Heroes & Friends - Tom Mullins | TJC

Skip to content

Apply Now
Tyler Junior College | Tyler, TX

Admissions Press the down key to view the sub navigation
Admissions

TJC is a smart first choice for any student, whether you plan to transfer to a four-year university or gain the skills and training needed to go directly into the workforce.
Apply Now
Start Here
Next Steps
Academics Press the down key to view the sub navigation
Academics

TJC has an outstanding record of academic quality, offering a bachelor's degree, associate's degree programs, certificates and training and technical programs.
Degrees & Certificates
Majors and Programs
Student Support
About TJC Press the down key to view the sub navigation
About TJC

TJC is one of the largest community colleges in Texas, with 306 full-time faculty members and 248 part-time faculty members, and nearly 13,000 students enrolled.
Learn More About TJC
Facts and History
Faculty, Staff & Leadership

Campus Life Press the down key to view the sub navigation
Campus Life

TJC provides a full college experience – we offer opportunities and programs that add to your involvement outside the classroom.
Events Calendar
Life at TJC
Student Organizations
Continuing Studies Press the down key to view the sub navigation
Continuing Studies

The School of Continuing Studies seeks to provide lifelong learning for people of all ages to develop personal and professional potential, upgrade job-related skills and prepare for informed participation in the civic, cultural and political life of the community.
Search Courses
Courses and Catalog
- Download Catalog
- TJC West
Professional Training
Visit TJC Press the down key to view the sub navigation
Visit TJC

60-year-old oak trees and historic buildings are part of daily life here on TJC’s big, beautiful campus.
Virtual Campus Tour
Tours and Visits
Visit TJC Resources

Record details


: A lot has changed in Tyler since I moved here in 1989. Our economy has shifted from energy and a strong manufacturing base to become much more diverse. One of the drivers of that change has been our willingness as a City, County and Junior College District to do what is necessary to recruit and retain employers.

When a current or prospective employer is considering a new home or growth of an existing location, several factors come into play. Employers typically want to locate in an area with an excellent quality of life for their workers. That means opportunities for families to enjoy recreation, temperate weather, and to have access to quality health care and excellent education. If competing cities are otherwise relatively equal, the decision oftentimes comes down to two factors: the cost of doing business and the availability of a skilled work force.

Thankfully, Tyler is blessed with sound leadership in city and county government and a supportive junior college district. The City Council, County Commissioners Court and Tyler Junior College Board of Trustees are receptive to tax abatements as incentives for employers to choose the Rose City. TJC is a major factor not only in approving those incentives, but in providing educational and training opportunities for companies choosing to expand or move new facilities to the region.

At this time, TJC has two significant technical training projects under construction: the Robert M. Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center at Fifth and Fleishel and the Energy Center on the West Campus. Both will provide training for highly skilled jobs for decades to come. They complement two other education facilities currently under construction, the TISD Career Technology Education (CTE) center on Earl Campbell Parkway, near TJC’s West Campus, and the UT Tyler Pharmacy School.

The citizens of Tyler should be commended for supporting these projects with the approval of two bond proposals (the nursing school and the CTE) and a strong commitment from the philanthropic community.

This positive community support shows Tyler’s commitment to grow quality jobs for current and future generations.
Biography: TJC Hero and Friend Tom Mullins is President and CEO of the Tyler Economic Development Council and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. With his leadership, Tyler has twice been recognized by the Texas Economic Development Council with the Community Economic Development Award for outstanding local development achievements (1997 and 2002). Tom served as Chairman of the Texas Economic Development Council Board for 2004-2005. In 2002, he was appointed to Governor Perry’s Council on Science and Biotechnology Development. From 1992 to 1993, he was President of Northeast Texas Economic Development Council, made up of economic and community development professionals from the 23-county region of Northeast Texas. In 1989, he was President of the Minnesota Industrial Development Council. Mullins has been a Certified Economic Developer since 1986 and holds a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in regional and community development.