This page highlights our ongoing partnerships, profiles of faculty, staff, and students actively engaged in community service, and showcases photos from recent college-sponsored events. Updated on the 25th of every month, this page serves as a hub for the latest community activities and initiatives involving KC. We encourage you to bookmark this page and visit regularly to stay connected with our efforts and involvement.
Instructor of Fine Arts, Co-Adviser of PTK
Lori Solley is a fine arts instructor at KC, as well as the co-adviser of Phi Theta Kappa. Most recently, she helped plan the PTK Induction that welcomed more than 100 new members. She was also instrumental in the planning and success of the Phi Theta Kappa Haunted House and Trunk-or-Treat which brought together faculty, staff and students across the Kilgore and Longview campuses to promote a special Harry Potter-themed evening event for the community.
Answer: I’m really fortunate in my work because I love talking to students about visual arts. My background is mainly in printmaking – specializing in lithography and intaglio; but my first love is drawing, which I do as often as time allows. This past year, I started taking ceramics classes every Wednesday night at A.S. Dirtworks in Tyler. I hadn’t done ceramics since college (which has been a minute), and I’d forgotten how much fun it could be. This was supposed to be a simple refresher on throwing on the wheel that turned into such a great experience that I keep going back.
Answer: I’m originally from this area and graduated from Gladewater High School in 1999. I earned my bachelor’s degree from UT Tyler and later moved to Fort Worth for grad school at TCU. I’ve been married to my husband, Jason, for 17 years; we met while working at Olive Garden during college. We have two kids, a 14-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter. Our home is in a rural, country setting, so we’ve taken in many stray or dumped animals, including our number one pup, Dumpy, and our pack of cats: Tiny, Fat Boy, Biddy Boy and Baby Girl.
Answer: I have a weird mix of music that I like and what my kids like in my Spotify playlists. Every morning when I take my kids to school my daughter will request specific songs. Right now, she’s really into “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics and a musician named JVKE’s Golden Hour so those are daily songs at this point. But I’ll also have some David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and Radiohead sprinkled in the mix.
Answer: I really look forward to Wednesday night ceramics class when I can sit at the wheel and just make something. I can chat with others or work quietly on my own. It’s such a relaxing, but also frustrating, process. The best part is when the kiln is unloaded — it’s like Christmas morning. Sometimes pieces don’t survive the firing, or the glaze turns out differently than I expected, but that’s all part of the fun. You just keep trying.
Answer: Cosmic Crisp Apples. Now I know coffee isn’t technically a snack, but we always have coffee going.
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Manny Almanza came to Kilgore in 1995 to serve as the Operations Director of public radio station KTPB-FM. Since the station’s closure in 2006, he has worked in the areas of recruitment, student communications and marketing. Manny is also in his 24th season as the play-by-play voice of KC Athletics.
In addition to his duties at KC, Almanza serves in the audio/visual ministry at Pursuit Church in Kilgore, and is on the Board of Directors for the East Texas Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. He was inducted into the KC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016 as a contributor, and is honored to be included in the Region XIV – Texas Eastern Conference Class of 2024 Legends for his media coverage of junior college athletics. Almanza also spends time in the broadcast booth on Friday nights during the fall as the radio play-by-play voice for Tyler High School football on the KTBB family of stations.
Answer: I love the variety of tasks I’ve been able to perform during my time at KC. From broadcasting, to student recruitment, to being the “email guy,” to marketing and communications, I have enjoyed learning and growing in my career. I can truly say my job is not boring. Also, I have been blessed to work with the best staff and interns on the face of the planet. They make it worth coming to the office every day.
Answer: Serving in my church as the sound technician, and growing various hot peppers and tomatoes so I can make my own salsa.
Answer: There has been more than one memorable experience. I would say being the radio play-by-play announcer for the 2001 KC football team that went 12-0 (they should have been voted national champions), and doing play-by-play for the 2012-13 men’s basketball team at the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. Also, working with students as the advisor for Latinos en Accion and announcing names at graduation have been memorable experiences.
