Tyler Junior College has recently named new leaders in its public affairs/media relations division and law enforcement academy.
Mayfield named director of public affairs and media relations
Whitney Mayfield has been named director of public affairs and media relations.
In her new position, Mayfield serves as the initial contact for media inquiries, coordinates media events and interview requests, and develops TJC’s external communications strategy.
Prior to joining TJC, she served as director of communications and public relations for the Marshall and Chapel Hill school districts.
After earning a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2010, Mayfield relocated to Tyler, where she worked for nearly a decade as a news producer at KLTV 7.
In August, she earned a master’s degree in communications and strategic innovation from Texas Tech University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
“I could not be more excited to be here at TJC,” Mayfield said. “It’s a dream come true to be where I’m at and in this position. I love to tell people’s stories and share their good news. I love to hear about student success. I’m a huge advocate for higher education.”
She added, “My grandpa used to tell me that one little piece of paper can take you anywhere in life. Earn your success. It won’t be given to you. I like to believe that I’ve lived by that mantra and that is why my profession is something I’m passionate about and why I’m here today.”
Kim Lessner, TJC vice president for operations, said, “Whitney brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with the community and the media, and we are excited to have her join the team at TJC.”
Rendon named director of TJC Law Enforcement Academy
Rudolph (Randy) Rendon has joined TJC as director of the TJC Law Enforcement Academy. He most recently served as director of the law enforcement academy at Temple College.
Rendon has 40 years of experience as a Texas Peace Officer, with 20 of those as a police chief. He began his career as an officer in Houston Airport Police. He then worked for Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, where he rose to the rank of detective sergeant with the detective bureau.
After retiring from the sheriff’s department, he began his career in police administration and served as the police chief for the Aldine, Houston and San Antonio school districts as well as St. Edward’s University in Austin. While at Houston ISD and St. Edward’s University, he also served as the Accreditation Officer for the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (CALEA) and led his team to national accreditation for both agencies.
An avid runner, Rendon has completed 114 marathons and, in 2015, won the Master’s Division of the Tyler Rose Marathon with a time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, setting a national age group record and selection as an “All American” with U.S. Track and Field.
Rendon said that ethics, physical fitness and training have always been mainstays in his commitment to professionalism.
“I am a police officer who cares not only for whom I serve but how I provide the service. You must earn the right to be proud,” he said. “To that end, I am committed to providing the best law enforcement training for police officers in East Texas at Tyler Junior College.”
Dr. Deana Sheppard, TJC provost and vice president of academic and student affairs, said, “Chief Rendon brings a vast amount of expertise and knowledge to TJC. The students in our law enforcement academy will greatly benefit from the experience of learning from him.”