New SFA, AC institute to train workers, gather data, connect East Texas communities on water

State and local leaders gathered at Stephen F.

Official response and confirmed impact

Austin State University Thursday to launch the East Texas Water Institute, a new program aimed at addressing a shortage of skilled workers and lack of research in the water sector.

The institute is a partnership between SFA, Angelina College and the Temple Foundation.

“The institute will amplify the ability of the University, the college, and the foundation to serve East Texas communities by expanding knowledge, leveraging resources, and responding to critical workforce needs,” Michael Simon, the president of Angelina College said.

The institute is intended to expand education around water infrastructure in East Texas and to help keep the region’s water resources local.

“We want to make sure it’s really applicable to our problems we have here locally,” Simon said.

Dr. Drew Gholson was hired to lead the initiative. He previously worked at Mississippi State.

He said that having research focused solely on East Texas is crucial, especially since rural communities face challenges managing water resources. “Then the rural communities.