Answer: I grew up in El Paso. We were a military family with my dad serving in the U.S. Army just shy of 30 years. He was a veteran of three wars: World War II, Korea and Vietnam. There are no words to describe my pride and gratitude for his service. My mom was the absolute best at taking care of things with dad working all the time. I am one of five siblings, and we had a lot of fun. My wife Tracy and I have been married for 31 years. She has been my support and encouragement, and was the best caregiver during my bout with leukemia 10 years ago. We are blessed to have our daughter and her family living in East Texas.
Answer: Induction into the KC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016; honored by the Region XIV – Texas Eastern Athletic Conference as a member of the Class of 2024 Region XIV Legends (media); producer of two nationally syndicated Christmas programs for National Public Radio while working at KTEP-FM at the University of Texas at El Paso (1991-95).
Answer: KC Rangers; UTEP Miners
Answer: When I have time, any coffee shop that serves good, strong coffee.
Answer: Peanut butter (and in the office, too)
KC Student, Music & Business Major
Chase Geissel is a 27-year-old non-traditional student who attended KC out of high school, but then went into a string of other work experiences. Since returning, he has accomplished several goals – including playing for the Ranger football team, being a member of the Ranger Band and giving tours to prospective students and their families as a Ranger Ambassador. He was also named “Most Representative Student” for the 2023-24 academic year.
Answer:
Music, cooking, cars, and boats
Answer:
One memorable experience was last spring, when I played in the spring football game and then immediately after performed in the Kilgore College Jazz Festival that night. It was a long and busy day!
Answer: Being a member of the President’s List; receiving “Most Representative Student;” serving as a Ranger Student Ambassador; receiving the Wally Read, Ambassador and Glenn Wells Band Scholarships; being named “Best Speaker” in Michele Daniels’ speech class (her class is tough); and being recognized as a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court.
Answer: I was born and raised in Destin, Florida. In high school, my family moved out to Allen, Texas, where I quickly learned everything is bigger and better out here! I come from a big, crazy family with three sisters and a brother. We are an exciting bunch and life is always crazy… in the best way.
Answer: The key is to work hard, play hard. Prioritize the bulk of your schoolwork Monday through Wednesday. Then Thursday through Saturday, go do something you enjoy. Go out to eat. Go fishing. Go do something exciting and new!
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
The Rangerettes were present to represent Kilgore College Nov. 11 at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Kilgore’s city park.
Exciting news for East Texas! Workforce Solutions East Texas received a $71,706 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant from the Texas Workforce Commission presented by Chairman Bryan Daniel. This funding will support training for 70 Texans in advanced manufacturing, focusing on millwrighting. In attendance were Dr. Brenda Kays (KC president) and D’Wayne Shaw (executive dean of Professional and Career Education.
The Kilgore College Computer Information & Technology department and CIT students helped sponsor (along with the Longview Chamber of Commerce) the “KC CIT Code Longview” event where students had an amazing time diving into the world of computer coding, winning prizes and getting hands-on experience. an a fantastic event! Pictured here is CIT instructors Mark Stephens (top center) and Karl Riley (top left) with student participants.
Instructor, Business Management
Julian Redfearn is a stand-out instructor in the Kilgore College classroom, consistently garnering praise from his wide base of students, as noted through positive class evaluations. He has also been recognized as a leader in the classroom as the 2022 Minnie Stevens Piper Professor nominee and recipient of the Hamilton F. and Kathryn G. Beeson Teaching Award. That was also the year he was one of six KC instructors to receive the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award, “for demonstrating a level of outstanding commitment to (his) craft and dedication to students and fellow faculty members,” according to NISOD. He has won this teaching award four times.
Redfearn has taught a slew of business management courses at KC since 1998, as he helps students complete either a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate program in Business Management or Entrepreneurship. His course load each year includes: Operations Management, Quality, Supervision, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, Human Resources, Supervision, Management, and Financial Literacy.
Redfearn joins his years of experience in the industry to local owners/managers through his Business Management Advisory Committees. Past and present representatives who have sat and advised alongside him hail from: Komatsu, Skeeter Boat (now Yamaha), Austin Bank, Brookshires, Target, Republic Industries, Westlake Chemical, Gregg County, Longview Transit, Longview Mall, Texas Bank (in Henderson), the City of Longview, and Fastenal.
