TJC Talks 1926

In this inspiring episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Happi Deason Byrne, the Director of the iconic Apache Belles. A proud alumna of the 46th line, Happi brings a deep love for the program and a clear vision for its future. From her work mentoring dancers to organizing Apache Belle Gold alumni initiatives like the “Welcome Home” program, she’s been a passionate advocate for tradition, gro...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Doug Wren, the sixth Athletic Director in TJC history. From his first days as a student-athlete in 2001 to leading the Apache baseball program to five national championships, Doug’s story is one of legacy, leadership, and love for TJC. He shares how his experiences on and off the field have shaped his approach to leadership, what this new role me...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we’re sitting down with Lauren Tyler, Director of Student Life, to explore the heart and soul of campus life. From engaging student programs to leadership opportunities and community-building efforts, we dive into how Student Life shapes the overall student experience at TJC.  

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Amanda Hiles Lawless - a former Apache Belle dance captain and the first TJC student ever to be crowned Texas Rose Festival Queen. From the football field to the Rose Garden, Amanda shares how her experiences at TJC helped shape her into a confident leader and passionate community ambassador. 

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we’re talking all things TJC Centennial and the future of the college with Mitch Andrews, TJC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the TJC Foundation. Mitch shares insight into the Centennial Campaign, the impact of philanthropy on TJC students, and the incredible support from alumni, donors and friends of the college. As TJC cele...

Get ready for more inspiring stories, memorable moments and conversations with the alumni, faculty, staff and friends who make Tyler Junior College special. As we celebrate TJC’s Centennial, Season 2 will continue sharing the people and stories that make up our Apache legacy. Stay tuned for the Season 2 premiere and follow TJC Talks 1926 wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Juan E. Mejia, President of Tyler Junior College, to discuss leadership, legacy, and the power of community colleges to transform lives. Since becoming TJC’s seventh president in 2019, Dr. Mejia has championed a culture of excellence, access, and authentic caring — guiding one of Texas’s premier institutions into a bold new era.  Join us as Dr. Mejia shares hi...

Join us as we continue our conversation with Carmin Marie Biggs who went from Tyler Junior College to The Big Apple. Today, she is a successful news producer, having won nine Emmys at the nation's most-watched local television station. She opens up about producing during some of the nation’s most historic moments — including her early work during 9/11 — and what it takes to succeed behind the...

In this episode, we sit down with Carmin "Marie" Biggs, a ten-time Emmy Award-winning news producer and proud TJC alumna, whose journey from small-town Texas to the fast-paced world of New York City news is nothing short of inspiring. Marie shares how her time at TJC gave her the confidence and support to pursue big dreams, eventually leading her to NYU and a decorated career at WABC-TV.

In this episode, we sit down with the members of the Lipan Apache Council to discuss the rich heritage of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas and the meaningful collaboration with TJC in bringing the “Spirit of TJC” statue to life. 

In this heartwarming episode of TJC Talks 1926, we catch up with two lifelong best friends whose journey began over 40 years ago as Apache Belles at TJC. From early morning practices and game-day performances to weddings, careers, and everything in between, their bond has stood the test of time. Tune in as they share stories of sisterhood, school spirit, and how their time at TJC shaped not only t...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with a Neita Fran Ward, a remarkable TJC alumna who has dedicated her life to the arts and her community. As the founder, executive director, and host of Art Connection of East Texas, she has worked tirelessly to celebrate and promote local artists. Her passion for creativity doesn’t stop there—she’s also owned her own art galleries, designed unique j...

Join us as we speak with Isaac Wells, a TJC alumnus and dedicated videographer, filmmaker, and visual storyteller. Isaac will share how his time at TJC, from his early explorations in theatre to his later studies in visual communications, laid the foundation for his blossoming career in the world of film.

In this episode, we sit down with TJC alumna, Diann Bayes, to explore her incredible 30+ year journey through the Texas travel and tourism industry. From hotel openings in Fort Worth to leading destination marketing organizations across the state, Diann shares insights, stories, and the passion behind her work. Diann also discusses her continued connection to TJC as a dedicated member of the Alumn...

In this episode of TJC Talks 1926, we sit down with Gigi Delk, whose career at Tyler Junior College spans nearly four decades. As a longtime advisor for Phi Theta Kappa and a leader in computer information systems and gaming development, Gigi shares insights into student mentorship, curriculum innovation, and the evolution of honors education. Her story reflects a deep commitment to academic excel...

We’re joined by Dr. Julie Philley, a proud TJC alumna and the sixth president of The University of Texas at Tyler. A physician, researcher, and visionary leader, Dr. Philley was instrumental in launching the UT Tyler School of Medicine, a milestone for East Texas and the UT System. She shares how her journey began at TJC, the path that led her through medicine and higher education, and her hopes f...

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.