Andrew Bowne, President of the Southeast Campus, Tarrant County College

In an interview with Invest:, President Andy Bowne of Tarrant County College’s Southeast Campus, highlighted the opening of two new facilities designed to enhance student support and career preparation. Bowne emphasized the campus’s growing partnerships with local industries, particularly in healthcare and IT, to address regional workforce needs.

What have been some significant achievements for the Southeast Campus in the past year?

Two major accomplishments highlight our recent progress. First, we opened two new facilities designed to enhance our ability to better serve students and the broader community. The Student Experience Building serves as a literal front door for students. In many community colleges, students can enter through various doors without clear guidance. This building consolidates the key services a student needs, from advising, enrollment, admissions, financial aid, the registrar, and the business office, all in one place. Since I joined in July, I’ve seen the impact, especially during the busy summer months and the start of the school year.

Second, we’ve added a new academic building that houses our Culinary, Hospitality, Beverage Management (Mixology), and Dietetics and Nutrition programs, along with new state-of-the-art collegiate science labs. These facilities equip students for career success and/or successful academic transfer. These developments have significantly enhanced our ability to serve both students and the broader community.

What are the main economic drivers in the Arlington-Mansfield region and how is the campus partnering with industry leaders to address workforce needs?

The Arlington-Mansfield and Southeast Tarrant County area thrives on entertainment and hospitality, but there is also an emphasis on nutrition and dietetics. Each of our campuses is designed to meet the unique demands of these industries. For example, the South Campus specializes in manufacturing and engineering, while Southeast focuses on hospitality, entertainment, healthcare, IT, cybersecurity, business, and accounting. In addition, the Southeast campus has a heavy emphasis on transfer pathways and careers that require a bachelor’s degree and beyond.

We’re partnering with local employers to ensure our programs align with their workforce needs. I’ve already met with hospital leaders to discuss how we can support the healthcare sector, and we’re collaborating with economic development partners to attract and retain businesses in the region. Our goal is to foster business growth while preparing our students with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

How do you plan to maintain this enrollment growth while ensuring the quality of education remains high?

The key is staying focused on the fundamentals — student learning. Are students acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed, whether they continue their education or enter the workforce? It’s also about persistence and progression — are they staying on track and progressing toward graduation? Do they complete their programs and either successfully transfer or move into careers where they apply what they’ve learned?

We also have strong partnerships with local school districts, particularly Arlington ISD and Mansfield ISD. This year, we’ve seen nice growth (5%) in early college and dual credit programs, which are essential for expanding access. However, beyond enrollment, retention is the real challenge. Getting students through the door is one step; helping them stay, progress, and graduate is where our focus lies. When students succeed and share their stories, that becomes a powerful growth strategy and attracts more students.

How would you describe the community’s sentiment towards higher education in North Texas, and what do you see as the biggest challenges?

Although I’ve only been here a couple of months, I’m still getting a sense of the local landscape. From my conversations with community members and leaders, there’s a strong recognition of the importance of higher education in preparing people for quality jobs and long-term careers.

One challenge I see is the number of adults, those 25 and older, who either have some college experience but no degree, or never completed high school. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. For example, through the leadership of our South Campus, we’re launching a program designed to help adults complete their high school education while simultaneously pursuing a career pathway. It’s critical that we demonstrate the value of education and show that the return on investment is worth the effort.

For many, the opportunity cost of going to school, especially when they could be earning money by working, can seem high. We must clearly communicate the long-term benefits of education, both in terms of future opportunities and financial returns. The reward needs to outweigh the short-term cost of time and effort. That is why we have placed such an emphasis on programs that lead to high-demand and high-wage careers, transfer pathways and success, and early college/dual credit programs that lead to greater opportunities for our students and graduates.

In your experience, how are economic conditions in North Texas different from the rest of the U.S.?

I most recently relocated from the greater Kansas City metro region, and reflecting on my experiences there and in Indiana, the biggest difference I see in North Texas is the remarkable growth across such a broad range of sectors. That is one of the major factors that attracted me here. The Arlington and Mansfield areas are booming with business growth. New companies are coming in, existing businesses are expanding, and people are excited to be here. While other parts of the country are experiencing slowdowns, North Texas seems to be thriving.

How is Tarrant County College addressing affordability for its students?

First and foremost, we focus on running the college efficiently and making smart decisions with public and student resources. We strive to be good, responsible stewards and effective leaders in higher education. Affordability is a top priority. Our board and leadership regularly review tuition rates to ensure they remain accessible for all students — whether they come from families with significant resources or, like I was as a student, are full Pell Grant recipients.

Beyond keeping tuition affordable, we address students’ broader financial needs, including living expenses while attending school. The TCC Foundation provides scholarships, and we’ve eliminated costs for dual-credit programs for Tarrant County high school students, removing financial barriers. Our goal is to provide both an affordable and high-quality education that leads to credentials with real value, creating a strong value proposition for students and the community.

How is technology shaping the future of the curriculum and programs at Tarrant County College?

Technology is transforming every aspect of what we do, from classroom instruction to online education and behind-the-scenes operations. It enhances our ability to serve students and the community while keeping things affordable. In our new building, for example, classrooms are designed for maximum interactivity, featuring advanced technology. Multiple screens on the walls ensure that students can engage fully with the material, no matter when they sit.

Beyond the physical classroom, our online presence is growing. We’re delivering more courses virtually, especially during our ongoing construction. Our Connect Campus is dedicated to online learning, but technology also enables us to provide student services like virtual advising. Ultimately it is all about leveraging technology to meet students where they are and support them in achieving their goals.

What are your top priorities for these first few months in your role?

One of my top priorities is to engage with the community — meeting people, listening to their needs, and ensuring those needs are reflected in our campus work. Building and nurturing relationships, building on those established by Dr. Coppola, is key.

Another focus is aligning our programs with student success. With House Bill 8, placing greater emphasis on outcomes— we are committed to ensuring students not only complete their programs but also secure quality jobs. For example, our culinary students need to graduate and move into well-paying jobs. We’re tracking this across all programs, including transfer students, to ensure they’re earning credits and successfully progressing to four-year institutions. These metrics will guide our efforts moving forward.

I also see my family’s move here as part of the broader growth we’ve discussed. We chose North Texas, particularly Arlington and Mansfield, for its dynamic economy. The region’s growth, from business investments to developments like the Medal of Honor Museum and the soccer park, enhances the quality of life and attracts both residents and visitors.

At Tarrant County College, and certainly at Southeast Campus, we’re committed to supporting this vibrant, growing community. We want to help people live, work, learn, and thrive here. My family and I are excited to call this place home — it’s a great place to be.