Del Mar College’s West Campus, also known as the Windward Campus, opened in September 1958 to help meet Corpus Christi’s growing need for vocational and technical training. The expansion came as the East Campus became overcrowded and risked losing accreditation due to its large student population.
The decision to build a second campus on Old Brownsville Road allowed Del Mar to move programs such as industrial trades, health sciences, and automotive technology into their own space. When it first opened, the new campus had five buildings and was called the Del Mar Technical Vocational Institute.
According to the college archives, the West Campus was built for “house, vocational, and technical programs” to relieve pressure from the main campus. Today, the East Campus is known as the Heritage Campus, while the West Campus carries the Windward name.
Over the years, Windward has become known for hands-on learning and community growth overall. However, it has also faced tragedy. In October 2002, a tornado struck the campus, collapsing part of the Barth Learning Resources Center and killing James F. “Buster” Gillis, a 72-year-old industrial math instructor.
Gillis was reportedly helping students when the wall collapsed. The tornado injured 14 others and caused major damage to the campus buildings. A portrait of Gillis now hangs in Barth to honor his dedication to students.
Despite these challenges, the Windward Campus continues to serve Corpus Christi students who are preparing for technical and workforce careers. From its opening in 1958 to today, Del Mar’s West Campus stands as a symbol of opportunity, education and community in South Texas.
