WACO – McLennan Community College (MCC) administrators are exploring options to narrow deficits and expand instructional programs at Highlander Ranch after deciding to keep the horse facility the college has owned since 2002.
For the last two decades, MCC has run the ranch for its veterinary technology program and agricultural programs. The ranch has also served for continuing education classes, horse shows, and boarding for nearly 40 horses.
While the gap between operating expenses and revenue has closed slightly in recent years, the ranch’s operating expenses have exceeded revenue for more than a decade, with an average deficit over $200,000 a year.
The school has created a four-year plan for the ranch, with goals including:
- creating a ranch advisory committee of local industry, government, and educational leaders;
- expanding marketing of the ranch and its vet tech and ag programs;
- adding continuing education classes and courses in sustainable agriculture training and natural resource management;
- pursuing federal and state workforce training grants for vet tech and ag education;
- increasing staff and boarding facilities to allow increased future revenue;
- making necessary capital improvements in facility repairs; and
- partnering with other community colleges for their agricultural education course.
Christi Esquivel, chair of MCC’s business programs department, presented the plan as a member of the strategic plan committee. She cautioned board trustees that while it could narrow the gap between revenues and expenses, it might not eliminate deficits entirely.