TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
reached out to one of TC’s most iconic and successful alumnus, Texarkana native H. Ross Perot. During this critical time of institutional transformation, Perot encouraged JHR to launch a community challenge to expand the TC taxing district, which would provide a sustainable source of revenue for years to come. The community rallied in support, responded to the challenge, and voted to annex all of Bowie County into TC’s taxing district. Because of these steps and the unwavering dedication of TC’s faculty and staff to keep student success their focus, the institution has not only flourished financially, but student completion measures have been at an all-time high, receiving national and state-level recognition. In 2019, JHR retired from his career in education to begin working in the private sector, currently working as the Senior Vice President and CFO at The Arnold Companies. Although he has taken on new roles, he remains committed to the Texarkana community through his involvement in area organizations, including AR-TX REDI, Boy Scouts of America Caddo Area
Dr. Donna McDaniel, former Vice President of Instruction at Texarkana College, and current Superintendent of DeKalb Independent School District, said, “When making a big decision, I think to myself, ‘What would JHR do?’ He is the model of leadership and strives for excellence in every single thing he does.” JHR believes in the power of education to change lives and in ensuring that everyone in our community experiences the highest quality Kindergarten through grade 12 education and goes on after high school to earn a certificate or degree. One of his mantras is “Make it happen,” as he personally has devoted his life to making remarkable things happen in Texarkana and the surrounding communities. In 2011, JHR accepted the position as the eighth president of TC during a time when the historical college needed him most. TC was facing a financial crisis, and without reform, the college would have had to shut its doors. He knew it would take the support of the entire community to save the college. Seeking a mentor to help him guide the institution back to financial solvency, he
66
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs