The INSIDER - Spring/Summer 2024

E-SPORTS PROGRAM LAUNCHED

Texas College has signed an agreement with Blaze Fire Games to launch its new Texas College E- Sports competitive program. The College is now an official Blaze Fire Games E-Sports League member. This new initiative concentrated on video gaming and esports is a creative and innovative way to help recruit, reclaim, and retain students. "I am ecstatic about this partnership between Texas College and Blaze Fire Games,” commented President Dwight Fennell. “It offers another extraordinary opportunity for the college to be on the cutting edge and uniquely connect with our students. The partnership will also allow students to build their future career brand in the marketplace with potential employers." The multi-billion e-sports industry is one of the world's fastest-growing sports. According to industry experts, 216 million Americans play video games weekly in the U.S. Additionally, 62% of Adults 18+ routinely play video, and the number rises to 76% for students under 18.

STUDENTS GAMING INSIDETHE BLAZE FIRE GAMES E-SPORTS BUS ON THE TEXAS COLLEGE CAMPUS

The new Texas College E-Sports Club will emphasize competition in student team play as an official student organization through the Office of Student Affairs. "We at Texas College are excited about our new Texas College E-Sports program,” said Dr. Cynthia Marshall- Biggins. “This is a real game-changer for our students because, with this initiative, the college's leadership team is meeting the students where they are and not where we think they are." Biggins continues to say that it is essential to provide a variety of student-centric program offerings that will allow any

PAGE 2 5 | THE I NS I DE R