East Representative Candidates
Lisa Jones
Melisa Jones
Professionally, I am currently in my sixth year as Director of Adult Education at Texarkana College. I am an advocate for these programs and the students we are serving. I want to increase community and state knowledge of the benefits and needs of these programs. I also want to increase the collaboration and integration of adult education in workforce and community colleges. Adult education is such a asset to communities across Texas.
My time on the College Academic Support Programs Board has provided me with experience in promoting, planning, and executing a conference. I also understand the time commitment required for serving on a state board. I served as secretary, president elect, president, and past president for the Texas College Reading and Learning Association. I also served as membership chair for the Texas Association of Developmental Education for two years.
Prior to becoming AEL Director, I worked as Developmental Education Coordinator and Associate English Professor for nine years at Texarkana College. The worlds of AEL and DE are merging, so I bring knowledge from both worlds, as well as the K-12 system, because I spent fifteen years teaching high school English, journalism, and history. I believe that thirty years in education at various levels and programs provides me with a unique perspective on collaboration for adult education.
My time on the College Academic Support Programs Board has provided me with experience in promoting, planning, and executing a conference. I also understand the time commitment required for serving on a state board. I served as secretary, president elect, president, and past president for the Texas College Reading and Learning Association. I also served as membership chair for the Texas Association of Developmental Education for two years.
Prior to becoming AEL Director, I worked as Developmental Education Coordinator and Associate English Professor for nine years at Texarkana College. The worlds of AEL and DE are merging, so I bring knowledge from both worlds, as well as the K-12 system, because I spent fifteen years teaching high school English, journalism, and history. I believe that thirty years in education at various levels and programs provides me with a unique perspective on collaboration for adult education.
Betsy Rodriguez
Betsy Rodriguez
Betsy Rodriguez has lived in Longview, Texas for 27 years. She holds an Associates of Applied Science Degree from Kilgore College. She is employed at Kilgore College Adult Education & Literacy where she’s performed administrative duties since 2010. She is passionate about Adult Education and stays true to the programs mission statement, “To provide adult learners with the tools needed for success in education, workforce, and life.” She has been an active TALAE member since 2011.