Tarrant County College Southeast President Bowne updates on student enrollment and campus expansion

During the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees meeting on April 3, 2025, a significant focus was placed on the partnership between Arlington ISD and Tarrant County College (TCC) Southeast. Andy Bowne, the president of TCC Southeast, provided an update on the college's initiatives and its impact on the local community.

Bowne highlighted that TCC is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this year, serving approximately 48,000 students across Tarrant County. Specifically, the Southeast Campus has seen a steady enrollment, with nearly 9,700 students attending this past fall. A notable aspect of this partnership is the dual credit program, which allows high school students to earn college credits. Bowne reported that about 17% of students from Arlington ISD are engaged in some form of dual credit, with 52% of those students earning credentials before graduating high school.

The meeting underscored the importance of educational access and workforce development in Arlington. Bowne noted that 64% of the adult population in the area has some form of higher education, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to enhance these figures. The college's commitment to serving diverse student populations, including part-time students and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was also highlighted.

Additionally, Bowne discussed ongoing construction projects at the Southeast Campus, including a $185 million investment aimed at expanding facilities to better serve the community. This expansion will add ten new classrooms and enhance the overall student experience.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees meeting reflected a strong commitment to educational partnerships that aim to improve access to higher education and support workforce development in the region. The collaboration between Arlington ISD and TCC Southeast is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape for students and the broader community.