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Vision & Mission

VISION

As a bridging change-leader, we put students first, fueling student success, workforce readiness, innovation, and stronger communities.

 

VALUES

A family culture based on:

Students First

We place student success and achievement at the center of every decision.

Opportunity

We create accessible pathways to education, employment, and lifelong learning.

Community

We strengthen our communities through meaningful partnerships and service.

Innovation

We embrace creativity, technological ingenuity, and continuous improvement.

Integrity

We act ethically with honesty, accountability, civility, caring, and respect.

Excellence

We pursue high standards in teaching, service, and operations.

 

ROLE, MISSION, and PURPOSE

The Howard County Junior College District provides oversight for its two-year institution, Howard College Big Spring campus, and extension campuses in Lamesa and San Angelo, as well as the Southwest College for the Deaf. The district primarily serves the communities of its local taxing district of Howard County and the twelve other Texas counties in its state-legislated service area (Dawson, Martin, Glasscock, Sterling, Coke, Tom Green, Concho, Irion, Schleicher, Sutton, Menard, and Kimble) as well as the deaf and hard-of-hearing community at-large in its state-legislated responsibility for the Southwest College for the Deaf. (Texas Education Code 130.084, 130.183 and 131). Students who choose to attend the college district from places outside of its designated responsibility are integrated into Howard College, a community college working as one to create individual student success through accessible pathways, workforce preparation, transfer opportunities, and lifelong learning.

Based on Texas Education Code 130.0011 and 130.003, the role, mission, and purpose of the campuses are to offer vocational, technical, and academic courses for certification or associate degrees as follows:

· Technical programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees, certificates, and industry-recognized credentials;

· Vocational programs leading directly to employment in semi-skilled and skilled occupations;

· Courses in the core curriculum or a field of study curriculum;

· Continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading with certifications as appropriate;

· Compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy allowing the enrollment of disadvantaged students consistent with open-admission;

· A continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals;

· Workforce development programs designed to meet local and statewide workforce needs and support career advancement opportunities;

· Adult literacy and other basic skills programs for adults; and

· Such other purposes prescribed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or local governing boards in the best interest of postsecondary education in Texas.

The campuses strive to enhance economic, workforce, community, cultural, and personal development across the service area and within the deaf community through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and services that promote student success, employment outcomes, lifelong learning, and regional prosperity. Although research is not a primary function as a community college, innovation, research, and evidence-based practices in teaching, workforce preparation, student development, and deaf education are encouraged and supported using appropriate resources. Excellence in instruction, workforce preparation, student success, research, and public service, including a specialization in deaf education, is expected and supported through a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.