Texarkana College Celebrates Nursing Milestone and Student Success

TEXARKANA, Texas: For 70 years, Texarkana College’s Vocational Nursing Program has prepared students to enter the nursing profession. Established in 1956, the program marks its 70th anniversary in 2026, celebrating a longstanding commitment to nursing education and the region’s health care workforce.

The August 2026 Vocational Nursing graduates achieved a 100% first attempt pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Official pass-rate data from the Texas Board of Nursing are expected to be published in April 2027.

“Seventy years of vocational nursing education represents a tremendous legacy of preparing students for an essential profession,” said Courtney Shoalmire, Dean of Health Sciences at Texarkana College. “We are proud of our graduates’ achievement and remain committed to preparing knowledgeable, skilled nursing professionals who are ready to care for patients and serve our communities.”

Texarkana College nursing students are also sharing their knowledge through health education activities for fellow students and community members. This fall, 21 students from the Associate Degree Nursing program’s transition cohort will be inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society, the largest group inducted at the college. The students will lead campus educational activities on hydration and managing anxiety, while other nursing students will provide instruction on infection control and wound care at Randy Sam’s Shelter on Nov. 23.

The impact of Texarkana College extends beyond traditional college degree programs. Enrollment data presented by the Office of Instruction show that the college served 10,413 students across credit and noncredit programs since January 2026. Of that total, 7,088 students enrolled in credit programs, while another 3,325 participated in noncredit offerings, including workforce and contract training, health-related certifications, credential preparation and personal enrichment.

“These numbers reflect the many ways Texarkana College serves our region. Some students come to earn a degree, while others need a specific skill, a professional certification or training to advance in their careers. Our responsibility is to provide educational opportunities that meet those varied needs and help individuals succeed, while supporting the skilled workforce our regional employers depend on,” said Dr. Dixon Boyles, vice president of instruction at Texarkana College.

By providing educational pathways for students with different goals, Texarkana College helps individuals prepare for employment, advance their careers and continue learning throughout their lives. These opportunities also support regional economic development by helping build the skilled workforce employers need to grow existing businesses and attract new investment.

From preparing the next generation of nurses to providing educational opportunities across a wide range of fields, Texarkana College continues to invest in student success and the future of the region.

For more information about Texarkana College and the programs offered, visit www.texarkanacollege.edu or contact TC by calling 903-823-3450.