Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board headquarters

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is an agency of the U.S. state of Texas's government that oversees all public post-secondary education in the state. It is headquartered at 1200 East Anderson Lane in Austin.

The board determines which Texas public four-year universities are permitted to start or continue degree programs. The board also evaluates degrees from other states and other nations for use in Texas. However, operations of the various universities or systems are the responsibility of each university or system board of regents.

From 1998 to 2003, it developed a new higher-education plan for the state, called "Closing the Gaps by 2015". The plan's stated goal is closing education gaps within Texas, as well as between Texas and other U.S. states. The four main goals of closing the gap is to close the gaps in student participation, student success, excellence and research. Approximately 47,500 additional students will need to enroll at public, independent, and career institutions in fall 2015 to reach the final goal of adding about 630,000 students since fall 2000.

The board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor of Texas on a staggered basis. Their terms are for six years, ending on August 31 of odd-numbered years. The board appoints the Commissioner of Higher Education who oversees the daily operations of the board. Dr. Raymund A. Paredes is the current (as of 2014) Commissioner.

Board chairs

• Pamela Willeford, 1998-2003
• Robert Shepard, 2003-2009
• A. W. "Whit" Riter, 2009-2011
• Fred W. Heldenfels IV, 2011-2013
• Harold W. Hahn, 2013-

Notable members

• Ernest Angelo

External links

• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board website