Star Newsletter, a Lone Star College System Publication | Fall 2014 | LoneStar.edu

2014 BOND REFERENDUM AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTION Plan for the Future opulation forecasts for the Lone Star College service area indicate it will continue to grow at extraordinary Prates. In the past four years alone, the region added 176,000 people, and an additional 242,000 people are expected to increase the region’s population to 2.55 million by 2019. LSC also continues to see extraordinary growth – LSC has experienced a 68 percent increase in student enrollment, adding more than 33,000 students from fall 2007 to fall 2014. To help address this growth, the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees voted on Aug. 7 to place a $485 million bond referendum on the 2014 fall ballot. The bond funds will be used to address the increasing number of students attending LSC by adding instructional space The Lone Star College bond referendum includes funding for new and Advanced Technology Centers, as well as enhancing Advanced Technology Centers to train workers – like machinists, campus security and improving technology infrastructure. welders, ironworkers and others – to help fill the shortage of skilled workers in the region. “For every year we delay construction, costs go up significantly, as much as 6 to 8 percent each year,” said skill” workers. The bond proposal includes funding for new Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor. Advanced Technology Centers. Chancellor Head pointed out that a major focus of the bond referendum is addressing the need for “middle- Plan for the Future, continued on page 4 u Record student enrollment IN THIS ISSUE t’s official – fall enrollment for Lone community has in Lone Star College to PAGE Star College reached a record provide a high-quality education for LSC Ihigh, with 82,818 credit students students that’s affordable, flexible and Performance enrolled, a 7 percent increase over close to home,” said Stephen C. Head, 3 fall 2013. Ph.D., LSC chancellor. This record-breaking credit “Lone Star College is the college PAGE LSC adds student enrollment brings the of choice; one out of every four $3.1 billion total LSC student population area May high school graduates 6 to economy to more than 95,000 attends Lone Star College the when combined with non- following fall,” said Chancellor PAGE LSC Top 10 credit workforce and community Head. “Our average class degree education students. Lone Star size is 23 students and our 8 producer College continues to be the largest faculty members are top- institution of higher education in the notch, excelling as teachers, mentors PAGE greater Houston area. and scholars. That’s why more than LSC “I believe this growth illustrates 95,000 students choose LSC.” 12 Fast Facts the tremendous confidence our uSee related story, page 10 Welcome from Stephen C. Head, chancellor, Lone Star College

To our community:

I am truly honored to serve as the fourth chancellor of Lone Star College. As many of you know, I am no stranger to LSC and I have held a number of positions here in the past 30 years – president of LSC- Kingwood, interim president at LSC-Montgomery, executive vice chancellor for the system, acting chief executive o cer and president of LSC-North Harris.

Over that time, LSC has witnessed tremendous growth: not only in student enrollment, but in the impact we have in our community. From its humble roots using Aldine High School as a temporary home, to more than 95,000 students today working to complete their associate degree, transfer to a 4-year institution, or obtain workforce certication, Lone Star College’s priority has always been student success.

Recently, the LSCS Board of Trustees, based on feedback from community, education and business leaders, voted to put a $485 bond referendum on the November election ballot. Workforce education training is a major component of this bond which outlines plans to add Advanced Technology Centers throughout the system including a Computer Information Technology and Visual Communications Center, an Industrial/Commercial Construction and HVACR facility, a Process and Lab Technology Center, a Transportation and Logistics Institute, and a Workforce Certication Assessment Center.

In all, LSC needs to add academic and workforce education training space to meet the demands of our area’s growth over the next ve to eight years. In this publication, you will nd the recommendations made to our board to help LSC prepare for the unprecedented growth our community faces. You’ll also nd accounts of achievement and success, thanks in large part to the generous support of the communities we serve. With your continued help, I know that Lone Star College will continue to play a major role in helping our region thrive.

Stephen C. Head Chancellor

Lone Star College System Board of Trustees Star Newsletter Fall 2014 David Holsey, DDS, Chair, Position 1 Published by the Office of Communications Bob Wolfe, JD, CPA, Vice Chair, Position 6 Ray Laughter, Vice Chancellor, External Affairs Priscilla Kelly, Secretary, Position 9 Laura Morris, Associate Vice Chancellor, Marketing & Communications David A. Vogt, Assistant Secretary, Position 5 Jed Young, Executive Director, Communications Robert J. Adam, JD, Position 4 Emily deMilliano, Executive Director, Marketing Linda S. Good, JD, Position 7 Bill Van Rysdam, Manager, Media Relations Lyndsey Pase, Graphic Designer Stephanie Marquard, Position 3 Kyle Scott, PhD, Position 2 For more information: 832.813.6677 or LoneStar.edu Ronald Trowbridge, PhD, Position 8 © October 2014 by Lone Star College, 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4356

Stephen C. Head, PhD, Chancellor Lone Star College System – (USPS 023-512) (Volume 9, Number 7 - October 2014) is published six times per year by the staff of Lone Star College, 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381-4356. Periodical postage rates are paid at Spring, TX and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to College Relations, Lone Star College, 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381-4356.

