Kilgore College

Welcome to Kilgore College, a prominent community college nestled in the heart of East Texas. For decades, Kilgore College has been a cornerstone of education and community development, offering a diverse range of academic and vocational programs designed to empower students for their future endeavors. Whether you're looking to transfer to a four-year university, gain valuable skills for a new career, or simply explore a new interest, Kilgore College provides a supportive and engaging learning environment right here in Texas. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Kilgore College, highlighting its offerings, unique characteristics, and why it remains a top choice for local students and beyond.

Kilgore College was established in 1935, during the transformative era of the East Texas oil boom. This historical context is not just a footnote; it's woven into the very fabric of the institution, prominently featured in the on-campus East Texas Oil Museum, which chronicles the region's fascinating oil history. From its humble beginnings with 11 faculty members and 229 students, Kilgore College has grown significantly, now serving thousands of students annually across its Kilgore and Longview campuses. The college's mission has always been to provide accessible, quality education at a competitive cost, fostering a learner-centered environment that prioritizes student success and completion through collaborative partnerships. It’s an institution that truly embodies the spirit of opportunity, offering a welcoming atmosphere for both traditional students fresh out of high school and adult learners seeking to advance their careers or explore new paths. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, ensuring that your education here is recognized and valued.

Kilgore College is conveniently located at 1100 Broadway Blvd, Kilgore, TX 75662, USA. Situated in the city of Kilgore, Texas, the main campus is easily accessible for residents across East Texas. Kilgore itself is a charming small town that offers a friendly and community-oriented atmosphere, providing a comfortable setting for focused learning. For those residing in nearby areas, the college’s second campus in Longview further expands its reach, making quality higher education even more convenient. The college's central location in East Texas ensures that students from a wide service area, including school districts like Longview, Hallsville, Pine Tree, and Spring Hill, can readily access its educational opportunities. With major roadways nearby, commuting to campus is straightforward, allowing students to integrate their studies seamlessly into their daily lives. The campus environment is designed to be welcoming and navigable, with clear signage and accessible facilities.

Kilgore College is committed to providing a holistic educational experience, offering a wide array of services to support student success. These services are designed to address various academic, personal, and career-related needs:

• Academic Advising: Dedicated advisors help students plan their academic journey, choose appropriate courses, and ensure they are on track to meet their educational goals, whether it’s transferring to a four-year university or entering the workforce.
• Workforce Development & Continuing Education: This department offers professional and career education programs, short courses, licenses, and industry certifications tailored to meet the demands of the local and regional job markets. They also collaborate with businesses for specialized training needs.
• Student Support Services (TRIO): This program specifically assists first-generation college students (neither parent has a 4-year degree), PELL Grant eligible students, and students with disabilities. Services include academic and transfer advising, financial aid/scholarship assistance, tutoring, free printing, campus visits, and workshops on study skills and money management.
• Accommodations & Disability Services: Provides essential support such as classroom accommodations, tutoring, interpreting for the deaf, readers, scribes, and guidelines for service/emotional support animals to ensure an inclusive learning environment.
• Counseling Services: Licensed counselors and community-partner referrals are available for currently enrolled students needing solution-focused counseling, helping them navigate personal and academic challenges.
• Student Emergency Fund (SEF): Offers limited financial assistance to students facing unexpected emergencies or hardships, providing a crucial safety net.
• Randolph C. Watson Library: The campus library serves as a vital academic resource, offering study rooms, computer labs, research assistance, tutoring, and a comprehensive collection of reference materials, print, and electronic resources. It also houses the KC Brew coffee shop.
• Tutoring Services: A variety of in-person and online tutoring opportunities are available, including the KC Writing Studios, Tutor.com, and the ZONE, to help students excel in their coursework.
• Support Services for Student Parents: Kilgore College provides resources tailored to student parents, including flexible academic advising, access to study lounges, and computer labs.
• IT Help Desk: Provides assistance to students, faculty, and staff with technology and eLearning-related issues.
• Educational Opportunity Center (EOC): A free resource center offering services to high school graduates, college students needing financial aid, or adults planning to enroll in college or vocational school.
• Campus Dining: Various on-campus dining options, including a cafe and cafeteria, are available, and local churches sometimes offer free lunches to students.