He is also actively involved in mentoring business students through the college’s co-op courses, like the one currently meeting on the KC-Longview campus each week. Students receive internships (usually where they work) and Redfearn walks through some of the challenges of the jobs with the students in a smaller class setting. His students have most recently represented: Chick-fil-A, East Texas Professional Credit Union, Raven’s Playland, JCPenney, Clean Cut Roofing, DKT Investments (Whataburger), Famous Footwear, Blast Control Systems, Ulta Beauty, Orr Cadillac, Discount Tire, and White Oak Radiator.
Answer: I am a third generation East Texan having grown up in a law enforcement family. Both my mother and father served as county sheriffs. I am married with one adult married daughter; a great son-in-law; and three sparky grandchildren.
Answer: I had a student in their forties that has had some rough things happen to them over their life. They enrolled in our business degree while still living in a shelter residence. They persevered finishing their two- year degree then went on to complete a four-year degree. They went from poverty to productivity.
Answer: My wife and I love to watch murder mysteries; play with our 75-pound boxer; and enjoy our Connect Group at Mobberly Baptist Church.
Answer: I am a fan of the two universities where I received my degrees: The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em Horns) and Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers).
Answer: My wife and I love cabin life and hiking, especially in Oklahoma.
Answer: Willie Nelson; Seal; Marin Morris; and Adele
Admissions Counselor
Jordan Collard is an admissions counselor and the staff sponsor of the Ranger Ambassadors. She started working at KC in Fall 2021 and took over the Ranger Ambassadors in Fall 2023. The Ambassadors are a group of student leaders who hail from varied backgrounds and academic disciplines and offer a face to the Ranger experience, often leading campus tours and answering potential students’ questions. Collard “hopes to bring the organization to a new level in terms of our community involvement,” she said. “We had the opportunity this past spring to work with Kilgore Fuller Center for Housing to clear a lot for a new home to be built. I hope to increase volunteer opportunities for the Ambassadors to make the organization a pillar of the greater Kilgore community as well as Kilgore College.” Some of the Ambassadors’ upcoming events include a Chili Cook-Off and other Homecoming Week activities.
Answer: I love the ability to work closely with students and assist them with going to college, and, through my work with the Ambassadors, give them peer examples of student success.
Answer: My most memorable experience of working at KC was working with the international student club! We were able to take them cabin camping, we took them to Six Flags for the first time, and we also hosted a cultural awareness day. Working with students from such diverse backgrounds certainly made my life more interesting!
Answer: I strive for success to make myself and my family proud in both my personal and professional life. I am not a person who often strives for the bare minimum, so I’m always trying to at least improve on who I was last year. If I don’t improve on myself, I can feel stagnant.
Answer: My most memorable vacations have been the solo trips I’ve taken over Spring Breaks since I started working here at KC. I have been to Kansas City, Missouri and Denver, Colorado to visit my cousin! I have been to so many museums, plays, and sporting events during these trips, and I also learned to snowboard!
Answer: I love listening to music in my free time, and I tend to be a whole album listener. My most recently played (and re-played) albums have been: “Short n’ Sweet” by Sabrina Carpenter; “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” by Chappell Roan; “Charm” by Clairo; and “Unreal Unearth” by Hozier. However, my favorite song right now is definitely “Arrow Through Me” by Wings.
Answer: I enjoy reading and I love to go to concerts with my friends! For my book club, we are currently reading Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me.” I have a few live music events lined up for this fall as well!
Drum Major, KC Ranger Band
As a drum major of the Kilgore College Ranger Band, Elizabeth Calhoun exemplifies leadership and dedication from the football field to the rehearsal rooms. Collaborating closely with the band leadership team, Calhoun helps the marching Rangers navigate hurdles and fosters a supportive environment for musicians and non-musicians alike. She prides herself on being a guide for her peers, inspiring them to put forth their best effort.
“The time spent at Kilgore College has only strengthened my work ethic, integrity, and time management,” she said. “I have learned to not just work hard in the things that I want to work hard in, but work hard in everything that I do, being honest with the work I have done, and creating enough time set aside for any extra activities outside of school and band. Many opportunities have been presented in ways I would not have had if I had stayed in Danbury. I am blessed to have the opportunity to help lead such a wonderful group of musicians into the next chapter of the Kilgore College Ranger Band.”