2 | Star Newsletter Fall 2014 LSC Peer Performance Tracking

How does Lone Star College compare with other community colleges of like size and organizational structure? These graphs illustrate Lone Star College’s position when comparing key metrics, from student headcount to the number of full-time faculty members.

Student Headcount Tuition and Fees per Credit Hour Administrative Costs % of Budget Fall 20131 Fall 20142 FY 2012–20133

Dallas 83,74 4 N. Virginia $153 Riverside 18% Lone Star 7 7, 6 21 Miami Dade $116 Valencia 18% Miami Dade 69,193 Broward $106 Houston 18% Alamo 58,894 Cuyahoga $105 Cuyahoga 17% Houston 58,068 Valencia $103 N. Virginia 15% N. Virginia 51,803 S. Nevada $90 Broward 15% Tarrant 50,765 Austin $86 Austin 15% Austin 43,883 Mesa $84 Dallas 14% Valencia 42,915* Alamo $70 Miami Dade 14% Broward 42,309* Houston $67 Tarrant 13% S. Nevada 36,658 Lone Star $60 Mesa 12% Riverside 36,375 Tarrant $55 Lone Star 11% Cuyahoga 29,701* Dallas $52 S. Nevada 11% Mesa 23,678 Riverside $45 Alamo 8%

Minority Students Student Faculty Ratio Transfer Rate - 2009 Cohort Fall 2012 4 Fall 20125 Fall 2012 6

Miami Dade 88% Riverside 31:1 Austin 34% Houston 71% Valencia 30:1 Dallas 34% Dallas 70% Tarrant 26:1 Houston 26% Broward 68% Houston 25:1 Lone Star 23% Alamo 68% Broward 24:1 S. Nevada 23% Riverside 68% Miami Dade 24:1 Riverside 23% Lone Star 56% S. Nevada 23:1 Mesa 22% Valencia 52% Dallas 22:1 Alamo 22% Tarrant 51% N. Virginia 22:1 Tarrant 19% N. Virginia 49% Cuyahoga 21:1 Broward 19% S. Nevada 45% Austin 21:1 Cuyahoga 13% Austin 41% Alamo 19:1 Valencia 13% Cuyahoga 34% Mesa 19:1 N. Virginia 11% Mesa 31% Lone Star 19:1 Miami Dade 10%

Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Faculty Full-time Persistence Part-time Persistence Fall 20127 Fall 2012 8 Fa l l 2 0118

Lone Star 2,305 N. Virginia 72% Lone Star 50% Alamo 1,923 Riverside 71% Riverside 50% Dallas 1,634 Lone Star 62% N. Virginia 49% N. Virginia 1,576 Houston 59% Tarrant 45% Houston 1,361 Mesa 58% Houston 44% Miami Dade 1,293 Tarrant 56% Austin 43% Tarrant 1,065 Alamo 56% Dallas 42% Austin 997 Dallas 54% Alamo 41% Broward 830 Austin 54% Cuyahoga 37% Valencia 801 Cuyahoga 47% Mesa 33% S. Nevada 756 Valencia —NA— Valencia —NA— Cuyahoga 728 S. Nevada —NA— S. Nevada —NA— Mesa 653 Broward —NA— Broward —NA— Riverside 643 Miami Dade —NA— Miami Dade —NA—

1 Number of students served for credit classes Source: Individual college websites *Fall 2012 Headcount most recent available 2 The cost per credit hour is based on FT credit load of 12 hours, including per credit hour fees. Source: Individual college websites 3 Percentage of the budget expenditures dedicated to Administrative Cost Sources: IPEDSA and NACUBOB 4 Includes Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native Source: IPEDSA - 2013 Data Feedback Reports 5 Sources: NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) College Navigator 6 Fall 2009 Full-time, First Time in College students who transferred to a 4-year institution by Fall 2012 Source: IPEDSA - 2013 Data Feedback Reports 7 Source: IPEDSA - 2013 Data Feedback Reports FTE Faculty = Full-time + (Part-time/3) 8 Full-time, first-time students who enter the institution for the first time in the fall and who return the following fall, divided by the total number of full-time, first-time students in the fall of first entrance. Part-time persistence is similarly defined. Source: IPEDSA - 2013 Data Feedback Reports AIPEDS - Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System BNACUBO - National Association of College and University Business Officers CTHECB - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

