ten partner school districts, TC dual credit students earned more than 100 Occupational Skills Awards and more than 90 workforce level-one certificates. Area dual credit high school students are now more prepared than ever to transfer to a university for degree completion and to enter the competitive workforce with confidence and valuable skills. Texarkana College students rank Number One in Texas for community college graduation rates. Dr. Smith attributes this milestone to TC’s dedicated faculty and staff, who focus on helping students achieve their college completion goals. Prioritizing the goal for degree completion, Dr. Smith has bolstered TC’s relationship with Texas A&M University-Texarkana, formalizing transfer agreements and securing scholarships to ensure a seamless transition for students. Dr. Smith is recognized as a leader among community college presidents on a state and national level. Nominated by TC students, Dr. Smith received the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Paragon Award for New Presidents, recognized for his hands-on approach and support for TC students. In 2025, Dr. Smith received the inaugural Truman Arnold Trailblazer Award at the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Balancing his career, Dr. Smith cherishes time with his wife, Jodie, and their sons, Reed and Grayson. His visionary leadership has solidified TC’s reputation as a hub of innovation and opportunity, and his focus on student success helps ensure bright futures for tomorrow’s workforce and leaders. Texarkana College President Leads TC to Top Graduation Rates in Texas
DR. JASON SMITH, PRESIDENT OF TEXARKANA COLLEGE PHOTO BY PATTERSON’S
D r. Jason Smith became Texarkana College’s ninth President in January 2019. Before his role at TC, he served as superintendent of Pleasant Grove ISD in Texarkana, TX. Dr. Smith prioritizes leadership development for students, staff, and faculty, encouraging participation in programs like Student Government and Leadership Texarkana. He also strengthens TC’s collaboration with community partners, such as the Texarkana Regional Airport, where TC launched an Aviation Mechanics Technology program to address workforce needs. Dr. Smith has also championed transformative community projects. Under Dr. Smith’s leadership, TC continues to grow. The McCulloch Workforce Training Center opened in 2023, with a plumbing program debuting next year. The state-of-the-art STEM complex opened in 2024, and enrollment in workforce training programs has reached an all-time high. Additionally, TC’s iconic School of Bladesmithing moved to the heart of campus, gaining national attention through its feature on the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire.” Dr. Smith worked with Texas Representative Dr. Gary VanDeaver to support House Bill 8, enhancing dual credit opportunities for high schoolers. His partnerships with local superintendents have also paved the way for high school students to earn college credits or associate degrees at minimal or no cost. TC saw record-breaking enrollment in the 2024-2025 academic year for dual credit courses, resulting in 50 students representing Hooks, Liberty-Eylau, Linden Kildare, Maud, Pleasant Grove, Texas High, and Home School earning their associate degree while still in high school. In addition, across
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