Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the state’s achievements in higher education at a conference in Austin on Tuesday, noting that the cultivation of a skilled workforce has contributed to the economic development of Texas.
Abbott spoke before an audience of more than 400 at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference. The annual two-day event provided required training for newly appointed regents and community college trustees. It also brought together attendees and panelists from a multitude of industries to foster insightful conversations about higher education.
The governor praised the attendees for their role in developing the leaders needed in the workforce.
“Collectively, you all have put Texas on a trajectory of excellence in higher education in our great state,” Abbott said. “There are a lot of elements and components to delivering a high-quality education. One of those elements is having top-notch research universities to educate the next generation of innovative leaders needed by employers in the state.”
Abbott added that over the past decade, Texas has become a top state in the nation for Tier 1 research universities, which are renowned for academic excellence and research output.
“This past year, Texas created far more new jobs and is home to more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state in the nation. The primary reason CEOs are choosing Texas is because of the quality of our premier workforce,” Abbott said. “I thank all of you for cultivating our skilled workforce of tomorrow.”
In his speech, the governor highlighted two higher education bills passed during the 88th regular legislative session. House Bill 8 ties state funding for community colleges to measurable student-focused outcomes. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the measures include the following:
- The number of credentials of value awarded, including badges, certificates, and degrees, that position graduates for well-paying jobs.
- Credentials of value awarded in high-demand fields where employers are looking for skilled employees.
- Successful student transfers from community colleges to four-year universities.
- Completion of a sequence of dual credit courses, which are offered to high school students and can set them on early pathways to success.
Gov. Abbott also discussed House Bill 1595, which establishes a $3.9 billion permanent endowment, known as the Texas University Fund, to provide sustainable funding to Texas Tech University, Texas State University, the University of Houston, and the University of North Texas. The funds will be used to bolster the research efforts of these educational institutions.
