Weatherford College

from Your Parker County 2022

Aledo

The Emerging Technologies and Workforce Building nears completion.

Staff Reports

The Community News

Weatherford College has long been a hub for higher education, not only in Parker County, but in Wise, Hood, and Palo Pinto Counties where it has facilities as well.

Founded in 1869, Weatherford College in its history was operated under the auspices of Phoenix Lodge No. 273 and the Methodist Church until 1943, when it was merged with Southwestern University in Georgetown. In 1949, a junior college district was formed, and that entity is now the governing body of Weatherford College.

The college has established itself not only as a premiere education facility, but also as a place students can obtain college credit hours at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university.

The college looks forward to the opening of the Emerging Technologies and Workforce Building, and has added two bachelor degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Organizational Leadership.

The college recently opened the Wiggs School of Nursing thanks to a large endowment from the Wiggs family.

The Weatherford College Foundation, and corresponding ability to offer financial aid to students, has grown exponentially over the past four years, reaching a record $2.2 million in donations in the fiscal year ended Aug. 2021.

In addition to academics, fine arts and sports have flourished at Weatherford College. The school has competitive, if not ranked, baseball, basketball, golf, rodeo, tennis, softball, and volleyball programs.

The Marjorie Black Alkek Fine Arts Center hosts a variety of student recitals and productions as well as the International Piano Competition and Coyote Jazz Fest.

RANDY KECK/THE COMMUNITY NEWS