Four Texas community colleges – Hill College, Brazosport College, Clarendon College, and Texarkana College – are the latest to adopt the Caring Campus framework, designed to foster belonging and improve student outcomes. Thanks to a grant from the Trellis Foundation, these colleges will implement strategies that promote connection and care across campuses.
Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills said he was drawn to Caring Campus after first learning about it at a Talent Strong Texas Pathways meeting more than a year ago.
“It just checked all my boxes,” Mills said. “It’s student-focused, rooted in belonging, and built around helping people feel seen and heard – something we need in this day and age more than ever.”
Through Caring Campus, staff will work together to implement intentional behavioral commitments that help establish a culture of care and ensure students feel welcomed. Research shows these efforts contribute to increased student persistence, retention, and success.
“We have a lot of people on our campus that care, but they need a roadmap to help guide their behavior and remind them where we want to be as a college and how we can get there,” Mills said. “I hope Caring Campus catches quick and grows like wildfire!”
For Hill College, a multi-campus institution, Mills said he believes Caring Campus will also help unify staff across locations and foster a stronger sense of internal community.
Hill College’s leadership, executive team, and staff are eager to get started, with Caring Campus coaching sessions set to begin in the coming months.
Click HERE to read the full story.