TJC Talks 1926

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Bryan Baker, M.Ed., CWI, CWE—Department Chair of Automotive and Welding Technology at Tyler Junior College. With over four decades of experience in welding, machining, fabrication, construction, and education, Bryan shares insights into the evolving world of skilled trades and the critical role of hands-on learning.  From working in aerospace and...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Barbara Bass — former Mayor of Tyler and current TJC Foundation Board Member — to talk about the transformative power of education. Barbara shares why access to affordable, quality learning is essential to Tyler’s long-term growth, what excites her most about the future of TJC, and how the TJC Foundation is helping pave the way for generations to...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with two influential voices in the world of speech and communication at Tyler Junior College. M’Liss Hindman, a veteran educator with nearly five decades at TJC, reflects on her legacy in speech education and her leadership in national forensic organizations. Joan Andrews, a proud TJC alum and longtime professor and coach, shares her journey from stud...

In this episode, we’re joined by two remarkable federal law enforcement veterans — one a proud TJC alumnus with nearly three decades as an FBI agent and author of Tenaha: Corruption and Cover-Up in Small Town Texas , the other a retired Secret Service agent and dedicated member of the TJC Foundation Board.  Together, they co-host Back in Crime , a podcast where they revisit fascinating true crime...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Terry Gipson, a proud Tyler Junior College alumnus whose career has spanned public service, higher education, and creative communications. Terry shares his journey from the classrooms of TJC to the fast-paced world of Viacom/MTV Networks, where he led experiential design and public relations for major brands. He later served as a New York State S...

In this special episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Metke, the sixth President and Chancellor in Tyler Junior College’s history, who led the institution through one of its most transformative eras. From launching TJC’s first bachelor’s degrees and the groundbreaking TJC Promise to overseeing a dramatic expansion of campus facilities and donor support, Dr. Metke’s 12-year tenure left an enduring leg...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926 , we welcome Dr. Bill Crowe, who served as president of Tyler Junior College from 1994 to 2007. Dr. Crowe shares insights from a time of tremendous growth and momentum at TJC—when enrollment surpassed 10,000 students for the first time and the College deepened its ties with major donors. From navigating financial challenges to expanding opportunities for students,...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Dr. Raymond Hawkins, who served as president of Tyler Junior College from 1981 to 1994. Dr. Hawkins reflects on a pivotal era in the College’s history—one marked by growth, vision, and bold transformation. From overseeing a major campus master plan to guiding TJC through times of change, his leadership helped lay the foundation for the vibrant ca...

In this episode of TJC Talks: 1926 , we’re kicking off the Past Presidents Series by honoring the legacy of the College’s first three presidents—visionary leaders whose influence still shapes TJC today. Joined by Dr. Jeff Owens, we take a closer look at the lives and leadership of the first two presidents, exploring how their dedication laid the foundation for generations of Apaches to come.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. J. Blair Blackburn, the 13th President of East Texas Baptist University. From his TJC days as an Apache Cheerleader to his current leadership in transforming ETBU, Dr. Blackburn shares his unique perspective on his TJC experience, the evolving landscape of higher education, and his vision for cultivating vibrant campus communities. 

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Mathews and Carol Beggs for an insightful conversation about the legacy, growth, and future of the TJC Alumni Association. Join us as they share their unique perspectives on how the TJC Alumni Association has evolved, the impact it has on both alumni and current students, and the exciting initiatives on the horizon. Whether you're a proud graduate or in...

In this inspiring episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Admiral Bobby R. Inman, a proud Tyler Junior College alum whose extraordinary career spans military intelligence, national security, technology innovation, and public policy. From leading the National Security Agency and serving as Deputy Director of Central Intelligence, to shaping future leaders at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, Ad...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we delve into the deep-rooted history of TJC through the eyes of alumnus Dr. D. M. Edwards. A fourth-generation Tyler native, Dr. Edwards shares his family's enduring legacy at TJC, tracing back to the early days of the institution. We'll explore how his time as a cum laude graduate of TJC paved the way for his success at Baylor University and beyond. Fur...

In this episode, we sit down with Lexie Stanley, a standout cheerleader from Rusk, Texas, and recent graduate of Tyler Junior College. Lexie shares her journey from cheering on the sidelines at Rusk High School to competing on the national stage with TJC’s championship-winning cheer team. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Drain, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs at Tyler Junior College. With over two decades of leadership in higher education and athletics, Dr. Drain shares insights from his remarkable career—from coaching tennis at Texas A&M to guiding TJC to over 30 national championships as athletic director. We explore his dedication to student success, the...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Beverly Dillon, the official Apache Belle historian, to dive deep into the early history of the Apache Belles, one of the most iconic and celebrated drill teams in the world. Beverly, with her wealth of knowledge and passion for preserving the legacy of the Belles, takes us on a journey through the early years of the team. From its humble beginni...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with a pivotal figure in Tyler Junior College's rich musical history, Dr. Cheryl Rogers. With a career spanning over four decades at TJC, our guest has witnessed and actively shaped the growth of our esteemed music program.  

In this special episode, we're joined by Jeremy Strickland, Director of Bands at TJC, to explore the early history of the legendary Apache Marching Band. Now in his tenth year leading the 215-member ensemble, Jeremy brings a deep passion and extensive experience to the conversation. Under his leadership, the Apache Band has continued to grow in excellence and reputation. Tune in as Jeremy shar...

In this episode, we sit down with local celebrity, Doc Deason, a TJC Alumni Association Board member, meteorologist, and thriving East Texas realtor. Doc shares how his journey took him from TJC to the newsrooms of Denison, Tyler, and Abilene.

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Raffe Andrewartha, a proud young Apache and former Belle Guard who helped bring new life to one of TJC’s most cherished traditions: the Victory Bell. He shares the story behind the bell’s return to student life, what it symbolizes for him, and how his great uncle’s legacy at TJC inspired his own involvement. From his time as a student leader to h...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Janis Johns, a proud third-generation Tyler Junior College Apache. Janis’s grandmother was in TJC’s very first graduating class and famously helped name the athletic teams the “Apaches.” Her father, Dick Johns, was a beloved artist known for his iconic stipple artwork featured in TJC yearbooks and the Sports Circle of Honor. Janis herself is a fo...

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Trenia Tillis-Hoard, the longtime leader of the Tyler Junior College Women’s Basketball Team, to talk about her incredible journey from guiding the Apaches to a national championship to joining the USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team coaching staff.

In this episode, we sit down with a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and accomplished historian specializing in Native American studies, Dr. Dan Marshall Purvis III. From his beginnings at Tyler Junior College to earning a Ph. D. and publishing Tribes of Tejas , his journey is rooted in a deep commitment to preserving and sharing Indigenous histories. 

In this episode, we sit down with a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and accomplished historian specializing in Native American studies, Dr. Dan Marshall Purvis III. From his beginnings at Tyler Junior College to earning a Ph. D. and publishing Tribes of Tejas , his journey is rooted in a deep commitment to preserving and sharing Indigenous histories. 

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Mayor Don Warren to explore how education, community, and thoughtful growth are shaping the future of East Texas. A third-term mayor and longtime oil and gas professional, Mayor Warren shares his perspective on the power of partnerships—especially with institutions like Tyler Junior College—to fuel economic development, workforce readiness, and a strong sens...