The business of success: HCC opens new Center of Excellence
May 26, 2016
“I was determined to be my son’s role model. As a young mother, I was determined to put an end to the struggle,” said Elisabeth Galvan, a recent Houston Community College (HCC) graduate who returned to celebrate the grand opening of the Business Center of Excellence.
Galvan, a high school dropout, started at the HCC Adult Education Program and graduated with an Associate of Arts in Business-- with honors. She, like thousands of students, realized that education shortens the gap from dead end jobs to brighter careers.
“The opportunities for our students are second to none in the community,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor and former small business owner. “We are not only training those entering the program, but we are also working with our business partners to create opportunities to keep Houston as a lead, global city.”
Representatives from a number of those business and educational partners attended the celebration at the Northline Campus hosted by Northeast College President Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher. They include the University of Houston-Downtown, Workforce Solutions, Transamerica Financial Advisors, Fast Signs, Allegiance Bank, U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee’s office, and the City of Houston.
Londa Singleton, administrative manager, City of Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering, is a mother of two children who attended HCC.
Singleton said, “We are trying to hire and bring on students from HCC. We need individuals ready to hit the ground running and HCC is preparing them to do that.”
The Business Center of Excellence offers courses in Accounting, Banking/Finance, Business Management, Business Technology, International Business, Real Estate, Marketing, and Paralegal Technology.
“Houston Community College is doing all we can to provide a trained workforce so businesses in Houston and around the world continue to grow,” said Dr. Kimberly Beatty, vice chancellor of Instructional Services and Chief Academic Officer.
In the Spring 2016 semester, more than 8,300 students enrolled in business classes at the HCC Business Center of Excellence.
“The key to our quality programs is our great faculty who understand where the business industry is today,” said Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, dean, Business Center of Excellence. “We are proud to help our students develop into innovative leaders.”
According to the Greater Houston Partnership, from February 2010 to May 2014, the 10-county Houston Metropolitan Service Area added 380,000 new jobs. Many of those are in the business segment.
“HCC is here to provide students of all ages the knowledge and quality education needed to help them become qualified business professionals,” said Zeph Capo, HCC Board of Trustees, District I.
To learn more about programs offered at the Business Center of Excellence, visit hccs.edu/business.