LoneStar.edu | 3 Plan for the future

FUTURE NEEDS: NEW ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY Plan for the Future continued from page 1 CENTERS 1. Computer Information Technology & Visual “Many industries are facing critical shortage levels, Communications (LSC-CyFair) including energy, transportation and IT – there just aren’t • Classroom space with high level computing enough trained workers available,” said Chancellor Head. infrastructure (50,000 sf) “There’s a huge supply and demand gap and Lone Star 2. Industrial/Commercial Construction & HVACR College can help address that need.” (LSC-North Harris) The Greater Houston Partnership anticipates 74,177 • High bay area (50,000 sf) job openings each year in middle skills occupations 3. Process & Lab Technology (Oil/Gas/Water) between now and 2017 in the Houston area. It is also (LSC-Kingwood) estimated that by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require • Significant workforce training area (50,000 sf) education or training beyond high school, and many of 4. Transportation & Logistics Institute (LSC-North Harris) these are technical jobs. • Land, classroom building, and space for 18 wheeler The bond referendum calls for adding 686,000 cabs and trailers (15,000 sf) square feet of learning space with no tax rate increase. 5. Drilling Platform Training Center (LSC-Tomball): In fact, LSC has been able to lower the tax rate six out of • Rig for drilling, hydraulic fracturing and engineering the last 10 years, while keeping administration costs technology (15,000 sf) at 11.4 percent, well below the national average. 6. Workforce Certification Assessment Center (LSC- University Park): CURRENT WORKFORCE EDUCATION • Build-out floor (25,000 sf) CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE NEEDED RENOVATIONS TO CURRENT WORKFORCE LSC-CyFair: Echocardiography, Petroleum Data EDUCATION FACILITIES Technology, Fire Science, EMS, Nursing, Diagnostic • CNC Machining (LSC-Cypress Center and LSC-Conroe Medical Sonography Center) LSC-Kingwood: Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene, • Dental Hygiene (LSC-Kingwood) Nursing, Respiratory Technology, Occupational Therapy • Diesel Technology (LSC-North Harris) Assistant • Law Enforcement Academy (LSC-University Park) LSC-Montgomery: Biotechnology, Live Entertainment • Live Entertainment Technology (LSC-Montgomery) Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiological • Nursing/Surgical Technology (LSC-Tomball) Technology, Nursing, Machining, Fire Science • Paramedic/EMS (LSC-North Harris) LSC-North Harris: Automotive, HVACR, Health • Welding (LSC-Cypress Center and LSC-Conroe Center) Information Technology, Industrial Diesel Technology, Massage Therapy, Professional Truck Driving, Welding & PROJECT BREAKDOWN BY CAMPUS Welding Inspection, Health Science Building, CHI Center LSC-CYFAIR for Cosmetology • New instructional building: 75,000 sf LSC-Tomball: Veterinarian Technology, Surgical • Central Plant expansion: 3,000 sf Technology, Electrical Technology, Nursing, Pharmacy • Renovations to existing facilities: 23,000 sf Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant • Increase parking: 750 spaces LSC-University Park: Oil and Gas Drilling, Converged LSC-KINGWOOD Technology, Energy and Manufacturing Institute • New healthcare instructional building: 60,000 sf • Student services expansion: 10,000 sf PLAN FOR THE FUTURE • Renovations to existing facilities: 28,000 sf • Increase parking: 550 spaces • New instructional and support buildings: 686,000 sf LSC-MONTGOMERY • Renovations to existing facilities: 362,000 sf • New student services building: 60,000 sf • Increase parking: 3,300 spaces • Magnolia satellite center: 65,000 sf • Improve campus safety and security • LSC-Conroe Center expansion: 15,000 sf • Enhance and upgrade technology infrastructure • Renovations to existing facilities: 90,000 sf • Improve traffic flow and campus access • Increase parking: 1,110 spaces