Answer: I love to listen to music, play my trombone, and paint in my free time. These are all ways I decompress and express myself after a long week. Fine arts has made a huge impact on my life, and I love when I get to share it with friends and family.
Answer:I come from a small town south of Houston where I have spent most of my life. I am the oldest of four amazing siblings, and currently hold “the favorite child” title between both of my parents. Of course, if you ask my parents, they will deny it. I joined band in 6th grade, and although I wanted to drop out many times, my family wouldn’t let me. I now have a passion for music, and want to share music with everyone who is willing to listen.
Answer: Schedules are crucial for me to keep a work-life balance. Without them, I would have such a hard time keeping up with my busy schedule and making sure I don’t accidentally over-commit to something. If you ask to see my monthly calendar, you will see that it looks like a Christmas tree.
Answer:I have been a Houston Astros fan since I was a young kid. Jose Altuve is my favorite athlete, and has been since he started playing for the Astros in 2011.
Answer:Charburger and Kilgore Mercantile and Music are my two favorite hangout spots. They are both really great for so many reasons, and everyone is so friendly. If you see me at Kilgore Mercantile and Music, I would love to play a game of checkers with you.
Answer: After a long day at the college, I love to listen to music on my drive home. I also regularly call back home and try to catch up with my family.
Answer: Cherry Tomatoes
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
(Above) While at the Gilmer Yamboree, the KC Communications and Public Relations department met several successful KC Grads. Among them were Syreeta Johnson (above left) and Jody Pearson (above right).
Johnson is a 2002 graduate of Kilgore College, where she studied finance. Syreeta then transferred to the University of Texas and graduated in 2006. She now runs her own business, Syreeta’s Precious Gems.
Pearson attended KC in 1971 and 1973-74. While at Kilgore, Jody drove the Rangerette bus to football games and played in the KC Band. He also was in the Beta Fraternity and repaired projectors for the media department. He told us he was hand-selected by Gussie Nell Davis to drive the bus, making sure the Rangerettes made it safely to practice.
KC Department Chair of History, Government, and Geography;
Associate Professor of History
Started at KC: August 2017
Dr. May is active on the board of the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance. The East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. ETAA offers respite care grants, educational classes, weekly day clubs, and other critical services to caregivers and families, ensuring that no one in East Texas faces the challenges of Alzheimer’s alone. The Walk to End Alzheimers will be takes place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at Teague Park in Longview. The Walk benefits the Alzheimer’s Association, which raises money for a cure for Alzheimer’s. As long as there is Alzheimer’s, we need both the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance, pouring resources in to helping local families, and the Alzheimer’s Association making sure this disease comes to an end.
Answer: I serve on the Committee for Community Colleges within the Organization of American Historians; on the board for the East Texas Historical Association; on the membership committee for the Southern Association of Women Historians and as part of the team of scholars for the Civil Rights in Black and Brown Oral History project. I also serve on the boards of ETAA (see above); the Gregg County Historical Museum; and the Junior League of Longview, as a commissioner for the Gregg County Historical Commission, and as part of the steering committee for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Longview 1919 Remembrance Project, which is in the process of making a documentary about the 1919 Longview Race Riot.
Answer: I don’t think of a singular experience when I encounter questions like this. Instead, I think of all the many connections I can see in students when we are discussing the past and I can really see something hit them, whether they are getting how that events impacts them or simply having an emotional reaction. My favorite experience is when I have a student who tells me that they hated history or didn’t see the point of it until my class. That’s my drive.
Answer: My family has been in Deep East Texas for a very very long time. I grew up as an only child to Eugene and Saundra May, only grandchild, and only great-grandchild in Huntington, near Lufkin. I think that’s how I grew to love history so much. As the only person in my generation on my mom’s side, I was the one who heard all the family stories and lore, and I soaked it up.
Answer: My husband, Travis Lipscomb, is the executive chef at Scotties Bistro in Longview, and I love going there for food and to watch the sun set on their amazing outdoor patio.
Answer: A glass of a great wine that I’ve purchased from Britt’s Wine & Dine here in Kilgore, curled up on the couch with my two dogs and my husband watching a movie.
