Brazosport College
The College of Choice
500 College Drive
Lake Jackson, TX 77566
(979) 230-3000

GENERAL INFORMATION

Brazosport College is an open door, equal access higher education institution committed to providing the best courses, programs, and activities that can be organized and presented to meet the identified needs of adult learners from varied backgrounds.  Enrollment from January to December 2009 was approximately 25,513 students in both credit and non-credit courses.  Since its establishment in 1968, the college has played an important role in the personal successes of more than 125,000 students and has become the key provider of a highly-trained work force for local industry employers in Brazoria County.

Brazosport College offers a broad range of courses and classes to address diverse educational goals.  Students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree can enroll in introductory academic classes, as well as courses in sixteen majors which transfer to four-year schools.

For students seeking a certificate or degree in an occupational/technical field, Brazosport College offers courses leading to a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Industrial Management in four areas and an Associate of Applied Science degree in nineteen areas.  Additionally, an ever-broadening community education program is designed to address the diverse needs of people of all ages within the communities served by the college.  From Saturday Morning Enrichment classes designed for K-fifth graders, and summertime Kids' College and Teen College, to the Adult Life and Learning Program for our senior neighbors, Brazosport College has lifelong opportunities for learning adventures.

Brazosport College students use equipment similar to that used in business and industry; class size allows a 1:1 student to computer ratio in the campus computer labs.  The college's chemical processing lab facility affords hands-on training in plant operations.  Telecourse and computer transmission of classes also allows offering of popular courses such as history, government, psychology and sociology via local public television channels; and English, history and chemistry via the Internet.  Brazosport College also has a network to broadcast telecourses from the campus to area high schools, and to the community.  Participation in the Virtual College of Texas permits Brazosport College to serve as a clearinghouse for Internet and telecourses offered at other sites.

Brazosport College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097:  Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award Baccalaureate Degrees and Associate Degrees.  Documents attesting to this accreditation are on file in the office of the president in the C-wing of the college.

The Brazosport College campus occupies 156 acres of beautiful, naturally landscaped grounds enclosed on two sides by the winding Oyster Creek.  It is convenient to all towns and cities in South Brazoria County: 22 miles from Sweeny, 19 miles from West Columbia, 11 miles from Brazoria, eight miles from Freeport and Angleton, and only two miles from Lake Jackson, Clute, and Richwood.  In addition, it is easily reached from Highways 288, 332, and 227 and County Road 227.

 

1948	Voters in the Brazosport Independent School District elect to create the Brazosport Junior College District.
Summer  1967	Voters authorize a tax to support the maintenance of the college.  The Board of Trustees of the Brazosport Independent School District divests itself of the college's management, control, and operation.  The Board of Regents for the college district is installed (August).
1968	Dr. J. R. Jackson becomes the first president of Brazosport Junior College.
Fall  1968	The first semester of classes begins with an enrollment of 879 students.
1970	Brazosport Junior College graduates 25 students.
October  1970	The name of the school is changed to Brazosport College to reflect its broader purpose.
March  1978	Dr. Jackson is named president emeritus;  Dr. W. A. Bass, vice president of the college since its inception, becomes president.
August  1988	Dr. Bass retires and is named president emeritus;  Dr. John R. Grable becomes president after serving as vice-president for 11 years.
August  1996	Dr. Grable is named special assistant to the Board;  Dr. Millicent Valek becomes president.
November 2007	The community approved a $70 million bond referendum

MISSION STATEMENT/PRINCIPLES

VISION STATEMENT

The college of choice. 

MISSION STATEMENT

Brazosport College exists to improve quality of life by providing associate and baccalaureate degree programs, academic transfer programs, job skills training, and cultural enrichment in an efficient and cost effective manner.  The board, faculty and staff are committed to student success by responding to student needs, creating a dynamic learning environment, exceeding expectations, and enriching our community. 

 
PRINCIPLES

In accomplishing the mission of the college, the board, staff, and faculty shall be guided by the following:

1. The pursuit of excellence is evident in planning, development, and evaluation activities.
1.1 There is an on-going needs assessment program to identify areas of need.
1.2 Representatives of the college work cooperatively with area high schools on such things   as dual and concurrent credit courses and transition from high school to college.
1.3 There is planned interaction with business, industry, and community organizations.
1.4 Program development activities involve a wide range of highly competent staff members and outstanding lay advisors.
1.5 Planned program improvements are based upon continuous evaluation.

2. The educational programs of the college are characterized by commitment to  excellence in both teaching and learning.

2.1 Information regarding admissions procedures and available programs is clearly presented and widely disseminated.

2.2 An assessment program for entering students is designed to ensure that students have requisite skills necessary to succeed in college-level courses.  Students who do not have these skills will be placed in courses designed to provide them.

2.3 Student progress is regularly monitored and progress reports are periodically provided.

2.4 Excellent teaching is the hallmark of the college. Faculty members will be required to develop and maintain excellent teaching skills.

2.5 Students are expected to participate actively in the educational experience and to demonstrate high levels of achievement.

2.6 Student assistance is provided in areas such as counseling, financial aid, child care, job placement, support services for students with special needs, and referrals as appropriate.

3. The college is managed in an efficient and cost-effective manner, in compliance with local policies, with accreditation criteria of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, with rules of the Coordinating Board, and with state and federal laws.  The college will continuously work with other institutions to ensure that the maximum number of qualified college course credits will transfer.

4. The college solicits opportunities to work with business and industry to provide training.

4.1 Programs will be provided to prepare students for specific occupational/technical careers.

4.2 Retraining opportunities will be provided for individuals who wish to qualify for new careers or qualify for new jobs.

4.3 Programs to develop, update or upgrade job skills for meeting local and statewide needs will be provided.

4.4 Advisory committees will be used to advise on program content, equipment, and employment opportunities.

4.5 The college will assist community groups working for economic development of the Brazosport area.

5. Brazosport College cooperates with community groups and organizations to provide effective programs, services, courses, and general awareness of the availability of these programs and services.

6. At Brazosport College, diversity of needs will be addressed by a wide variety of options, programs, and activities.

6.1 Baccalaureate programs in selected applied technology/science fields will be provided.

6.2 Academic transfer programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees will be provided.

6.3 A planned program to develop academic excellence in the core curriculum areas will be offered.

6.4 Workforce programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees or certificates and leading directly to employment in semi-skilled and skilled occupations will be offered.

6.5 There will be continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading.

6.6 Compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an admissions policy allowing the enrollment of disadvantaged students will be offered.

6.7 A continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational goals will be provided.

6.8 A wide range of student activities, including an active student intramural program, will be available.

6.9 Literacy and other basic skills (e.g., ESL and GED) programs to prepare adults to live more functionally will be provided.