4 | Star Newsletter Fall 2014 LSC-NORTH HARRIS • New instructional building: 60,000 sf • Advanced Technology Workforce Center: 50,000 sf • LSC-Victory Center expansion: 25,000 sf • Renovations to existing facilities: 25,000 sf • Increase parking: 400 spaces LSC-TOMBALL • New student services building: 40,000 sf • Build-out Health Science Building: 20,000 sf • Central Plant expansion: 3,000 sf • Renovation to existing facilities: 21,000 sf • Increase parking: 300 spaces Voting LSC-UNIVERSITY PARK • New instructional science building: 50,000 sf • Registered voters living in the following ISDs • New instructional arts building: 40,000 sf within the Lone Star College service area • Renovations to existing facilities: 55,000 sf are eligible to vote in this election: Aldine, • Increase parking: 170 spaces Conroe, Cy-Fair, Humble, Klein, Magnolia, SYSTEM-WIDE SUPPORT PROJECTS New Caney, Spring, Splendora, Tomball, • Campus safety and security improvements Willis. • Technology infrastructure upgrades and expansion • Program management and land acquisitions • All registered voters in the Lone Star College district are able to cast votes for the 2014 • Cost and growth contingencies bond referendum. • Renovation to existing System Office facilities at the Research Forest and University-Park campuses: 70,000 sf • Lone Star College System Trustees are elected by single member districts. Voters residing within a trustee district Bonds much like a home mortgage may vote in that trustee election. A district or most Americans, buying a house requires a map and complete list of voting precincts mortgage because they simply cannot pay cash up for each trustee district can be found at Ffront for a new home. LoneStar.edu/Election. A bond is very much like a home mortgage – the funds can be used by public institutions to build and renovate All precincts will include the bond referendum buildings, all without increasing taxes. on voter ballots. And like any home mortgage, a key question for consideration: Is the borrower credit worthy? Early voting is from Oct. 20 – Oct. 31. When it comes to Lone Star College, the answer is a On Tuesday, Nov. 4, polls are open from resounding “YES.” 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. • LSC maintains an AAA Bond Rating from Standard & To receive a ballot by mail, requests must be Poor’s Rating Services. sent to your County Clerk’s office—Harris, • Enables LSC to borrow money at lower interest rates. Montgomery or San Jacinto Counties—by Oct. • Eight credit rating increases in last 10 years. 24. • LSC maintains administrative operating expenses under 12 percent, one of the lowest among Texas colleges. Candidates by Position on Ballot • LSC tax rate is lower than 15 years ago. District #3 1. Alton Smith • LSC has lowered its tax rate six out of the last 10 years. District #4 1. Art Murillo District #9 1. Ken E. Lloyd • LSC maintains tax exemptions and freezes for qualified 2. Lamar Casparis residents. 3. Dom Bongiorni “It is our responsibility as members of the Lone Star College System Board to make sure this organization is as The LSCS Trustee district map and a complete efficient as possible, with dollars being invested in necessary list of voting precincts included in each trustee operations and projects,” said David Holsey, DDS, chair of district is available at LoneStar.edu/Election. the LSCS Board.

LoneStar.edu | 5 LSC makes a difference in everyone’s life LSC adds $3.1 billion annually to local economy one Star College continues to play a major role in the regional economy – adding $3.1 billion in economic $300M Super Bowl Lone Star College adds $3.1 billion Limpact directly into the local community each year. into the regional economy each year, According to a 2014 study and report from Economic $47M World Series more than the combined impact of Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), LSC added $3.1 $60M NBA All-Star Game a Super Bowl, World Series and NBA billion to the area economy in 2012–2013 – approximately All-Star game. equal to 0.9 percent of the region’s gross regional product. $407M combined The EMSI report noted that LSC creates a “significant $3.1 BILLION LSC positive impact on the local business community and generates a return on investment to its major stakeholder groups: students, society and taxpayers.” In addition, every dollar spent generates: “We are gratified to be able to provide such a strong • $6.60 increased lifetime income for students. economic impact in the area we serve,” said Stephen C. • $7.10 increase to state income and social Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor. “I am particularly proud of savings for society. the fact that 91 percent of our students stay in the local • $7.80 increase in taxes and public sector community after attending Lone Star College which helps savings for taxpayers. to keep our local economy strong.” EMSI, a CareerBuilder company, turns labor market The report went on to note that the accumulated data into useful information that helps organizations contribution of former students currently employed in the understand the connection between economies, people regional workforce amounted to $2.8 billion in added and work. income during the analysis year. LSC tax exemptions Start here. in place for 2014–15 Transfer Tax freeze also continues

