Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the selection of 13 higher education leaders to serve on a Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board working group to develop a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways.
The initiative follows Abbott’s August 26 directive instructing THECB to examine how to develop accelerated bachelor’s programs in selected fields, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express. The working group is expected to submit its recommendations and proposed implementation framework to the governor’s office by December 31, 2026.
Group Will Examine Accelerated Degree Options
The working group includes faculty and administrative leaders from public universities and community colleges throughout Texas. Its members have expertise in academics, administration, accreditation, and workforce education.
The group will consider academic standards and requirements for three-year bachelor’s programs, as well as which degree programs and high-demand occupations may be appropriate for accelerated pathways.
It will also examine student demand, employer workforce needs, accreditation and institutional approval requirements, along with any statutory, regulatory or administrative changes that could be needed to implement the programs statewide.
Three-Year Degrees Could Lower Costs
The governor’s office said completing a bachelor’s degree in three years could reduce the cost of earning a degree by up to 25%, potentially saving students between $15,000 and $35,000.
Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said the working group will examine accelerated programs that could provide students with a degree and preparation for careers in high-demand fields.
The proposal does not immediately establish three-year degree programs at Texas colleges and universities. The working group’s recommendations, along with any required legislative or regulatory changes, will help determine how such programs could be implemented.
Working Group Members Represent State Institutions
The 13 members selected for the working group are:
- Dr. Brandon Griggs, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- Dr. Rigoberto J. Rincones Gómez, Lone Star College System
- Dr. Stacey Silverman, Texas A&M University System
- Dr. Nancy Brickhouse, Texas State University System
- Dr. James White, Texas Southern University
- Dr. Teri Longacre, University of Houston
- Dr. Cindy Akers, Texas Tech University
- Dr. Lisa McIntyre, University of North Texas
- Dr. Belinda Prihoda, Tyler Junior College
- Dr. Ali Esmaeili, South Texas College
- Dr. Dava Washburn, Grayson College
- Dr. Angela Bauer, Texas Woman’s University
- Dr. Serenity Rose King, University of Texas System
The group represents both four-year institutions and community colleges, reflecting the range of public higher education institutions that could be involved in future accelerated degree pathways.
Recommendations Due By December 31
The three-year degree initiative builds on Texas’ broader efforts to connect higher education with workforce needs and improve degree completion.
Abbott previously directed THECB to develop the statewide framework in August.
The group’s recommendations and proposed framework are due to the governor’s office by Thursday, December 31, 2026. Abbott has said he intends to work with the Texas Legislature during its next session on legislation to establish an accelerated three-year degree pathway.
