HCC State of the College Address outlines plans for the future

More than 300 community leaders and public officials attended the fifth annual Houston Community College State of the College Address Friday, Oct. 19 at the Junior League of Houston. HCC’s chancellor, Dr. Mary S. Spangler, discussed the impact HCC is having on the citizens of the Greater Houston Area, the city and its economy. The focus of the address departed from the statistical and, instead, captured HCC’s energy and focus that are essential to training the workforce of today and tomorrow.

Spangler opened her remarks stating that “the future of our city is our responsibility to fashion and create. We must have a skilled, trained workforce to compete in the 21st century global economy. Our students must have the skills to compete for the jobs of the future. One of the great attributes of this institution is our ability to respond quickly to the needs of employers and businesses.”

Spangler went on to highlight HCC’s innovative programs and partnerships. She explained how HCC continues to transform the expectations of education for the region by working with area communities, businesses and industries to enrich the region with record numbers of qualified and highly educated students. HCC is the number one developer in Houston of workforce-ready candidates, preparing students for the technological challenges and changes of the future. The jobs in the fastest-growing and highest-paying segments of the new economy require education or technical training beyond high school.

Spangler also discussed HCC’s course for the future and how its three-year strategic plan, Creating Opportunities for Our Shared Future, addresses what the “college, Houston and our nation require from a premier higher education institution that strives to be the most relevant in the United States.”

Knowing the strategic plan will evolve as the community’s needs change, HCC is proud to play an essential role in the education and training of its students and in the transformative impact it has on the regional economy. HCC keeps Houston working and is vital to our community’s continued success.