Introduction to a New Era
Houston Community College has officially been renamed Houston City College, marking a new era for one of Texas’ largest community college systems. This change was made possible after the college’s Board of Trustees voted 6 to 3 to approve a rebranding on Tuesday, June 18.
Background and Accreditation
In June 2024, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approved HCC’s request to become a Level II institution. This accreditation status allows the college to offer baccalaureate degrees in addition to its associate degree programs. With the ability to grant four-year degrees, HCC leaders believe the new name will help signal growth and better position the college in the market.
Reasons for the Name Change
Other colleges across Texas have made similar moves to reflect expanded academic and workforce programs. The name change is a response to HCC’s new Level II status, which prompted the college to consider whether a name change would better represent its future. This initiative began with a public call for suggestions, resulting in over 298 unique name submissions from students, staff, faculty, and the Houston community.
The Name Selection Process
A Name Exploration Task Force, made up of community leaders, business stakeholders, faculty, staff, and students, reviewed the submissions and narrowed the list to three semifinalists: Houston College, City College of Houston, and Greater Houston College. The college invited the public to participate through online submissions and community meetings. After several rounds of discussion, the task force selected a final name for the board’s approval.
Community Involvement
The community played a significant role in the name selection process. HCC encouraged public participation and feedback, ensuring that the new name would accurately represent the college’s values and mission. This inclusive approach helped build excitement and anticipation for the college’s new era.
Conclusion
The renaming of Houston Community College to Houston City College marks an exciting new chapter for the institution. With its new accreditation status and expanded academic programs, the college is poised for growth and success. As the college looks to the future, its new name will serve as a symbol of its commitment to providing high-quality education and opportunities to the Houston community.
