Innovation and transformation touted as keys to HCC’s success during Convocation 2017

Jan 11, 2017


Creating the ultimate student experience through innovation and transformation was the key message to Houston Community College (HCC) staff and faculty during Spring Convocation Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Bayou City Event Center.

The vital question for HCC team members was asked by HCC Chancellor Dr. Cesar Maldonado in closing the event when he said, “Working together, we will create a legacy of education that will forever influence the community we serve. We will reach our destination if we all ask ourselves every day: ‘What Can I do?’”

HCC leadership, faculty and staff from across the district gathered for convocation to motivate and empower themselves prior to the start of the spring semester.

“You are vital members of an educational team that is taking HCC forward and making it a leader among community colleges in America,” Dr. Adriana Tamez said in her welcoming remarks. “You are playing key roles in the success of our students as they prepare for the workforce or a four-year college or university.”

The Chancellor shared this sentiment of gratitude. Using examples of unique innovation that influenced history, he explained it’s important to recognize that hard work and innovation come from people who are in the field and who have unique ideas to create best practices.

“Innovation comes from teamwork and from the culture of success that we are building at HCC,” Maldonado said. “We’re using resources to the fullest extent of their capability. And, at the heart of every decision, asking, ‘How will this help our students succeed?’”

The Chancellor committed to listening to students, faculty and staff for innovative ideas and to be responsive to the various challenges that face the district.

Building on the FORWARD program launched in September last year, Maldonado called on the attendees to find innovative ways to create the ultimate student experience. The guiding principles of FORWARD are:

• Focus on Students
• Optimism and Passion
• Reliability
• Workforce Preparedness
• Academic Excellence
• Responsiveness
• Dedication to Innovation

“We are continuing the multi-year process of transformation here at HCC,” Maldonado said. The “Imagine HCC 2019” plan helps ensure HCC’s academic and workforce plans meet, even exceed, the organization’s goals. “This requires all of us to continue to think and act creatively, to be innovative and open-minded as we move forward into 2017.”

He reiterated that transformation is an ongoing process, with no end. And, while no one person has all the solutions, none of us is as smart as all of us.


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