Kilgore College (KC) is a public community college in Kilgore, Texas. It has an annual enrollment in excess of 5,000 students and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. The college was established in 1935 at the height of the East Texas oil boom, and as such, is home to the East Texas Oil Museum which houses a large collection of memorabilia documenting this period of Texas history. It is also famous for having the first ever dance-drill team, the Kilgore College Rangerettes. The Rangerettes began in 1940 under the direction of the late Gussie Nell Davis Gussie Nell Davis as a first-of-their kind and have spurred a multi-billion dollar dance team industry. Academics In addition to preparing students for undergraduate degrees that are completed at 4-year colleges and universities, KC's programs also include continuing education, medical training and short-term and long-term workforce training. The college offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as tech prep and certificate programs including welding, corrosion technology, process technology, surgical technology, pharmacy technology and much more. Texas Shakespeare Festival In June 1986, the Texas Shakespeare Festival opened its inaugural season at Kilgore College; the festival has called KC home for what will be 38 summers in 2023. The college provides financial support and facilities for the festival, which is a vital cultural asset for all of East Texas. College service area As defined by the Texas Legislature, the official service area of KC includes territory within the following school districts: Big Sandy Independent School District Carlisle Independent School District Gilmer Independent School District Gladewater Independent School District Hallsville Independent School District Henderson Independent School District Kilgore Independent School District Laneville Independent School District Leverett's Chapel Independent School District Longview Independent School District Mount Enterprise Independent School District New Diana Independent School District Overton Independent School District Pine Tree Independent School District Sabine Independent School District Spring Hill Independent School District Tatum Independent School District (except the part of the district that is located in Panola County) Union Grove Independent School District West Rusk Independent School District White Oak Independent School District Notable alumni Lyle Alzado, former professional All-Pro NFL football player Rodney Carrington, comedian Ricardo Colclough, former professional American football player Ricky Collins, current CFL wide receiver Jorge Diaz, former professional American football player Francisco Elson, professional basketball