The buzz of a fresh academic start permeated El Paso Community College (EPCC) as students across its various campuses, including Mission del Paso, Valle Verde, Rio Grande, Transmountain, and Northwest, embarked on their Spring 2026 semester. A mix of anticipation and determination was tangible in the air, with faculty and staff gearing up to assist students in achieving their educational milestones.
"I'm really excited to have the students back on campus, hopefully getting them closer to reaching their educational goals, and to see them walk at graduation in May," Dean Daniel Guerra, Valle Verde Dean of Communication and Performing Arts, enthusiastically stated in a statement obtained by EPCC News. In a similar vein, students are setting high expectations for themselves. "I am really happy and eager to start my second year and final semester at EPCC," Biological Science major Hannia Aguero told EPCC News. "Can't wait to really allow professors and my fellow students to help me to pursue my dreams of attending UTEP or Texas Tech next year and pursue my doctorate."
Notably, the semester's start also marks a moment of transition for Dr. Steve Smith, a faculty member who has dedicated 38 years to the institution and will be retiring on January 30. "Every semester I love walking around our campuses to welcome both the students and the faculty back to another semester," Dr. Smith expressed, according to EPCC News. "It's a little bittersweet after 38 years, I'll be retiring at the end of the month, but I wouldn't miss this opportunity to interact with everyone and wish them a great semester."
