destiny. Wharton City, county, and the WCJC tax district do not have very many means of attracting young talented professionals into the area, and WCJC stands as one of the best methods to grow the overall average education level of the area as well as the average income level of the area.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: I grew up in Hungerford and went to Wharton High School (class of 2004). While attending WHS, I took many dual-credit courses and had my first experience with higher education through WCJC. Its influence on the community cannot be understated and is underutilized in the region. WCJC prepared me to attend a four-year university, and the quality of education was excellent when I had to take transfer classes for my four-year university. I want to continue to develop our education and help more students have similar successes to mine.
When I became a board member: 2022
Employment: Chief of Police – Wharton Police Department
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I became a Trustee because I have always had a vested interest in the success of OUR hometown college. WCJC consistently provides a strong foundation for the success of our students and future leaders within our service area and beyond.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: I enjoy working alongside professional, community-minded individuals. My experience gives me a clear view of needs, goals and expectations, in order to help the board make well-informed decisions in the best interests of the College, its Employees, and most of all, the students.
WCJC benefits the community by: Student success is paramount. Wharton County Junior College has always been the crown jewel for Wharton County, and through the years, it has extended well into outside counties. WCJC gave me, my children and untold others an extremely solid foundation that prepared us for higher education, at an extremely affordable price.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: I am a 50-year resident of the City of Wharton and I have a passion and vested interest in our community and the Wharton County Junior College. As a graduate and former employee of the college, I have an intimate viewpoint and perspective. I have personally witnessed the successes of both our academic and vocational graduates. Our academic programs have prepared our students for higher education, while our vocational programs have consistently produced graduates that employers want to hire.
When I became a board member: I was elected in May 2024.
Employment: I own Larry Sitka Signs and Wharton Steam Laundry.
Why I became a WCJC Trustee: I want to help build a stronger future through the growth and development of WCJC so that it can continue to serve the community I love for years to come.
What I like best about being a WCJC board member: I like being able to have an active voice in the fundamental decisions of the college and how we will move forward, as well as having a front-row seat to witness all of the good the college does in the lives of our citizens.
WCJC benefits the community by: WCJC provides an opportunity to people in our service area looking to better their lives through education and gainful employment. The college is also a testament to the community's dedication to education throughout our long history.
How my Experience with WCJC has affected my life: My life has been enriched by Wharton County Junior College since the days I attended as a student before transferring to Sam Houston State University, where I received my degree in Business Administration. WCJC gave me the foundation I needed to succeed, and I'm honored to be both an alumnus and a trustee.
When I became a board member: 2016
Employment: IQS, Inc. Facilities Management Company
Why I became a WCJC trustee: I became a WCJC trustee because I strongly support education; specifically higher education, as it is a conduit for the success of the students of our community. The Degree and Certification options offered at WCJC are second to none and create productive/active members of our communities.
What I like most about being a WCJC board member: I like the opportunity to aid in decisions that will continue the great momentum of WCJC driving improvement and growth in opportunities for students.
WCJC benefits the community by: WCJC benefits the community most by offering not only first class academic degree plans but also offers wonderful and continually growing vocational certification opportunities.
How my experience with WCJC has affected my life: I attended WCJC at the beginning of my education before continuing on to Texas A&M – Kingsville for my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Texas A&M for my Master of Agriculture. I am proud to have attended WCJC and look forward to giving back my time as a trustee.
When I became a board member: I became a Board member in May 2026
