Dr. David Byrd is WCJC's new Vice President of Access, Completion and Transfer
WHARTON, TEXAS – Overseeing everything from recruitment to financial aid to academic advising to admissions and registration, it’s easy to see that Dr. David Byrd will have his hands full as Wharton County Junior College’s new Vice President of Access, Completion and Transfer (VPACT).
Yet as daunting as those job duties are, Byrd is most definitely up to the challenge. With vast experience at both the four-year university and community college levels, the Texas native is a true believer in the power of education.
“I am most passionate about expanding educational opportunities for students who didn’t think higher education was for them,” Byrd said. “College was not originally designed with a lot of our students in mind but we can change that. We are putting the students at the center of everything we do.”
WCJC President Dr. Amanda Allen said that Byrd brings a unique but critical skill set to the college and community. This is the first time WCJC has had the VPACT position, and Allen said the job is tailor made for someone with Byrd’s credentials.
“Dr. Byrd is a visionary and student-focused leader and I am excited that he has chosen to join the WCJC family. Our goal is to ensure that every student is provided a clear and seamless pathway from the moment they first learn about WCJC to the time they walk across the stage, whether here or at the four-year university of their choosing,” Allen said. “Dr. Byrd is an ideal candidate to take on this charge and guide this new team. His leadership brings a fresh perspective and a singular level of expertise to our work, and I am excited for the impact he will have on our college. As we embark on this new chapter at WCJC, Dr. Byrd brings the kind of innovative and mission-driven leadership that will elevate our entire team.”
“I’m excited to be a part of her team,” Byrd said of Allen. “She is a strategic and student-focused leader, and I know that WCJC faculty and staff have a great passion for serving all students.”
Byrd has been at WCJC since early November, coming from Coastal Bend College where he served most recently as Vice President of Student Success and Engagement. In that position, he was responsible for all functions related to admissions, financial aid and athletics. Prior to Coastal Bend College, Byrd worked for three four-year universities:
Byrd obtained his higher education from Texas A&M University, earning a bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s of science in agricultural education and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. He possesses various certifications, has published extensively, has spoken at educational conferences, given dozens of presentations and secured numerous grants and contracts worth several millions of dollars.
Although Byrd has extensive experience and success at the four-year university level, he believes that community colleges offer educational opportunities that not only change individuals but entire communities.
“Community colleges can have high standards while helping students succeed through the intentionally designed support we offer. Community colleges are nimble and can more quickly shift their focus on student success,” he said. “This community is only going to thrive so long as WCJC is successful in achieving our mission.”
Student success has been a key element in Byrd’s career. Growing up on a ranch south of San Antonio, his initial plan was to become an attorney. But at Texas A&M, he shifted to agricultural education and discovered a deep-set passion for helping others achieve their own educational goals.
“I developed a passion for administration and building policy and helping students in those ways,” he said. “I strive to learn which students are not being successful and determining how we can create an environment to help them. It’s really a puzzle, and I love working with our organization to complete that puzzle.”
Byrd’s dedication to WCJC’s students is matched by two other deeply personal commitments.
“My core values are my family and my faith,” he said. “I try to put my family first and pray that my work honors God.”
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