Jim Wells County court highlights Texas A&M–Kingsville partnership and medical assistant graduates

At its June 12 meeting, the Jim Wells County Commissioners Court celebrated the graduation of students who completed a certified clinical medical assistant program offered locally through a partnership with Texas A&M University–Kingsville. "We welcome more than 100 prospective students," said Vicki Trevinho, community engagement and outreach assistant with Costa College, describing a recent enrollment event that produced more than 70 registrations. "Our college remains focused on expanding workforce training opportunities, strengthening partnerships with our communities, and providing accessible, affordable education that supports regional economic growth."

Jeff West, chief of workforce development at Texas A&M–Kingsville, thanked the court and said the university intends to extend both workforce certificates and traditional degree programming to Alice once facility improvements are completed. "We're excited about the future and again congratulations to all the graduates on behalf of our president," West said, noting local coordinators run day‑to‑day operations. Brenda Ballard, director of workforce training, said the class began with 11 students and all 11 passed their certification exams; several are already employed.

The court discussed planned remodeling of the county resource center’s third and fourth floors to accommodate expanded classroom and lab space. Officials said engineering approvals will be sought later in the agenda to support the renovation work. Samantha Gonzalez was singled out for on‑the‑ground coordination, and county representatives invited graduates to be recognized in a group photo at the meeting.

Why it matters: Local delivery of postsecondary workforce training can reduce travel barriers for students, speed entry into jobs that pay wages immediately after certification, and support local economic mobility by increasing credential attainment. The university‑county agreement also signals longer‑term plans to offer academic degree programming locally after facility upgrades are complete.

What’s next: Commissioners said engineering work and associated contracts for the resource center remodel will follow in future meetings, and county and university staff will continue onboarding new cohorts and monitoring employment outcomes.