anywhere. he Lone Star College System Board of Trustees voted in June to continue tax The Lone Star College 2+2 exemption allowances and tax freezes for graduation plan makes it T disabled residents and residents age 65 and easy for students to start older for 2014. here for two years and That means all residents who live in the LSC then transfer to a four-year university to complete their taxing jurisdiction and who are homeowners bachelor’s degree, and save money while they do it. LSC continue to be eligible for a $5,000 graduates transfer to colleges throughout Texas and the homestead exemption allowance (or 1 percent, U.S. Below are the top 5 four-year institutions of higher whichever is greater). education to which LSC students transferred in fall 2013 Disabled residents and those over 65 years and the number of students that transferred. of age residing in the LSC service area are University of Houston 2,423 also eligible for the system’s $75,000 property tax exemption. Taxpayers who are eligible Texas A&M University 2,007 will also automatically qualify for the tax freeze, where the actual dollar amount owed Sam Houston State University 1,978 is frozen as of the date the taxpayer qualifies for the exemption – even if the property value University of Texas at Austin 1,120 increases. Any resident who already had an over-65 University of Houston-Downtown 1,116 or disabled exemption on file with their county appraisal district will automatically receive the 2014 exemption and tax freeze. Source: LSC ORIE Fast Facts, fall 2013-spring 2014

6 | Star Newsletter Fall 2014 LSC makes a difference in everyone’s life

Studies show that dual credit increases the likelihood High school students that a student will complete high school and enroll in and persist in college. LSC also offers workforce dual credit which allows get a jumpstart on college high school students to receive high school credit for career and technical education classes in industries one Star College is helping nearly 8,000 high school with in-demand jobs. Students who participate in these juniors and seniors get a jump start on their college classes/programs will receive high school credit and in Lcareer each year through its dual credit program. many cases, a certification from LSC approving them for Dual credit is a process where a student can earn both employment in their industry. high school and college credit by One dual credit student, Colt Metz, successfully completing a college a home school student, was able to course that provides advanced complete high school with a significant academic instruction – all while number of college credits from LSC- still in high school. Montgomery already on his college Tuition costs for in-district dual transcript. credit students are a 100 percent “I discovered that if you truly believe waived (not including fees and you can accomplish anything, you will,” textbooks). said Metz. “The professors at LSC- “Dual credit courses offer Montgomery are interested in your future many advantages to high school and will help you achieve what you want students such as getting a to achieve. They have a passion for not only enhancing jumpstart on their college education, accelerating their time their students academically, but aiding in their personal to a college degree and a high school diploma,” said Dr. development in all facets of life.” Keri Rogers, LSC vice chancellor, academic affairs. “And Students who are interested in taking dual credit when you factor in the cost savings, dual credit courses courses at LSC should talk to their high school guidance really make sense for a lot of students.” counselors to get approval before proceeding through Financial reasons are not the only consideration for the registration process. Go to LoneStar.edu/dualcredit to students to participate in dual credit. learn more about the dual credit program.

Equal Opportunity Statement LSC Honors College The Lone Star College System is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education Serving high-achieving students and employment. Lone Star College System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, he Honors College at Lone Star gender, religion, disability, age, veteran status, College offers a wide range of sexual orientation, nationality or ethnicity in its opportunities for high-achieving programs and activities. T students interested in graduating with an The Chief Human Resources Officer is Honors AA or Honors AS degree, as well designated as the LSCS Equal Opportunity as students looking to earn individual Officer. All inquiries concerning LSCS policies, Honors course credit or graduate with compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VI, Title IX, Honors distinction. “Lone Star College is one of the few and Section 504), and complaints may be The Honors College is designed to community colleges in the country to offer directed to: meet the needs of talented students who a full Honors associate degree,” Dr. Caruso Chief Human Resources Officer want to improve their college transcripts said. 5000 Research Forest Drive and transferability with challenging This fall the inaugural class of the The Woodlands, TX 77381 coursework provided across a broad range Chancellor’s Honor College Fellows – 20 832.813.6285 of disciplines. students at each Lone Star College – [email protected] “The Honors College at Lone Star began a two-year course of study. These Inquiries about the laws and compliance may College provides our area’s high-achieving fellows were selected through an intensive also be directed to Office for Civil Rights in the students with opportunities for advanced U.S. Department of Education. For further application process earlier this year. information, visit the ed.gov for the address and study that truly prepare two-year graduates For more information about the honors phone number of the office that serves your for the most competitive college programs,” college, see LoneStar.edu/honorscollege. area, or call 1-800-421-3481. said Dr. Katie Caruso, executive director of the Honors College at LSC. LoneStar.edu | 7 Committed to student success

LSC recognized as a Top 10 college in U.S.

