UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

LUC and Kilgore College Launch Industrial Technology Degree Partnership Program

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February 24, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

As part of their continuing partnership designed to expand opportunities for student success in Longview, Kilgore and Gregg County, the Longview University Center and Kilgore College have launched a Roadmap to Success Program in the field of Industrial Technology, also known as Applied Engineering.

"Working with representatives from Kilgore College and Pine Tree High School, we have developed a plan that provides students a pathway to earn a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology in a relatively brief period of time and at a great cost savings," said UT Tyler President Rodney H. Mabry.

"Changes in the Texas Legislature have made it possible for students to earn as many as 60 hours of dual credit course work while still in high school," said Cindy Gabehart, Pine Tree High School principal. "Pine Tree ISD has made arrangements to pay tuition for all its dual credit students, potentially saving them thousands of dollars."

This is a wonderful opportunity for the young men and women at Pine Tree High School because they can transfer dual credit courses, the majority of which are offered by Kilgore College, into the Roadmap to Success programs, said Kilgore College President Brenda S. Kays.

"Students following the recommended curriculums for industrial maintenance, diesel or other qualified technology programs should experience a smooth transition into UT Tyler's Industrial Technology degree program, once they are core complete or have earned their associate of arts degree," she said.

"We are excited about starting this program at the Longview campus," said Mark Miller, professor and chair for the Department of Technology. "The UT Tyler industrial technology program is one of only two programs accredited by the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering in the State of Texas. Local employers are looking for individuals with this type of knowledge. A majority of our graduates receive multiple job offers and are employed as procurement, safety, plant, and inventory managers, production supervisors, and manufacturing, project and industrial engineers."

For additional information contact Bill Irvine in the Pine Tree High School counseling office, 903.295.5031; Kelly Kaemmerling at Kilgore College – Longview, 903.236.2049 or the LUC, 903.663.8100.

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.