Approve a rebranding of Houston Community College (HCC), name change, and authorize the chancellor to take all action necessary to implement the proposed plan as presented to create long-term sustainability for HCC in a highly competitive environment, to promote growth and market competitiveness to better serve students and communities to achieve success. 

• Houston Community College has grown significantly since 1971 as a small college that began at the Houston Technical Institute on the campus of the San Jacinto High School with 5,711 students enrolled in occupational and technical education. Today, HCC educates and trains over 90,000 students enrolled in occupational, technical, and academic classes within the nine geographic districts, surrounding communities, as well as in the state of Texas, nationally, and abroad.

• HCC has expanded its footprint and prominence in many ways. The administration believes the rebranding will allow the College to achieve multiple goals to include continuing a community-driven focus and preserve HCC’s legacy, while allowing the institution to evolve to meet the complex needs of today’s students and workforce and position the College for the future.

• As a Level 2 designation by SACSCOC to offer baccalaureate degrees in workforce fields, the administration reviewed strategic considerations for the institutional effectiveness of the College with a focus on market competitiveness and providing additional opportunities to students that accomplish the following:

1. addresses the increased demand for workforce credentials beyond the associate degrees that are sought by industry and not offered at 4-year institutions,
2. creates advancement opportunities for students who earn applied baccalaureate degrees for their professional progression,
3. increases the earning potential for students who earn their applied credentials beyond the associate degrees, and
4. improves student marketability upon graduation by aligning the institution’s name with its expanded workforce offerings, thereby signaling a higher level of educational attainment to employers and transfer institutions.

• The rebranding allows the College to reaffirm its commitment to the communities of greater Houston region to include services, affordability, and open-access policies, while embracing a name that fosters long-term growth and strengthens its position as a destination location for students.

Anticipated using allocated funding in the FY25 and FY26 approved budgets.

Texas Education Code, Section 130.0051