Abell-Hanger Foundation Provides $7 Million Gift to Support Midland College Applied Technology ComplexAugust 24, 2026

The Abell-Hanger Foundation has committed $7 million to support construction of Midland College’s new Applied Technology Complex, an investment that will expand access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and help prepare students for the workforce opportunities shaping the future of the Permian Basin.

The Applied Technology Complex is a significant step forward in Midland College’s commitment to providing students with industry-aligned education and hands-on training needed to succeed in high-demand careers. The project will create modern learning environments designed to meet the needs of students and employers while strengthening the region’s skilled workforce pipeline.

“Midland is a place of great opportunity,” said Abell-Hanger Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mark Palmer. “But we must ensure that the institutions that fuel that opportunity have the resources to continue growing and serving our community. Career and Technical Education is a needed and critical element of the educational landscape, and Midland College is helping ensure our region has the skilled workforce needed for generations to come.”

The Applied Technology Complex will include three additional buildings dedicated to Welding Technology, Diesel Technology, Petroleum Technology, Automation, and Natural Gas Compression. Once completed, the expansion will allow Midland College to serve more than 700 additional applied technology students annually, helping address growing workforce demands across the Permian Basin.

The Complex will also create new opportunities across other areas of the College. As existing programs move into the expanded facility, Midland College will gain additional space to grow Health Sciences offerings, including dual-credit pathways for area high school students interested in healthcare careers. The expansion is expected to allow the College to serve approximately 300 additional students in high-demand Health Sciences programs, creating more opportunities for students to earn credentials that lead directly to careers.

“Education has the power to open doors, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential,” said Midland College President Dr. Damon Kennedy. “We are grateful for partners like the Abell-Hanger Foundation who understand that workforce development begins with access to quality education and training, and what can happen when a community comes together to invest in opportunity.”

The Abell-Hanger Foundation has long recognized the importance of investing in initiatives that create lasting impact. Through support of education, the Foundation works to uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities across the region.