Introduction to the Name Change
Houston Community College is on the verge of a significant transformation after its trustees voted to change the institution’s name. The new name, Houston City College, is expected to better reflect the college system’s expanded educational opportunities. This change comes after a year-long study involving students and faculty, which showed that a brand update would help communicate the high quality of education and diverse offerings provided by the college.
The Reasoning Behind the Name Change
The decision to change the name is largely driven by the desire to improve the college’s image and increase the competitiveness of its graduates in the job market. A survey conducted by the college found that 90% of students believed a brand update would better reflect the college’s quality of education and diverse offerings. Furthermore, 93% of those surveyed emphasized the importance of having a name and brand that accurately represents the college’s academic and professional programs.
Survey Findings and Employer Preferences
Another survey revealed that 57% of employers preferred to hire graduates from four-year colleges rather than community colleges. This finding suggests that a name change could be beneficial in increasing the employability of Houston City College graduates. The college’s expansion of degree programs, including the introduction of bachelor of applied science degrees, also supports the need for a name change that reflects its growing academic offerings.
Expansion of Degree Programs
In 2022, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges approved Houston Community College to offer bachelor of applied science degrees. This development followed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s signing of Senate Bill 2118 in 2017, which allowed public junior colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in applied science and technology, and nursing. The introduction of these programs has paved the way for the college’s name change, as it seeks to establish itself as a more comprehensive institution.
Expected Outcomes and Costs
The name change is expected to have a positive impact on enrollment, degree completion, and student awards. According to Andrea Burridge, the vice chancellor of strategic, planning, and institutional effectiveness, institutions that change their names in a forward-looking manner often experience an increase in these areas. The costs associated with the rebranding are estimated to be around $2.8 million, which includes temporary signage, new building signs, and replacing temporary signage with permanent signs.
Conclusion
The decision to change Houston Community College’s name to Houston City College marks a significant milestone in the institution’s history. With its expanded degree programs and commitment to providing high-quality education, the college is poised to establish itself as a leading institution in the region. As Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher noted, the name change is not just about changing a name, but about embracing the institution’s evolution and signaling its future direction. While the name may be changing, the college’s identity and purpose remain the same, and it is expected to continue providing excellent educational opportunities to its students.
