WC NEWS

Nina Maniotis, director of Weatherford College’s phlebotomy technology program, explained how her program is a springboard for diverse healthcare careers during her presentation to the WC Board of Trustees at their February meeting on Thursday.  

The one-semester program equips students with the skills to draw and process blood, and understand hematology, chemistry and molecular diagnostics. Beyond basic blood draws, the program covers job interview skills, resume writing, professional behavior, medical law and ethics.  

“My students don’t just learn phlebotomy,” Maniotis said. “They are laboratory assistants when they finish.”  

For the past several years, the phlebotomy program has boasted a 100 percent graduation rate and over 90 percent job placement. Half of the program’s graduates continue their education to become nurses, while 25 enter phlebotomy directly and the rest pursue degrees in sonography, radiology, respiratory care and more.  

Maniotis highlighted several student success stories including Karina Rojas, a single mother of four who will graduate from WC’s respiratory care program after completing the phlebotomy certificate in 2022. She represented WC in an accreditation visit in 2023 and is now on her way to a job at Cook Children's Hospital.  

Alumni Noelle Urbina now works as a laboratory coordinator in oncology research at John Hopkins University and credits the program for her success.  

"The research side is amazing and so interesting,” Urbina wrote in an email to Maniotis. “I work right alongside the physicians. It is so cool to see the research.”  

Maniotis thanked the board for their support of all the health science programs at WC.  

“In the health science division, we create pathways that lead not only to a job but to a professional career,” she said. “A career that adds meaning and significance to one’s life. A career that places one on a team of caregivers who are a vital source of comfort and hope to those who have sick loved ones.  

“I see our graduates in hospitals and clinics. They are phlebotomists, supervisors, nurses and technicians all working to heal our patients. Weatherford College changes lives with each graduating class.”

In other business, the board:  

• Approved the minutes of the Jan. 11 meeting.  
• Approved the financial reports ending Jan. 31.  
• Approved TASB policy update No. 46.  
• Approved a subscription to a nursing student online review and preparation solution.  
• Approved a buyboard cooperative contract quote from Power Lift on weight room equipment in Vickie and Jerry Durant Hall.  
• Approved a discount policy for Canyon West Golf Course applicable to WC faculty, staff, students, WC Board of Trustees members and WC Foundation board members.  
• Approved the sale of good and services of $49,999 or less by Touchstone Golf for Canyon West Golf Course. Items over $50,000 require the WC purchasing department to bid out the purchase.  
• Received written reports from WC Wise County, academics and a student services update.  
• Received the proposed 2024-25 tuition and fees. A presentation on this will be presented at the March meeting.  

In his President’s Report, Farmer:  

• Announced the new Vickie and Jerry Durant Hall should be completed in May, with a grand opening ceremony in June. The board will have a chance to walk through the building prior to the March meeting.  
• Announced WC’s partnership with the exclusive NIL partner of the National Junior College Athletic Association, Opendorse, to provide name, image, and likeness opportunities for WC’s student-athletes.  
• Recognized the Coyote baseball team on their recent 1st place ranking in the nation by Perfect Game USA, the Coyote softball team for their No. 20 ranking by the NJCAA and other athletic programs on their continued success.  
• Announced the resignations of campus police officer Thomas Murphey and purchasing assistant director Roger Fuller as well as the retirements of workforce specialist Diana Floyd and BSN program director Dr. Tola Plusnick.  
• Provided an enrollment report for the Spring 2024 semester. Official census day enrollment was 5,225 students, a 5.3 percent increase from last year.