The world is online. Banking, shopping, renewing licenses and completing a college degree are just a few things Texans can accomplish with just a computer and an internet connection. Trinity Valley Community College offers so many courses online that students can obtain an Associate degree without ever attending a class on campus. Additionally, TVCC graduates can continue their education and complete bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees at universities online.

TVCC Vice President of Instruction Dr. Wendy Elmore is one example. After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, “I completed…a doctoral degree from an institution more than 4 hours away strictly in an online format,” she said. “Within each of these undertakings, there were educational opportunities that paved the way for me to successfully complete my degree.  However, the online format provided greater flexibility to allow me to complete a terminal degree that otherwise would not have been feasible or possible.”

“I’ve received 2 degrees, my associates from Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) and my bachelors from Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMUC),” said TVCC Institutional Research & Effectiveness Analyst Katie McElroy. “During both of these programs, I enrolled in online education courses…because of the flexible schedule. I work full-time, I have 2 children, and the convenience of not having to travel is very appealing to me. I am currently enrolled in the master’s program at TAMUC to obtain my degree in applied criminology and this program is 100% online.”

“The TVCC distance learning program provides a great opportunity for our students to take online courses and earn an associate degree,” said TVCC President Dr. Jerry King. “Having this option of enrolling in online classes and studying from the convenience of home with flexible schedules is critically important for many students. Fortunately, new technology makes it possible for TVCC instructors to create exciting new methods to learn online and engage students in ways that are very effective. It provides another great option for our students to learn.”

TVCC’s Director of Distance Learning is Dr. Hollie Collier, who joined the college from UT-Tyler in July. “Online learning is unique and exciting because every day there are going to be new opportunities to learn something,” she said. “In the mix of new opportunities, you work hands-on with a lot of different people. At the end of the day, if learning is progressing, distance learning is successful. I love this field of work because it’s truly rewarding when you see the final outcomes of how instructional technology was integrated strategically to empower teachers and students.”

An Athens High School and TVCC graduate, she holds Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees from Tarleton State University. For more information about online learning, contact Collier at 903-675-6259 or holley.collier@tvcc.edu.