By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Big changes are underway at Southwest Texas College (SWTX) here as the campus experiences growth and a bold rebranding.
This fall the Power Line Technology Program, now being offered directly on the Del Rio campus, will gear up. This hands-on training initiative is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the utility industry.
According to Connie Buchanan, Southwest Texas College vice president who leads the Del Rio campus, it’s a career field full of unsung heroes.
“Lineworkers are vital to keeping the lights on—literally,” Buchanan said. “From disaster recovery to building new communities, their work powers everything we do and it’s a field that their top tiers are retiring and there is a lot of room and we plan to fill the gaps by providing amazing training at SWTC.”
Buchanan said it won’t be difficult to launch the powerline program. “We’re putting down a caliche pad and going to move several trailers in and the program will be launched,” she said. “Starting in August won’t be a problem.”
Buchanan said this isn’t the only technical field they are growing.
Other technical programs are also in the pipeline. Welding and Construction Science Programs are on the horizon, with launch dates dependent on product availability and ongoing construction.
While their programs are getting a boost, one of the college’s buildings, Building K, is getting a facelift and a new mission, to serve as a multifunctional student services hub.
This hub will include:
- A Transfer and Career Center to support students planning to transition to four-year universities.
- Designated spaces for Social Services Resources, offering students access to community support.
- A Cowboy Pantry, a food pantry initiative aimed at supplementing students’ nutritional needs.l
- A Recharge Zone, where students, faculty and staff can relax..
- Private counseling areas to host visiting mental health professionals.
Buchanan said as Sul Ross State University slowly exits, SWTX will take over their former space. “We are going to keep renovating, trying to ensure we give students here an amazing experience,” she said.
Buchanan said they are looking for the right contractors to put to work on these projects.
One thing that can slow the projects down is if they can’t find the right contractors to begin the renovations.
Buchanan said she really wants to find a local contractor for the job.
“That will be great,” she said. “We really want to do everything possible to keep this project local.”
Local contractors interested in contributing to these projects are invited to connect with Dana Garza, Purchasing Agent for SWTX, at dlgarza2@swtxc.edu or 830-591-4171 to request bid packages.
Blanca Larson, Del Rio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, said this growth is good for Del Rio
“When there was a gap in higher education here, Southwest Texas College stepped up for us and is ensuring that people are able to get a higher education. The future is bright—and it’s being built right here in Southwest Texas,” she said.
