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THECB Ombudsman Announces Ryan D. Walters as Deputy Director and General Counsel
Contact: communications@highered.texas.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUSTIN — The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman announced today that Ryan D. Walters, who previously served as Texas Deputy Attorney General for Legal Strategy, has joined the office as Deputy Director and General Counsel. “Ryan is a distinguished lawyer and policy advisor who is known and…
Governor Abbott Announces $5 Million In Grants For Psychiatry Fellowships To Advance Mental Healthcare Education Across Texas
(From the Office of Governor Greg Abbott) March 23, 2026, Austin, Texas Governor Greg Abbott today announced $5 million in state grants for the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program, expanding support for mental healthcare across Texas. “Texas remains steadfast in increasing access to mental healthcare across our state,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants will create opportunities…
Texas Begins Work to Help Expand Federal Financial Aid for Short-Term Workforce Training
AUSTIN – Several state agencies will be assisting the U.S. Department of Education in implementing a new Workforce Pell Grant program, which could help Texans apply for federal grant funding to finance short-term workforce training programs. Established by the Trump Administration as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the new program is a historic expansion of how Pell Grants can be used. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) will collaborate with the Texas…
Texas Armed Services Scholarship Accepting Appointments for 2026–27 Academic Year
AUSTIN – The appointment process is now open for students to receive annual $30,000 scholarships while training to serve in the military. The Texas Armed Services Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for high school seniors headed to college, or students already enrolled in higher education to receive scholarships. To qualify, students would need to be: …
THECB Ombudsman Launches Website
AUSTIN – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman has launched a new website, giving the public easy access to file complaints and provide feedback regarding Texas higher education institutions: www.studentsfirst.texas.gov. Brandon L. Simmons, whom Governor Greg Abbott appointed to lead the Office, also began conducting introductory meetings with public university leaders across the state. The newly launched website features a portal…
Higher EDge Conference Boosts Partnerships for Workforce Readiness
Austin, Texas – More than 500 people attended the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s annual conference this week as Texas continues to foster partnerships for student success in every region of the state. The Higher EDge conference was a great opportunity for attendees to discuss programs and ideas on strengthening higher education pathways from workforce certificates to doctoral degrees. More than 60 panelists spoke in sessions on topics specific to this year’s conference theme: From Classroom to Career. Examples of…