Coastal Bend College Office of the President

Coastal Bend College is honored to receive the 2026 Top Colleges for Innovation Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the nation’s longest-running publication advancing best practices in higher education.

This national recognition reflects the bold work taking place across Coastal Bend College to expand opportunity, strengthen workforce pathways, support rural communities, and remove barriers for students throughout South Texas.

From the Coastal Bend Promise Program and Cougar to Jaguar Rural Scholars Pathway to new workforce-aligned academic programs, transfer partnerships, and student success initiatives, this award recognizes a college community committed to innovation with purpose.

Most importantly, this recognition belongs to our faculty, staff, students, trustees, and community partners whose work continues to transform lives across the region.

At Coastal Bend College, innovation is not simply about new ideas, it is about creating meaningful opportunities and bold circumstances for students and communities we proudly serve.

Read more here: Coastal Bend College News Release

Coastal Bend College is proud to be featured in the April/May 2026 issue of the Community College Journal, published by the American Association of Community Colleges, highlighting our Cougar to Jaguar Rural Scholars Pathway in partnership with South Texas College.

This model challenges a common assumption in higher education: transfer does not equal access. For rural students, true bachelor’s attainment requires more than credit articulation. It requires affordability, advising continuity, and shared institutional accountability.

The Cougar to Jaguar pathway was intentionally designed to align governance, financial structure, and student support to create a predictable and sustainable route to completion.

If you are thinking about transfer, rural student success, or the future of community college baccalaureate pathways, this is a conversation worth engaging.

Take a moment to read the full article:

https://lnkd.in/gYnvyksB

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I had the pleasure of joining our peers in higher education at the 3rd Annual South Texas College Foundation Gala, alongside leaders from the Coastal Bend College team. The evening was a powerful reminder of how philanthropy and collaboration open doors of opportunity for students across South Texas.

At Coastal Bend College, we proudly share in this commitment to transforming lives through access, affordability, and bold partnerships. Together, our institutions are building pathways that ensure every student—no matter their background or geography—has the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

Proud to represent Coastal Bend College at the Alice State of the City hosted by Mayor Cynthia Carrasco! Outstanding projects taking place in Alice, Mayor.

CBC serves more than just one community—we are part of a broad, resilient region that includes the Coastal Bend, Brush Country, and beyond. Our communities are stronger when we embrace that bigger vision and work together.

It was also great to reconnect with McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos and so many regional leaders committed to building a brighter future for South Texas. 🐾

Today I had the privilege of meeting with students from our Kingsville location. Their vision, determination, and leadership were truly inspiring as they shared their academic goals at Coastal Bend College.

I was also glad to highlight the many student support resources available on campus—tools designed to help them continue leading and achieving at the highest level. 💙🐾

Today I had the privilege of meeting with Alice ISD Superintendent Dr. Trevino and her leadership team.

A huge thank you to Dr. Trevino for her visionary leadership and steadfast support of the partnership between Alice ISD and Coastal Bend College. Together, we are building pathways that expand opportunities for students and strengthen our communities.

Excited for the future of this continued collaboration and the impact it will have for Alice ISD students and families! 💙🐾