CC, TTU deal will boost student success

Clarendon College and Texas Tech University signed a new agreement last Wednesday, July 8, to expand educational opportunities for students by creating a seamless transfer pathway from CC to Tech.

Through this agreement, students will benefit from a smoother transition as they continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Clarendon College is proud to partner with Texas Tech University to support student success and make higher education more accessible and attainable.

The ceremony featured speakers from both institutions who highlighted the significance of this partnership and its impact on future students.

Larry Wiginton, Chemistry Professor at Clarendon College and an alumnus of both CC and Texas Tech, welcomed guests and provided opening remarks. His unique connection to both institutions made him the perfect person to begin the celebration.

Attendees also heard from Caleb Crosswhite, Principal Deputy General Counsel at the US Department of Agriculture Office of the General Counsel, who shared a prerecorded video message. As an alumnus of both Clarendon College and Texas Tech University, Crosswhite reflected on his experiences at each institution, spoke highly of the education and opportunities they provided, and expressed his enthusiastic support for the new agreement.

Following Crosswhite’s remarks, Cindy Akers, Vice Provost for Administrative Affairs at Texas Tech University, spoke about the opportunities this partnership will create for students seeking to continue their education through a seamless transfer pathway.

CC President Tex Buckhaults addressed the audience, sharing the rich histories of both institutions and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in higher education. He remarked,

“When community colleges and universities work together, students win. Families win. Employers win. Communities win,” Buckhualts said. “The future of the Texas Panhandle and West Texas depends on an educated workforce, strong leadership, and young people who believe they can build successful lives right here at home. Partnerships like this help make that future possible.”

The program concluded with remarks from Jason Hale, Texas Tech University’s Senior Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management, who reinforced the value of partnerships like this in expanding educational opportunities and helping more students achieve their academic goals.

As both institutions continue their longstanding traditions of academic excellence, student success remains at the heart of this partnership. This Memorandum of Understanding represents a shared commitment to creating clear, accessible pathways for students to earn their bachelor’s degrees while strengthening the future of the Texas Panhandle and West Texas through higher education.