KINGSVILLE (Sept 1, 2026) — The future of workforce advancement in South Texas is gaining momentum with Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s new Regional Workforce Development Campus (RWDC). To support the region’s evolving workforce needs, the University recently acquired a strategically located commercial property along the I69 Corridor that will become the site of the institution’s newest campus.
“The creation of the Regional Workforce Development Campus is a critical step forward in expanding and aligning our workforce programming to ensure South Texans gains relevant, future-focused skills to support the region’s evolving economic needs,” Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Dr. Robert Vela said. “The training our students receive at the RWDC is just the beginning. These credentials are 100 percent degree applicable, preparing students to enter the workforce now, while serving as the foundation for their continued career advancement when they are ready to take the next step. The investment in this campus will help build critical educational pathways, while shaping the future of South Texas for generations to come.”
University funds used to purchase the property—the previous site of the Kingsville McCoy’s building—and on renovations were supplemented by the Mackenzie Scott gift received by the university last November, which the university allocated to projects that sustain impact beyond the initial investment and improve outcomes for students and rural South Texas.
Renovations of the nearly 30,000 square foot building will create a state-of-the-art regional training hub, allowing TAMUK to create more opportunities and provide community members with access to short-term workforce training that will help them earn high-quality credentials and certifications that are all degree applicable to baccalaureate degrees at TAMUK.
“This campus represents opportunity,” said Jeffrey West, TAMUK Chief Officer of Workforce Development. “It gives us a chance to expand into new programming, scale current programming, create and develop high-quality labs.
“This campus is going to be a place where people can come and learn and leave with the credentials that lead to high paying jobs.”
In addition to having the means to expand into new programming and scale what is currently in place, TAMUK Workforce Development also will be consolidating its entire staff and house the Javelina Skilled Trades Academy (JSTA) which will transition out of the J.K. Northway Exposition Center upon completion of the renovations. It will also expand the workforce testing center, where community members can take proctored accredited tests for certifications and licenses.
Currently, the JSTA, focuses on four key areas that include construction, broadband, manufacturing, and energy. Through the new campus, programs in advanced manufacturing and allied health also will be added. Once renovated, the new campus will feature labs for Allied Health, Broadband, Weatherization, HVACR, Manufacturing, Electrical Work, and Metal Work. Aside from the main building to be renovated, also being developed is an 8,500 square foot metal building used for pipefitting, carpentry, and precision agriculture.
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