Mace and Chain of Office

The mace was crafted from cherry wood by East Texas artisans.

Embedded in its foot is a silver dollar from 1926, the year Tyler Junior College was founded.

Seven brass-inlaid bands near the bottom represent TJC’s seven presidents: G.O. Clough, J.M. Hodges, Dr. Harry Jenkins, Dr. Raymond Hawkins, Dr. Bill Crowe, Dr. Mike Metke and Dr. Juan E. Mejia.

Five additional bands represent each of TJC’s academic schools: Humanities Communications and Fine Arts; Engineering, Math and Sciences; Nursing and Health Sciences; Professional and Technical Programs; and Continuing Studies.

A pentagon at the top symbolizes TJC’s five core values: unity, caring, integrity, empowering and excellence. Each value is engraved in Latin, with lettering in gold on a black field.

Atop the pentagon rests a handmade copper flame, which represents both the flame of knowledge and the passion of TJC’s leadership for service to its students and communities.

The mace’s design and symbolism were a collaborative effort by TJC faculty and staff members Dave Funk, Dr. Linda Gary, Robin Insalaco, Jeanie Oxler, Dr. Jeffrey Owens, Britt Sabota and Deborah Welch. Funk created the initial drawings, with workmanship provided by Bill Preston and Dennis Lorenz of the East Texas Woodturners’ Association, and metal artist Randy Martin.