Based on the data, LSC awarded 4,373 associate degrees to students in all disciplines for the 2012-2013 school year, which represents a 3.92 percent increase over degrees awarded in 2011-2012 by LSC. Currently, part-time and transfer students are not counted with those receiving an associate degree although they may have completed the required number of credits needed. LSC was also ranked fourth among community colleges nationwide in the 2014 list for the number of its Hispanic students receiving their associate degrees with 1,157 Hispanic graduates, representing 26 percent of the total graduates receiving an associate degree The number one goal at Lone Star College is to help students from LSC. succeed. LSC is recognized as one of the top associate degree producers in the U.S LSC a Top 10 producer of associate degrees one Star College has once again been recognized Discipline U.S. Ranking as a top 10 producer of associate degrees All disciplines 4th Lnationally, ranking fourth among all community colleges in the U.S. All disciplines – Hispanic 4th The 2014 list of Top 100 Associate Degree All disciplines – Total Minority 5th Producers by Community College Week magazine Nursing 2nd listed LSC fourth in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges for the number of associate Education 2nd degrees it awarded. Rankings based on fall 2012 to fall 2013 data published “The number one goal at Lone Star College is making Aug. 18, 2014 by Community College Week sure our students succeed and achieve their goals,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor. “As our area Other notable rankings for LSCS in the Community continues to grow, our challenge will be to keep up with the College Week 2014 nationwide list include: demand and help our students fulfill their academic dreams.” • 3rd in Health Professionals and Related Programs. • 5th in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies HEARD IN THE COMMUNITY & Humanities. Chancellor Head noted that LSC has experienced a 68 percent increase in the student population, “The population and demand for higher adding more than 33,000 credit students from 2007 to 2014. Student enrollment increases are expected to education has continued to grow in this continue – an additional 242,000 people are expected vibrant area of Houston; yet only limited to increase the region’s population to 2.55 million by higher education opportunities have 2019. been available. I am excited this area The Top 100 Associate Degree Producers list will finally have the quality education is compiled by the magazine each year from data services available that are so collected through the National Center for Education desperately needed.” Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Set survey. The 2014 list published this week —Texas State Sen. Dan Patrick contains data from the 2012-13 academic year. speaking at the opening of the Community College Week, one of several national Lone Star College-University Park campus publications covering the education industry, publishes the rankings each August.

8 | Star Newsletter Fall 2014 Opening doors to a better community

LSC ramps up “middle-skills” training

iddle-skill workers – workers for jobs that require some significant education and training beyond Mhigh school but less than a bachelor’s degree – are in high demand in the greater Houston area. Middle-skills jobs represent 41 percent of all jobs in the Houston region, a total of 1.4 million out of Houston’s 3.6 million jobs, and that number is projected to grow. The Greater Houston Partnership estimates there will be more than 74,000 middle-skill jobs becoming available each year between now and 2017. Lone Star College is taking this challenge head on: preparing tomorrow’s technical workforce today by offering high-level training to teach necessary job skills employers are seeking. Lone Star Corporate College trains students in a number of industries through open-enrollment courses as well as professional studies in conjunction with corporate Lone Star College offers a wide array of technical training, like partners to keep their employees up to date on the latest electrical circuitry, to help prepare students for today’s workforce. technical trends. The LSC Energy & Manufacturing Institute, which opened this year, trains employees currently working or seeking a career in the oil and gas, alternative energy or mechanized (automated) production industries. In Workforce need growing addition, certification training is offered in industries he numbers are startling. According to the Greater like HVACR, electrical, machining logistics, computer Houston Partnership, the Houston region is expected technology, welding, engineering technology and more. to have 74,177 openings annually in middle skills LSC partners with companies like FMC, Cisco and T occupations between 2012 and 2017. The Lone Star Baker-Hughes, as well as professional organizations College service area alone has experienced a 9 percent like the International Association of Drilling Contractors growth in workforce in the last 5 years. and others, to ensure students are using the most current LSC is leading the way to help close this gap by industry-standard equipment and software. LSC students partnering with area employers to insure learn cutting-edge techniques in classes training programs are aligned with their where low student-teacher ratios allow for needs for these in-demand jobs. Middle greater personalized attention. “We can skills jobs can include trades like welding, LSC is also actively helping unemployed manufacture machining and pipeline technology, jobs individuals find new careers by partnering a lot of things. that require more than a high school with Texas Workforce Solutions and the People you can’t diploma but less than a four-year college Lumina Foundation to offer free workforce degree. training. LSC also recently received a manufacture.” “Many people are under the impression $500,000 grant from J.P. Morgan Chase that these careers don’t have good Bank for expanding education opportunities – Greg Ebel, salaries attached to them; that they’re for people who now have low-skill and low- Spectra CEO dirty jobs, but that’s simply not true,” said paying jobs. Marshall Schott, associate vice chancellor “It’s not just the financial support that is at LSC. “Of Houston’s 3.6 million jobs, 1.4 million are critical,” said Linda Head, LSC associate vice chancellor, considered middle skills. This represents 41 percent of workforce education and corporate partnerships. “It’s all jobs in the Houston region.” having an open line of communication with industry Many of these job openings go unfilled because leaders to make sure we are providing the type of employers cannot find the skills they need. The LSC training they are looking for.” bond referendum includes funding for new Advanced The LSC bond referendum, that will be included Technology Centers to help address this need and help on the Nov. 4 election ballot, includes funding for keep the greater Houston economy on track. renovations to current workforce education facilities as well as new Advanced Technology Centers. LoneStar.edu | 9 LSC makes a difference in everyone’s life

