Record details
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Kay: Paul and I have known each other since Boulter Junior High. I was in 7th grade and he was in 8th when I developed a secret crush on this “older man”. I’m glad that after all these years, that teen crush hasn’t gone away! Besides being the cutest boy in his class, Paul was such a good student that it made me study harder too. When he graduated as class valedictorian from John Tyler I was so proud of him! He even came over after his graduation to help me study for my finals.
Paul: Kay and I dated through high school. We were in band together and she was outstanding as the head majorette. A big part of the attraction of going to TJC was to stay in Tyler and see her. There are engineers in my family and my TJC teachers prepared me well for UT Austin’s School of Engineering. Kay was an outstanding student and represented Texas in the America Junior Miss Scholarship Program while at JTHS. So when she went to TJC, it was no surprise that she outperformed me there. She was the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at TJC and accomplished all that while being an Apache Belle and a band member for one year each.
Kay: Paul went off to UT Austin, graduated from the School of Engineering and started off on his new career. After TJC, I went to UT Austin, too, and got a BBA in accounting. Paul and I were married after finishing college and my CPA certification, and we came back to Tyler to work. Soon, Paul realized that engineering wasn’t his true calling and I encouraged him to look at other options while we were still young. I was enjoying working with great folks at Henry & Peters, so I knew how important it was to be happy in your profession.
Paul: I decided that I really wanted to be a dentist. It combines applied engineering, technology, science and medicine with serving people. I went back to TJC to get the courses I lacked for dental school and this time I finally completed my TJC degree, which Kay always had over me! I attended Baylor Dental School in Dallas while Kay stayed in Tyler.
Kay: I found the right man and then found the right place to work early on but it was still a challenge to be apart and to be the financial support for a dental student. Then when a dental office in Tyler became available and we bought it, my CPA friends must have thought I was insane. With a husband still in school, buying a building and renovating it ourselves on nights and weekends isn’t anything I’d advise my clients now, but I always believed in Paul. We even had staff lined up before he finished school! His classmates selected him as president of his class, so I guess my belief was well placed.
Paul: My classmates were stressed, hoping to graduate and pass their licensing exams on the first try, but no one felt more pressure than I did. I look back and can hardly believe the chances we took. I had a payroll to prayerfully meet as soon as I was certified to practice, but I guess that’s typical of small business men and women. They are willing to bet on themselves. It takes confidence to do that and both Kay and I gained a whole lot of confidence and preparation for later success while at TJC. Our stories aren’t unique but like so many other TJC alums, we’ll never forget our experiences and the TJC teachers that have helped us in so many ways.
Kay: TJC owns a big part of both our hearts. It not only served us well but has been the college of choice for our family and friends. My father even taught nights at TJC. We continue to do all we can to help make sure the future of TJC and all
- Biography
- Kay Latta is a CPA at Henry and Peters. Paul Latta is a dentist in Tyler. Both are active TJC alumni and are involved in numerous community activities and events.
