Texas Tech University

At the Regional Sites

Texas Tech University Celebrates 10 years in Waco

By Jessica Thomas, Section Manager

Lewis Snell stands behind a brown podium while looking over his right shoulder as a poster is unveiled from under a black cloth by a woman wearing a red sweater
Previous graduate students unveil honorary plaques to be placed in the halls of TTU at Waco
Lewis Snell stands behind a brown podium while looking over his right shoulder as a poster is unveiled from under a black cloth by a woman wearing a red sweater
Previous graduate students unveil honorary plaques to be placed in the halls of TTU at Waco

On Oct. 11, Texas Tech University at Waco set the stage as it hosted its 10-year anniversary celebration. Located at the McLennan Community College Community Services Center in Waco, the event highlighted community partnerships, support staff and TTU at Waco alumni.

The academic legacy that began in Lubbock in 1923 has since grown across the whole state of Texas. Waco residents can stay an active part of their local community while starting the adventure of earning their Texas Tech degree.

"We have been fortunate enough to have the support of McLennan Community College in our efforts to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price," said Lewis Snell, director of TTU at Waco.

Melanie Hart, Ph.D., vice provost for Texas Tech's eLearning & Academic Partnerships, agreed. "This is one of the best partnerships we have with a community college," she said.

Lewis Snell and Michael Galyean stand over a cake with the Texas Tech logo as it rests on a table
Michael Galyean, Ph.D., and Lewis Snell, Ph.D. cut the celebratory cake
Lewis Snell and Michael Galyean stand over a cake with the Texas Tech logo as it rests on a table
Michael Galyean, Ph.D., and Lewis Snell, Ph.D. cut the celebratory cake

The first program initiated in 2009 with the first graduating class of three students in 2010. With a current growth rate of 12% annually, TTU at Waco proudly boasts 300 graduates, most of which still reside in Waco. "Seeing students succeed and reach their educational goals is a great part of my position as the director for the regional teaching site," Snell said.

Texas Tech University at Waco offers 12 degree programs with minors in areas of study such as: Human Resource Development, English, Wind Energy, Mathematics, Family Life Studies, Kinesiology, Public Health, Chemistry, Athletic Coaching and many more. Classes are offered online and face to face with many students going on to graduate school or pre-professional health programs.

"It's just really wonderful that our students can have all the same access that other students have whether it's a bus pass or career services or tutoring," said Johnette Mckown, president of McLennan Community College.

Stormie Elwood was an early graduate and now teaches at Connally ISD. Mac Ewart is attending University of North Texas for Osteopathic Medicine, and Waco's very own Anthony LaStrape, a TTU Waco graduate, is now employed as a COMS professor. Those are just a few success stories.

"Our class sizes are small," Snell said. "This allows the students to really know our professors."

Melanie Hart stands to the left of a Waco alumnus inside a building as they both flash the guns up symbol
A TTU alumna poses with Melanie Hart, Ph.D.
Melanie Hart stands to the left of a Waco alumnus inside a building as they both flash the guns up symbol
A TTU alumna poses with Melanie Hart, Ph.D.

When asked why TTU at Waco has been successful in Waco, Sydney Cox, program manager, said, "We are providing the community with an affordable option that has not been available in the past." The faculty members are compassionate about their subjects but also realize they are working with transfer students who are typically the nontraditional population.

TTU at Waco partners with the community through Chords and Conversations and the HOT Fair and Rodeo Foundation to increase scholarship funds for local students to continue their educational opportunities. "We focus on the need for education in Waco," Cox said.

Texas Tech University at Waco is offering degrees that not only benefit the students, but also the community in meeting the demands of the workforce. Snell expects to see continued enrollment growth, more programs and a more consistent presence in the community.

"We look forward to another 10 years of growth and success as the Waco population increases," he added.