Town Hall Meetings conclude with noted achievements

EPPC President William Serrata conducted a weeklong series of Town Hall Meetings at all campuses and ASC.

By José Hoyos                                                                                                                                    Tejano Tribune Contributing Writer

El Paso Community College President Dr. William Serrata shared key institutional achievements and upcoming initiatives during a town hall held at the Valle Verde Cafeteria Annex Thursday, April 10.

Serrata highlighted rising enrollment, with the Fall 2024 headcount increasing to 25,568 students and fall-to-spring persistence climbing to 81%. He acknowledged programs like EPCC Cares, the First-Year Experience Center, and Operation College Bound with guiding student success and retention.

Many academic and workforce programs were emphasized for their success, including the Surgical Technology Program, which doubled its enrollment in Spring 2025, and the Medical Laboratory Technology Program, which achieved certification exam scores above the national average. EPCC’s vocational nursing and radiologic technology programs also reported close to perfect pass rates.

“We’re committed to preparing our students with real-world skills and credentials that meet workforce demand,” Serrata said.

Aligned with that mission, Serrata noted EPCC was awarded the TRUE Grant for the third year, receiving $691,431 to enhance short-term training in high-demand health sectors. The new Engineering Academy, opening to all students in Fall 2025, will provide alternative math pathways and co-enrollment opportunities with UTEP, according to Serrata.

Student engagement continues to be a priority, Serrata told those in attendance, with events like the Chillax Before Finals series, campus fairs, and food assistance through the Tejano Mercado and Grocery Pick-up. Over 900 students have participated in campus life events this semester, Serrata said.

Serrata also addressed state-level developments, including House Bill 8, which shifts Texas community college funding to performance-based models. EPCC continues to advocate for full legislative funding to sustain its progress, Serrata said.

The town hall concluded with an invitation to students, faculty and community members to stay involved as the college finalizes its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan.