News and Notes from around the College

San Jac is finalist for 2023 Aspen Prize The Aspen Institute named San Jacinto College one of the 10 finalists for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This newest honor follows the College’s recognition as an Aspen Prize Finalist with Distinction in 2021, Aspen Prize Finalist in 2019, and Aspen Prize Rising Star in 2017. The $1 million Aspen Prize is the nation’s...
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Traffic class goes beyond the books

In traffic law and investigation class, students learn their ABCs — but not in the traditional sense. Theirs is a phonetic alphabet. The Texas Law Enforcement version begins with Adam, boy, Charles and is used to call out license plates, for example. “We cover the Texas Transportation Code, which is used as our textbook,” said John White, Central Campus criminal justice professor....

Advanced manufacturing, machining jobs are growing along Gulf Coast

Careers in advanced manufacturing and machining are in high demand along the Texas Gulf Coast. San Jacinto College Continuing and Professional Development offers courses that lead to Haas Computer Numerical Control mill and lathe certifications and prepare students to meet this demand. The Gulf Coast Workforce Board has listed machinists and CNC tool operators on its high-skill, high-growth...
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Measure of success: Veteran student serves while changing course

“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” Jared White chuckles, realizing what he’s said. The 36-year-old Army veteran has been accepted into the Transfer Scholars Network, which connects high-achieving community college students with top universities, including Ivy League schools. Although the San Jacinto College student hopes to pursue mechanical engineering at Rice (“the...
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Scientist, educator makes biology matter

From biology major to San Jacinto College educator — and a lot in between — Dr. Tyler Olivier brings experience and inspiration to the classroom. Olivier is the science, technology, engineering, and math department chair at the Generation Park Campus. Starting his San Jac career in 2015, he has taught general biology for science and non-science majors and was part of the honors faculty and...
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Online education can be the BOSS

The business office systems and support program is one of many that can be completed 100% online at San Jacinto College. BOSS includes three certificate levels and a degree: Office assistant, occupational certificate (18 credit hours) Administrative assistant, certificate of technology (30 credit hours) Executive administrative assistant, Level 2 certificate (45 credit hours) ...

Promise Scholarship Q&A: What you need to know

The Promise @ San Jac Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that covers up to three years of tuition, books, and supplies at San Jacinto College for in-district high school graduates. Roberto Mendez, Promise coordinator, offers insight into the scholarship and important things to remember when making the pledge. Q: Who is eligible for the Promise @ San Jac Scholarship? A: Promise is for...
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Future of education is in good hands with Pathway to Teaching Careers

San Jacinto College education student Karina Zuniga has wanted to be a teacher since she was a child. Completing the Pathway to Teaching Careers internship with Channelview ISD validated her dream. “I didn’t know if teaching was the right career path for me, and I thought it was too soon for me to go into the classroom,” she said. In only her second semester, Zuniga stepped foot into a...

Accident-prone dad inspires student to pursue physical therapy

McKenna Sprinkle got the news and did a facepalm: Her dad was in urgent care again after another surfing accident. Wasn’t he too old for this? Although tempted to roll her eyes, Sprinkle had to admit the rehabilitation exercises intrigued her. “I’m amazed at the little ways we can fix our bodies,” she said. Most high schoolers don’t take anatomy and physiology or shadow physical...

Stress Busting 101

Clammy palms. Racing heart. Upset stomach. These might sound like medication side effects, but they can actually be signs of stress. Does managing stress have you stumped? San Jacinto College licensed professional counselors Gladys Arvizu and Robert Murray share how you can tackle the stressful situations you face in college and beyond. Arvizu, who has worked in both a community agency and...

Houston City Council chief of staff remains San Jac proud

For Perdita “DiDi” Chavis, determination and perseverance are two key ingredients to success. Chavis was on a pre-med pathway at Xavier University in New Orleans in the 1980s, following high school graduation. After moving to Houston and working to support herself, she decided to return to college as a biology major. Chavis took classes at San Jacinto College off and on from 1993 to...
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