At the southernmost tip of Texas, among the lush, sub-tropical landscape that lines the Rio Grande River, a community college stands proudly in Brownsville. Texas Southmost College is as unique as its name. In 1926, 100 years ago, local leaders advocated to establish the first institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. There was a great demand to educate local students to meet the needs of the rapidly growing community. For the past 100 years—through innovative technological advancements, rapid population growth, wartime, economic depressions and periods of economic boom—Texas Southmost College has been steadfast in meeting the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
Texas Southmost College was established in a place unlike any other—at the crossroads of nations, cultures, and histories—located today on the grounds historic Fort Brown, with carefully preserved architecture dating back more than 150 years. Among the palm-tree-shaded walkways and within the state-of-the-art classrooms and technical laboratories, students are enveloped in a place carefully designed to be welcoming and provide a sense of belonging to all.
Empowering Families Through Practical, Affordable, and High-Quality Education
Throughout the decades, Texas Southmost College has welcomed veterans returning from service, first-generation college students, working parents, and young dreamers, each adding their personal story to the Scorpion legacy. Today, that tradition continues. Legacy families, consisting of three or four generations of TSC alumni, have established attending Texas Southmost College as a rite of passage.
Today, Texas Southmost College has earned state-wide and national recognition as a pathway to economic mobility and shared prosperity. The college earned the 2023 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board STAR award for outstanding achievement in producing consistent and aligned educational outcomes for all students. In addition, Texas Southmost College was recently designated as an Opportunity College and University, the gold standard in the new Carnegie Classification for Student Access and Earnings. This new classification highlights TSC’s commitment to student opportunity and economic mobility.
Because of this well-earned reputation, families continue to entrust their education to Texas Southmost College, and enrollment continues to thrive. In fact, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment grew at the college. TSC was among only 9% of public community colleges nationwide that increased enrollment during the Fall 2020 semester, and it continues to be one of the fastest-growing community colleges in Texas. This continued growth is attributed to the Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees’ commitment to ensuring students achieve their dream of earning a college education.
Ensuring access to a high-quality education has been a cornerstone of the TSC Board of Trustee’s purpose. They have ensured the rising costs of attending college are not placed on the backs of the students or the taxpayers. Since 2017, the Trustees have reduced tuition and fees twice, making TSC the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. In addition, the college’s dual enrollment partnerships with local public, private, and charter schools continue to grow. Through this collaboration, high school students can earn college credit, at no cost to families, with many earning an associate degree even before they earn their high school diploma. Finally, over the past four years, the Board of Trustees have decreased the college’s tax rate, providing financial relief for local homeowners.
At the same time, the college has an unwavering commitment to excellence. Texas Southmost College was the first Texas community college to earn accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, awarded in 1930. The Scorpion Community’s commitment to student success has culminated in an astounding increase in the number of students graduating from TSC. Since 2016, the college has increased the number of students graduating by 82%, now surpassing the state’s average three-year graduation rate by 4.6%.
Transforming Futures and Strengthening a Region
As Texas Southmost College stands on the threshold of its centennial year, the Rio Grande Valley is undergoing its own evolution: new industries are emerging and regional collaboration is accelerating. TSC is ready, serving as a leader in regional workforce development.
TSC’s workforce programs continue to expand, reflecting an evolving economy that now includes aerospace, renewable energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and maritime industries. The recent launch of TSC’s first bachelor’s degree marks a new chapter and a milestone that bridges tradition with innovation.
Across academic, technical, and continuing education program offerings, TSC has anchored itself with a simple but enduring philosophy: excellence grows when people are given the opportunity to excel.
Eyes on the Horizon: The Next Century of TSC
The college is poised to meet the next century’s challenges with the same determination that fueled its first 100 years, with programs that prepare students for new careers, initiatives that strengthen its communities, and a commitment to excellence that reflects the spirit of the region it serves.
The centennial year is more than a celebration—it is an invitation. A call for alumni, students, employers, and all Texans to honor the past while stepping into the future together. Throughout a year of festivals, exhibits, community gatherings, and commemorative events, TSC will celebrate its history, at the same time it looks ahead with a renewed vision of service and innovation.
For 100 years, Texas Southmost College has been steadfast in meeting the evolving needs of the communities it serves. As the college now celebrates a century of history, education, and service, it remains communities’ surest pathway to continued prosperity.
And the next century begins now.
