Aspen Institute Selects Texas Success Center to Lead Statewide Presidents & Trustees Collaborative
New initiative will support 10–15 Texas community colleges in strengthening board-president alignment to drive lasting student success reforms.
Texas, May 29, 2025– The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) announced the Texas Success Center as the first statewide partner in the new Presidents & Trustees Collaborative—an initiative designed to strengthen board-president alignment in support of lasting reforms to improve outcomes for community college students. Over the next year, the Texas Success Center will engage 10–15 community colleges in a series of in-person and virtual sessions grounded in Aspen’s Trustee Framework and lessons from Aspen Prize-winning institutions.
The Texas Success Center was selected for its strong track record of advancing student outcomes across the
Talent Strong Texas Pathways 2025 Award Winners April 15, 2025
Austin, TX – The Texas Success Center is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Talent Strong Texas Pathways Awards. Eight Texas community colleges were honored in Houston, Texas at the April Talent Strong Texas Pathways Institute: Ensuring Teaching and Learning – Instructional Strategies for Connection and Completion, which brought together attendees from 46 community colleges across the state.
Six colleges were recognized with the Recognition of Scaling Excellence (ROSE) award for outstanding efforts in scaling essential practices aligned with the four foundational pillars of the Talent Strong Texas Pathways strategy. These institutions have demonstrated a deep commitment to transformational change, elevating the student experience and ensuring stronger outcomes.
Two additional colleges received the Recognition of
In recognition of House Bill 8's $683 million investment in Texas community colleges, the essay contest celebrates community colleges for giving students the education and skills to land well-paying, in-demand jobs after graduation. Participants were asked to share their unique stories about how their community college experiences have shaped their journeys.
“My amazing community college education opened windows to thriving professional paths,” says Houston
AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimberly Lowry as the new Vice President of TACC and Executive Director for the Texas Success Center (TSC) effective June 17, 2024. Dr. Lowry brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in higher education, with a focus on community college excellence and student success.
Dr. Lowry joins TACC from The Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, where she serves as the Director of Leadership and Impact. In her role, she is instrumental in developing strategies and executing initiatives that advanced student success and community college leadership nationwide. Her leadership significantly contributed to the professional growth of numerous community college presidents and the overall enhancement of community college education standards.