Kilgore College boasts several unique features and highlights that set it apart and contribute to its vibrant campus community:

• The Kilgore Rangerettes: Founded in 1940, the Rangerettes are the world's first precision dance-drill team and are nationally known for their exceptional performances. They are a beloved symbol of Kilgore College and a source of great pride for the community.
• East Texas Oil Museum: Located directly on the Kilgore College campus, this museum is a major attraction, showcasing the incredible story of the East Texas oil boom. It offers an engaging and educational experience for students and visitors alike, connecting the college to its rich regional history.
• Texas Shakespeare Festival: Since 1986, Kilgore College has been the proud host of the Texas Shakespeare Festival, a significant cultural event that brings high-quality theatrical performances to East Texas, enriching the lives of students and the wider community.
• Strong Academic Programs with High Pass Rates: Kilgore College's nursing programs (Associate Degree Nursing and Vocational Nursing) have consistently achieved 100% pass rates on the NCLEX examinations for multiple consecutive graduating classes, demonstrating the high quality of instruction and student preparedness.
• Robust Athletic Programs: Kilgore College fields competitive teams in football, men's and women's basketball, and softball. The college has a rich athletic history, with numerous conference championships and even national titles in some sports. Many former student-athletes have gone on to play at Division I universities and even professionally.
• Dual Credit Program: This program allows high school students to earn college credits before even attending classes on campus, potentially enabling them to graduate earlier and reduce overall educational costs.
• Diverse Student Body: Kilgore College embraces diversity, attracting students from various ethnic, gender, age, and geographic backgrounds, including an international student program. This fosters a rich and inclusive learning environment.
• On-Campus Housing: Kilgore College offers various on-campus housing options, including suite-style and corridor-style residence halls, providing students with a convenient and immersive college experience.

For those interested in learning more about Kilgore College, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 1100 Broadway Blvd, Kilgore, TX 75662, USA

Phone: (903) 983-8209

Mobile Phone: +1 903-983-8209

For residents across Texas, especially those in the East Texas region, Kilgore College stands out as an exceptional choice for higher education. Its commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality academic and vocational programs directly addresses the needs of the local workforce and community. With its diverse range of services, from comprehensive academic advising and tutoring to vital student support programs and counseling, Kilgore College ensures that every student has the resources to succeed.

Beyond the classroom, the college offers a vibrant campus life, enriched by unique features like the world-renowned Kilgore Rangerettes, the educational East Texas Oil Museum, and the cultural highlight of the Texas Shakespeare Festival. These elements create a unique and engaging college experience that is deeply rooted in the local culture and history of East Texas. The strong athletic programs foster a sense of community and pride, offering opportunities for both participation and enthusiastic spectatorship.

While a past review mentioned a specific challenge with athletic tryouts, it's important to recognize that such experiences can be isolated incidents in the broader context of a large and active institution. The overwhelming feedback, as evidenced by another review, highlights Kilgore College as a place that offers a "transformative experience for anyone who wants to brighten their future and achieve their goals." This sentiment resonates with the college's dedication to student success and its impactful presence in the community.

Whether you're looking for a solid foundation to transfer to a four-year university, seeking in-demand technical skills for immediate employment, or aiming to enrich your personal and professional life through continuing education, Kilgore College is well-equipped to help you achieve your aspirations. Its blend of academic rigor, comprehensive support services, and unique campus culture makes it an ideal environment for Texans seeking to invest in their future, right here at home. Kilgore College truly embodies its motto: "Your Future Starts Here!"

Kilgore College

1100 Broadway Blvd, Kilgore, TX 75662, USA