Ranger College President Looks To The Future

The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon today with guest speaker Bill Campion, President of Ranger College, looking at the future roll of his school in the Brownwood area.

Campion started off by telling how excited he was to have the new Executive Vice President, Don Bostic on board with Ranger College and what a benefit he will be to the school.  Campion also mentioned that the school hired an architect on August 11th to draw some renovation plans for the new school, currently located in Heartland Mall, with Paul Waldrop hired as the construction manager of the renovation job.  Mr. Campion pointed out that the fall semester starts on Monday, August 24th and students will have to deal with a little renovation while school is in session.

Campion spoke about the benefits of having a 2 year school in the community and that a large percentage of students who attend a 2 year school such as Ranger College are students close to 30 who are serious & committed to their education and possible new career.  He also said, “We have more than doubled our duel enrollment classes,” referring to classes that high school students can take and get college credit for towards an associates degree.  Campion stated that all of the school districts in Brown county are participating in the duel credit course program.

Mr. Campion also talked about how Ranger College wants to work with Howard Payne University.  He said, “If we make an enemy at HPU, or anyone else, we have failed.”  Ranger College has been communicating with HPU so they can work together and figure out how hours may transfer to each school if a student needs them to.

Campion also stressed a concern for classes related to the health care industry.  They are planning on expanding their nursing classes and also offer many specialized health care classes such as a surgical tech.

Campion closed out his speech by saying, ” I want to plant a seed.”  He went on to say how important it was for Brownwood’s Ranger College branch to be a part of the community and for local people to be involved in the governance of the institution.

At the end of the speech, new HPU president Bill Ellis entered the luncheon.  Ellis said,” We want to work closely with Ranger.”  Ellis explained that by working with Ranger, both schools could get students to come to Brownwood, get an education, and stay in the community.  Talking to Campion, Ellis said, “HPU will be a good partner with you … I want to look for ways to partner together.”

At closing, the Chamber announced that they will host a reception for Mr. Ellis on Sept. 3rd along with the City of Brownwood and HPU as co-hosts.

Below are a few photos from today’s luncheon.