Lone Star College recognized nationally

ot only is Lone Star College the largest that confer the most degrees to minority students. institution of higher education in the Houston • Recognized by the Center for Narea, it is recognized nationally for its Digital Education (CDE) for its innovative leadership and student success efforts. Here innovative uses of technology to are some of the most notable accomplishments: achieve first-rate student learning environments. • Lone Star College is recognized as a Top 10 • LSC (LSC-Online) was awarded producer of associate degrees and is ranked fourth the prestigious 2013 Sloan-C nationally among 1,100 community colleges in the Award, Excellence in Institution- U.S. Wide Online Education. • LSC leads the Texas Reverse Transfer Initiative, • Rated as the number one community college in in collaboration with The University of Texas, a Texas by RateMyProfessors.com. key strategy in Texas’ goal of increasing higher • Awarded the 2014 Andrew Heiskell Award for education degree attainment. “internationalizing the community college” by the • LSC leads the Texas Completes Institute of International Education. effort statewide to dramatically • Named the 2013 Education Excellence Award increase college completion rates. winner by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber • Named the largest institution of Commerce. of higher education in • The League for Innovation in the Community the Houston area by the College awarded six LSC professors its prestigious Houston Business Journal in its annual list of Largest 2013 John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Houston-Area Colleges and Universities. Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions and • Recognized by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education, leadership by community college faculty and staff. as a Top 100 Degree Producer among institutions

LSC-CyFair first to top 20,000 student enrollment

mar de la Cruz was the 20,000th student registered this fall to attend Lone Star College- OCyfair, which is a milestone – the first Lone Star College to hit 20,000 in credit student enrollment. Total LSC enrollment for fall 2014 is nearly 83,000 credit students, which is the largest class in its history. De la Cruz is a non-traditional veteran student who served 21 years in the U.S. Navy. He has three children – his daughter graduated from LSC-CyFair in May and transferred to the University of Houston. De la Cruz attended his daughter’s graduation ceremony and said he was inspired by another LSC-CyFair graduate – an 83-year-old student who walked across the stage and received her associate degree. Omar de la Cruz, right, was the 20,000th student registered this De la Cruz said seeing that older student receive her fall to enroll at LSC-CyFair, the first Lone Star College to hit 20,000 degree, along with his daughter‘s success, he was inspired in credit student enrollment. De la Cruz is pictured with Peggy Hicks, at the registration counter and other students. to enroll. As a U.S. veteran, de la Cruz is eligible for a Hazelwood scholarship, which he chose to give to his Peggy Hicks is the staff member who registered de daughter. He’s using his G.I. Bill funding. la Cruz. She is a part-time employee at the registration De la Cruz, who is from the Katy area, will be splitting counter who also happens to be a full-time nursing student time between school and the business that he owns, Katy at LSC-CyFair and president of Phi Theta Kappa National Custom Coolers. Honor Society.

