Stephanie Hernandez, a Phi Theta Kappa student at Northeast Texas Community College, has been named a 2026 New Century Transfer Scholar and will receive a $2,750 scholarship.

New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,300 students from nearly 1,400 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state.

Pictured: Dr. Kevin Rose (left) and Police Chief Russell Radke (right) were on hand to present the honor. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Northeast Texas Community College Police Department presented Russell Taylor with his Retired Officer credentials in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the college. Taylor retired in January and is the first officer in department history to receive this ceremonial honor. 

Pictured: Dr. Chris McAllister and four Biology students attended the meeting to discuss their latest fish parasite research. José Fuentes is pictured presenting his findings. 

The Northeast Texas Community College Board of Trustees met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Vice-Chair Russell East led the meeting in the absence of Chairman Robin Sharp. All other trustees were present.

Student Spotlight

The Northeast Texas Community College Foundation Board met Tuesday, Feb. 17, for its annual business meeting.

Board Chair Rick Nelson called the meeting to order, and NTCC President Dr. Kevin Rose provided a college update, highlighting continued growth and the Foundation’s vital role in expanding opportunities for students.

Scott Redfearn with the Mount Pleasant Community Fund recently presented a $5,000 check to the Northeast Texas Community College Foundation to directly support the NTCC Care Center. Redfearn (left) is pictured with Jessica Dorantes, Nita May and Zach Branham.

The gift will provide nutritious food and basic hygiene items for NTCC students who face food and/or financial insecurity. Care Center resources provide a lifeline to help students stay enrolled, maintain focus and continue working toward their degrees or workforce credentials.    

Pictured: NTCC’s Honors Northeast is the only community college honors program in the nation to have sent students to the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) every year since 2008.  Here is the group in San Diego at the NCHC in November of 2025. The NCHC is dominated by university presenters.

By: Dr. Andrew Yox, Honors Director

Dr. Chris McAllister, NTCC Biology, and Biol. 2389 students, Xenia Esparza, Estefani Garcia, Cecilia Phan, and José Fuentes traveled to the Ouachita Mountains Biological Station in Big Fork, Arkansas, Feb. 13-15, 2026 and conducted research on vertebrate parasites. 

This was a big week for news from NTCC STEM alumni. We have learned that two NTCC alumni – Audrey Ordoñez and Matthew Chambers – are advancing their careers in medicine.

Northeast Texas Community College will offer its Teen Driver’s Education program beginning March 23, providing students with a comprehensive and accessible driver training option close to home.