CNN spotlights successful Lee College programs

BAYTOWN – As an increasing number of recent college graduates struggle to find jobs, national media outlets are asking the question: What role does education play in our economic recovery?
On Tuesday, May 17 Lee College representatives were given the opportunity to answer that question when CNN correspondent Melissa Morgenweck visited the Baytown campus.
The visit marked the culmination of CNN’s week-long series spotlighting education and employment in America, and was prompted by reports of the Lee College’s successful industry partnerships as well as post-graduation employment rates among the college’s Process Technology students.
Established in part through donations and grants, the ExxonMobil Process Technology Program at Lee College seeks to prepare students for careers as process technicians, operators, research technicians and laboratory technicians in petrochemical facilities.
The Baytown-Houston area is home to 600 large chemical complexes, many of which will face severe shortages in skilled technicians once the ‘baby boomer’ generation begins to retire.
Process Technology instructor Gail Disspayne, and Lee College President Michael Murphy spoke to Morgenweck about the ways in which the Process Technology Program is trying to meet this demand, as well as the importance of technical education programs.
“We will struggle as an economy if we don’t find a way to fill these positions,” Dr. Murphy said.
When asked about their experiences in the Process Technology Program, students Tyler Slovacek, Nathan George, and Laura McCafferty said they felt fortunate.
“My brother graduated a year ago as a computer engineer with a four-year degree, and I graduated last year with a two-year degree and I’m going to make the same amount of money he makes this year,” said McCafferty.
To view CNN’s broadcast, visit: http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/20/where-are-the-jobs-look-to-baytown-texas/.
Lee College in Baytown, Texas, serves a geographic area of more than 280,000 residents that includes the Goose Creek, Anahuac, Barbers Hill, East Chambers, Hardin, Huffman, Hull-Daisetta, and Liberty Independent School Districts. To learn more about Lee College, visit www.lee.edu.