10 | Star Newsletter Fall 2014 Careers. Not just jobs

Certified EMT moves DID YOU KNOW? on to nursing degree % t took a few twists and turns before Megan Caroll 60 recognized her calling was nursing. After completing high school, Caroll enlisted in of area nurses are trained at I two-year community colleges the U.S. Coast Guard. Stationed in a small boat station in like Lone Star College. Maine, Caroll realized there was no permanent medical officer assigned, so she began EMT training to fill the void. After leaving the Coast Guard, Caroll became a “Megan is an extremely professional student,” said certified EMT, but became tired of “handing off my patients Catherine Gray, LSC-Tomball nursing director. “She is a to nurses in the ER.” It was then she realized she was role model for nursing students and shows the potential to destined to be a nurse. “I wanted to do their job,” she said. be a future leader in the nursing profession.” After considering her options, Caroll said she enrolled Once she receives her certification, Caroll plans to in the LSC-Tomball nursing program and she has been pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. incredibly pleased with her decision. “I love the compassion nurses have to have and how “The instructors inspire you to follow them through their smart they have to be,” Caroll said. example,” Caroll said. In addition to nurses, Lone Star College also prepares According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment students in a many other healthcare professions: of registered nurses is projected to grow 19 percent from Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Electrocardiography, Emergency Medical Services (EMT), This growth is due, in part, to the aging population, since Health Information Technology, Massage Therapy, Medical older people typically have more medical problems than Assisting, Medical Radiologic Technology, Occupational younger people. Therapy Assistant, Pharmacy Technology, Phlebotomy, Community colleges like Lone Star Physical Therapy Assistant, Polysomnography, Respiratory College educate and train 63 percent of Care and Surgical Technology. all registered nurses who will be needed A portion of funding from the LSC bond referendum to care for these patients. on the ballot in November is earmarked for healthcare Caroll was recently selected as one facilities to help keep up with the large demand for nurses of three $1,000 scholarship recipients in the region. as part of the Houston Chronicle’s 13th In addition to renovations and build-out of current Megan Caroll annual Salute to Nurses, a program healthcare facilities like the LSC-Tomball Health Science which recognizes nurses and health care organizations Center, the referendum includes funding for a new during National Nurses Appreciation Week. healthcare instructional building at LSC-Kingwood.

completion; academic quality; workforce programs in MEET OUR NEW alignment with community needs; and collaborative agreements with educational, business and local civic CHANCELLOR organizations. tephen C. Head, Ph.D. was appointed as the His values include operating the college on a sound, fourth chancellor of Lone Star College in July after fiscally conservative model based on data, efficiencies, a 30-year history of high-level positions at LSC accountability and common sense. S Chancellor Head is also the chief executive officer of including president of LSC-North Harris, executive vice chancellor, acting chief executive officer, LSC and is charged with carrying out the policies and interim president at Montgomery procedures of the LSCS Board of Trustees. College (now LSC-Montgomery), and In addition to this comprehensive management president of Kingwood College (now role, the chancellor serves as one of the state’s senior LSC-Kingwood). advocates for higher education and interacts extensively Chancellor Head’s focus is on with elected officials, the business, educational, student access, equality, success and philanthropic, and professional communities, and the general public.

LoneStar.edu | 11 PERIODICAL 5000 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, TX 77381-4356

LSC-CYFAIR 9191 Barker Cypress Road Cypress, TX 77433-1383 281.290.3200

LSC-KINGWOOD 20000 Kingwood Drive Kingwood, TX 77339-3801 281.312.1600

LSC-MONTGOMERY Lone Star College 3200 College Park Drive Conroe, TX 77384-4500 936.273.7000

LSC-NORTH HARRIS 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive FAST FACTS Houston, TX 77073-3499 95,000+ students 281.618.5400 (Fall 2014, credit + non-credit)

LSC-TOMBALL 30555 Tomball Parkway Added 33,565 students—a 68% Tomball, TX 77375-4096 increase—from 2007–2014 281.351.3300 180+ programs of study LSC-UNIVERSITY PARK 20515 S.H. 249 Houston, TX 77070-2607 Top 10 Degree Producer, 281.290.2600 ranked 4th in the U.S.

LSC-UNIVERSITY CENTER AT MONTGOMERY Train 84% of area first responders 3232 College Park Drive and 60% of area nurses The Woodlands, TX 77384-4500 281.618.7140 91% of students stay in the community after attending LSC-UNIVERSITY CENTER AT UNIVERSITY PARK 20515 S.H. 249 8,000 high school dual credit students Houston, TX 77070-2607 281.290.2600 6,000+ employees (full-time/part-time) LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM OFFICE 2.1 million population 5000 Research Forest Drive 2.55 million by 2019 The Woodlands, TX 77381-4399 832.813.6500 $3.1 billion annual economic impact LoneStar.edu