Answer: I’ve been obsessed with a playlist on Spotify called “lit girl fall x”. It’s perfect for autumn.
Answer: The mini bags of movie theater butter popcorn. Just the right amount for one person and delicious.
Program Manager for KC’s Upward Bound program
As the Upward Bound Program Manager, she is responsible for developing, implementing, and directing the program which serves high school students from Kilgore, Longview and Pine Tree. Her job as UB Manager is to ensure that the program meets all the goals outlined by the grant, supports students in meeting their goals, and supports advisors as they work with the students. Her team assists and advises students academically, helping them stay on-track and improving their GPAs. She creates and facilitates programming that focuses on social-emotional learning, college and career goals, and life skills. Ultimately her goal is to get all of the students to college and help them earn a college degree.
Answer: I enjoy shopping, listening to music, watching movies, and just relaxing. I also enjoy volunteering in the community. One organization I’m passionate about volunteering with is Longview PAWS. We hope everyone can come to the Longview PAWS HOWLS & GROWLS event on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2-4 p.m. at the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. Bring your pets and enjoy local vendors and a “Spooky Shelter” as the backdrop to the event.
Answer: I grew up in Longview my whole life before moving to Shreveport to attend Centenary College to earn my bachelor’s degree, and later lived in Boston for two years while I completed my master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston. My dad is from East Texas (all over), and my mom is from Alabama originally and has lived in different states. Their parents and families instilled in them a strong work ethic, which they passed down to me and my siblings. We work hard and serve others where we can. We have a lot of extended family and our family get-togethers are loud, but so much fun.
Answer: I have always enjoyed helping people and finding ways to serve others. When I began working in KC Financial Aid, my goal was to help people the way that the financial aid office at my college had helped me. Moving into Upward Bound was a natural progression of that desire to serve. We didn’t have a program like Upward Bound at my high school. I would have benefitted from having one. I did have a couple of teachers who pushed me and supported me. Without their support, I would have struggled to navigate the college process and probably would not have been as involved in school organizations. I want to ‘pay it forward’ in a sense and be that same kind of support for our program participants.
Answer: Alabama Crimson Tide Football – Roll Tide!
Answer: Popcorn!
Captain of the 85th Line of the Rangerettes
From: El Paso, TX
“As Captain, not only am I expected to uphold the “All-American” image in and outside of practice, but to hold my teammates to the same standards as well. I communicate daily practice attire and necessities, lead all practices, and alongside the other four lieutenants, help guide the new freshman Rangerettes to exceed far beyond what they thought possible. I am beyond humbled to be a small part of such a prestigious organization that represents the United States around the world. This year the Rangerettes will be traveling to London to perform in their New Year’s Day parade! Nothing compares to the incredible opportunities this organization brings. In just two short years, Rangerettes has taught me the importance of integrity, discipline, humility and so much more. I will always carry with me the lessons I have learned and will continuously strive to lead in a way that upholds the beautiful and prestigious legacy that is the Kilgore College Rangerettes.”
Answer: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and taking advantage of the little time that we have here together in Kilgore.
Answer: I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas where I grew up with three siblings. As a family of six, things were not always easy but it only brought us closer. Being so far away from home has made me homesick at times, but I am lucky to say that my youngest sister has now joined me as a part of the Rangerettes during their 85th Anniversary. It is very special to me to have her in Kilgore, pursuing our dreams together once again.
Answer: In high school, I competed on the track and field team as a high jumper. High jumping became a fun outlet for me as it was very different from the passion I have for dance. Though I was not able to continue that after I graduated, I claim it as a hidden talent because my senior year I was ranked number one in the city of El Paso and at one point was top ten in the state of Texas!
Answer: My most memorable vacation was the summer of 2022. My best friends and our families came together for one big family vacation to Disneyland! At one point all 22 of us got on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” ride and I will never forget the picture of us taking up every seat on the ride. We enjoyed every moment we had together and it will forever be a core memory.
Answer: A lot of my motivation comes from my teammates. My teammates constantly encourage me and give me mounds of support daily. Having them by my side and becoming so close with them is something that I will always be grateful for.
View photos of recent community-wide activities KC participated in. Click on each photo or the links below for a larger photo gallery of the events!
