The Houston Community College’s Annual “State of the College” Breakfast Highlights Future Initiatives

Welcoming Area Leaders to a Visionary Event

On November 1, the Houston Community College system hosted its annual “State of the College” breakfast at the Hilton Americas in Houston. Leaders from the community gathered for a glimpse into the college’s future initiatives with the theme “To the Metaverse and Beyond.”

Key Initiatives and Successes Recap

Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., marked the completion of her first year by highlighting key initiatives from the past year, notably the development of apprenticeship programs. Looking ahead, Fisher shared exciting plans, including the consideration of a name change for the institution to better reflect its evolving nature.

Future Ventures: Global Online College and Urban Transportation

Discussing the launch of the Global Online College in 2025, Fisher emphasized the institution’s commitment to offering over 60 online programs to a global audience. Additionally, HCC is at the forefront of urban transportation innovations, collaborating with industry giants on the development of flying taxis and vertical takeoff helicopters.

Embracing Metaverse Technologies

Addressing the significance of metaverse technologies in education, Fisher detailed HCC’s leadership in integrating virtual reality into the classroom. She outlined the college’s vision of leveraging virtual reality, ambient intelligence, and artificial intelligence to revolutionize online interactions, anticipating a future where avatars are commonplace.

A Look Towards the Future

HCC Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary shared her excitement for the institution’s future endeavors, highlighting its longstanding commitment to providing quality, accessible education for students. The event served as a platform to inform the community about HCC’s trajectory and forthcoming advancements.