Dec. 8, 2022, Austin, Texas – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has announced five recipients of its 2022 Star Awards. Institutions were recognized for exceptional contributions toward meeting one or more of the goals outlined in the state’s new strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas.
“The Star Awards have a long history of recognizing innovation and excellence in Texas higher education across our great state,” said Dr. Fred Farias, chairman of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. “I am inspired by this year’s winning institutions and their extraordinary efforts and commitment to Building a Talent Strong Texas.”
This year’s awardees are:
- Amarillo College for its corequisite program and reform of developmental education
- Del Mar College for its continuing education programs
- San Jacinto College for its work-based learning programs
- The University of Houston for its “Scholar Enrichment Program”
- The University of Texas at Arlington for its “eLearning Transformational Model Program”
Selected institutions demonstrated a focus in one or more of the following categories:
- Increasing attainment of postsecondary credentials for adult learners by expanding work-based learning programs and a broader array of short-term credentials or badges.
- Streamlining academic and career pathways for students through innovative courses and program redesign and enhanced support services that lead to increased credentials of value and allow for upward social mobility and address state workforce needs.
- Increasing opportunity and affordability through strategic uses of financial aid programs and making the cost of postsecondary education more transparent.
- Aligning applied research and development efforts with state economic and workforce development priorities, particularly in fields with high current or projected demand.
Awardees were honored for their efforts Dec. 7 at the annual Texas Higher Education Leadership Conference in Austin. The annual leadership conference brings together regents, trustees, chancellors, presidents, policy makers, and other higher education, business and industry leaders, and philanthropy partners to discuss critical higher education issues. This year the conference included panel discussions on the Texas Legislature, credentials of value, Tri-Agency Workforce initiatives, and breakout sessions on student advising and philanthropy in higher education.
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