Texas Southern University (TSU) and Tarrant County College signed a memorandum of understanding on June 26 to create an academic pipeline between the two institutions. The articulation agreement will provide a framework through TSU’s Tiger Connections program to develop processes to ensure that students transferring from a two-year to a four-year system will have dedicated pathways to graduation.
“Texas Southern will strengthen the bonds of higher education and serve more students through this partnership,” said TSU President Austin Lane. “Our cooperative effort will mean an increase in graduates with a baccalaureate degree that can serve Houston and the nation with an educated populace.”
The agreement recognizes both institutions as active educational partners committed to providing greater educational opportunities and services for students transferring between institutions. The TSU-TCCD partnership will include scholarships and joint admissions with the stated goal of graduation within two to three years.
TSU President Austin A. Lane, Ed.D., TCC Chancellor Eugene Giovannini, Ed.D., TSU Provost Kendall T. Harris, Ph.D., TCC Executive Chancellor and Provost Elva LeBlanc, Ph.D. and TSU Board of Regents Chairman Glenn O. Lewis were among the administrators in attendance.
“We are opening the world to our students. Tarrant County College’s new partnership with Texas Southern University will streamline the transfer process by providing a seamless, cost-effective pathway for TCC students to earn a bachelor’s degree and enter the workforce,” said TCC Chancellor Eugene Giovannini. “We expect TCC alumni to enjoy a seamless transfer experience, thanks to efficient course alignment and sequencing between the two institutions.”
The articulation agreement with involve TCC campuses – South, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Trinity River – for TCC students interested in attending TSU to earn a bachelor’s degree. The partnership allows the creation of a 2+2 program pathway to distinguish between TCCD and TSU courses in order to fast-track students toward graduation from Texas Southern within four years.
“Texas Southern is proud of this shared commitment to increase educational opportunities for those eager to obtain a degree and strengthen their potential for a great career,” said TSU Provost Harris.
“Our Board of Regents believe that this partnership will set a strong standard for cross-institutional academic efforts,” said TSU Chairman Lewis. “This will place Texas Southern as a leader in meeting goals set by the 60×30 initiative in the state of Texas. The collective effort means that graduates will benefit their families and the global community.”
“This partnership with Tarrant County College is part of our ongoing Tiger Connections articulation model with institutions throughout the region. ‘Tiger Connections-Tarrant County College’ will continue our work of aligning student courses with our partners to ensure academic success to prepare a future workforce for Texas and the nation. Our overall goal is to make sure that every course counts,” said Wendell Williams, special assistant to the president and interim director of enrollment management at TSU.
ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.
ABOUT TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE
Serving more than 100,000 students each year, Tarrant County College is one of the 20 largest higher education institutions in the United States. The two-year college offers a wide range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including traditional programs, such as Associate of Arts degrees, Community & Industry Education courses, workshops and customized training programs. The College has six campuses throughout Tarrant County, including TCC Connect that provides flexibility with e-Learning and Weekend College. TCC also assists employers in training their workforces with its TCC Opportunity Center. TCC earned the distinction as an Achieving the Dream Leader College during its first year of eligibility and was recertified in 2016.
