History of HCC
The Houston Community College System District was created under the governance of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) as the result of a public referendum on May 18, 1971. In August of that year, more than 5,700 students enrolled in workforce education courses held at the Houston Technical Institute (housed in what was then HISD’s San Jacinto High School). In the following semester, academic transfer classes were added and taught at six HISD locations.
By 1977, HCC had an enrollment of more than 28,000 students and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In 1989, HCC separated from HISD, establishing its own Board of Trustees and taxing authority. HCC restructured in 1991, creating five regional colleges, as well as the College Without Walls, and selected presidents for each. The president of HCC then became the HCC System Chancellor. The Coleman College for Health Sciences replaced the College Without Walls in 2004. By Fall 2014, HCC had nearly 70,000 students enrolled, and consisted of 23 campuses with a service area of 631.3 square miles.
Since its opening in 1971, more than 2.1 million students have improved their lives through education and training obtained from Houston Community College. An open‐admission public institution, HCC awards associate degrees and certificates in academic studies and career and technology programs. HCC is committed to meeting the needs of its diverse communities, providing academic courses for transfer to four‐year institutions, terminal degrees and certificates in more than 70 fields of work, as well as continuing education and corporate training, lifelong learning and enrichment programs, and adult education.
Mission Statement
The College District is an open-admission public institution of higher education offering a high-quality, affordable education for academic advancement, workforce training, career development, and lifelong learning to prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and work in a global and technological society.
Vision Statement
Houston Community College will equitably deliver relevant, high-quality education and training, ensuring success for all students, our community, economy and beyond.
Accreditation
Houston Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Houston Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Houston Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Certain Houston Community College programs are also accredited by specific certification or licensure bodies. For information about program-level accreditations, please see https://www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/accreditation/ .
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the official governing body of Houston Community College. The Board is composed of nine members elected from single-member districts and serve staggered six-year terms without remuneration. The Board has final authority to determine the policies that govern HCC. As part of their duties, Trustees maintain a schedule of community service, public appearances, and legislative affairs on behalf of HCC. Board members represent an impressive mix of individual talents and professional backgrounds enabling them to provide governance of the highest quality.
For more information on the Board of Trustees and its members, please see www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/board-of-trustees.
All Board policies can be found at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies.
