Communication is the lifeblood of our global society, and your ability to articulate your ideas can take you places. At Wharton County Junior College, we understand the power of words and the magic they can create when expressed correctly. Here, we aim to nurture your natural talent and equip you with the skills that can help you shine in the world of communication.
Our course will not only sharpen your verbal communication skills but also open doors to a multitude of career opportunities. Our students have gone on to thrive in various roles where communication is vital, from corporate CEOs to public figures, educators, and more. Find jobs in:
Find more information, including wages and education requirements, on Career Coach!
James Conner earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston-Downtown in 1999 and his M.A. from the University of Houston in 2008. He is also a proud Wharton County Junior College graduate, having received his A.A. degree in 1989.
Conner has taught speech and mass communication classes at Houston Baptist University, Houston Community College, and the University of Houston as an adjunct instructor. Prior to his full-time academic career, he spent over 15 years in the communications industry as a radio broadcaster, media relations director, and managing editor.
Office: Wharton Campus, Fine Arts 102
Phone: (979) 532-6337
Email: connerj@wcjc.edu
Kirk Cowell received his B.S. (1994), M.Div. (2002), and D.Min. (2014) degrees from Abilene Christian University. Before joining WCJC, he taught speech classes at Tarrant County College for a year, and at Laredo Community College for five years.
Dr. Cowell served for over a decade in Christian ministry before becoming a speech instructor. His experience in teaching, pastoral counseling, committee leadership, and public speaking informs his teaching work. He maintains an interest in intergenerational religious education models and conducts occasional seminars and workshops on that topic.
Office: Wharton Campus, Fine Arts 101
Phone: (979) 532-6911
Email: cowellk@wcjc.edu
Tiffany Jones graduated with her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of North Texas. Before joining WCJC, Ms. Jones worked as a Career Services Advisor and Executive Recruiter, teaching professional communication skills, interview skills, and resume writing. She has also served as an adjunct instructor for several years, teaching courses such as Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, Introduction to Speech Communication, and Business and Professional Speaking.
Office: Sugar Land Campus, Brazos Hall 226
Phone: (281) 243-8584
Email: jonest@wcjc.edu
Karen Prisner completed her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in the spring of 1999. In 2002, she earned her M.A. in Public Relations from the University of Houston’s main campus.
Prisner has been with WCJC for several years, primarily teaching Fundamentals of Speech. However, she has taught other courses such as Business and Professional Communication and Interpersonal Communication at other educational institutions as an adjunct professor.
Office: Sugar Land Campus, Brazos Hall 229
Phone: (281) 243-8537
Email: KarenPr@wcjc.edu
Patrick Ralls completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University and his Master of Arts degree from the University of Houston. Before joining WCJC, he taught as an adjunct instructor at Lone Star College-North Harris.
Office: Wharton Campu, Fine Arts 105
Phone: (979) 532-6978
Email: rallsp@wcjc.edu
Andra Allen McLarty received her B.A. in Theatre from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, with an emphasis on acting and directing. She also earned Master of Science degrees in both Theatre and Speech from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce). With over twenty-five years of experience, Andra has taught several speech and introductory theatre courses at the college level. She views teaching a speech class as a service to the community.
Email: McLartyA@wcjc.edu
