Meet the New TCC Southeast President: A Visionary at the Helm of a Transformed Campus

Exciting times are ahead for Tarrant County College Southeast! Newly appointed President Andy Bowne has stepped into his role at a pivotal moment, ready to lead the campus through significant transformations and an enrollment surge.

Timing is Everything

Bowne, 61, who officially took the reins on July 1, 2024, is succeeding Bill Coppola, who retired after 12 years of leadership. With a background rich in community college administration, Bowne arrives just as TCC Southeast prepares to unveil $187 million in campus renovations, including:

• The Student Experience Building
• The Academic Building
• A revamped library, now a two-level learning commons featuring a cutting-edge speech/language lab and an innovative tech center known as "the sandbox."

Building a Brighter Future

These upgrades are part of a broader $825 million bond package approved by voters in 2019. While renovations are ongoing, students are already enjoying the benefits of the new facilities.

Bowne brings over 20 years of experience from various community colleges, including his presidency at Johnson County Community College in Kansas. His proven fundraising skills, having raised over $60 million at his previous institutions, will be invaluable as he navigates the future of TCC Southeast.

Why Texas, Why Now?

With an impressive track record, one might wonder why Bowne chose this moment to relocate to Texas. He explains, “I thrive on new challenges. While I appreciated my time at Ivy Tech, I was eager to focus on an individual campus within a county system, and the leadership team at TCC impressed me.”

Enrollment Surge: A New Wave of Students

Bowne is stepping into his role as the Arlington campus experiences an enrollment increase of approximately 6% this fall, with around 12,000 students on campus. This includes a blend of traditional students and those from local school districts taking college credit courses, giving them a significant head start in their academic journeys.

Innovative Programs and Opportunities

Some students are pursuing certifications rather than degrees. The campus's hospitality training program boasts nearly 100% employment, offering courses from culinary arts to event planning, with median starting salaries around $59,000. Bowne emphasizes that TCC Southeast won’t simply continue the status quo but will innovate and enhance the student experience.

Transforming Student Experience

The new buildings will dramatically reshape the campus's character. The Student Experience Building will act as a single point of access for key services, making administrative processes seamless for students. Bowne envisions a welcoming environment—“common areas” designed for collaboration and study, fostering a sense of community among students.

Reimagining Academic Support

Bowne’s enthusiasm extends to the library's transformation into a learning commons, offering extensive academic assistance. He believes in closely monitoring student progress and success, asking crucial questions about their academic plans and outcomes.

“We’ve got a lot going on, and even more to come,” Bowne assures, hinting at exciting plans for the future of TCC Southeast.

What do you think?

• Do you believe community colleges should focus more on certifications than traditional degrees?
• How important is campus infrastructure in attracting students to community colleges?
• Should community colleges prioritize funding for innovative programs over traditional ones?
• What role do you think leadership plays in the success of educational institutions?
• Is the push for more common areas in educational institutions beneficial for student success?