ACC Ranked Among Best Colleges in Texas by WalletHub, Niche
ACC Ranked Among Best Colleges in Texas by WalletHub, Niche Two firms recently ranked Alvin Community College among the best in Texas. For the second straight year, financial services firm WalletHub named ACC as the best community college in the state based on cost, education outcomes and career outcomes. Education site Niche ranked ACC as the third-best college in Texas and in the top 8 percent of colleges nationwide. The ranking was based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and the National
Pearland Cultural Arts Matching Grant Program Opens September 8
Ready your instruments! Submissions for Visit Pearland’s Cultural Arts Matching Grant Program open to Pearland-based nonprofit arts and culture organizations on September 8, 2025. Visit Pearland is thrilled to once again provide assistance through this annual program, funded by the City of Pearland's hotel occupancy tax fund, for projects that support cultural and fine arts in Pearland. As the destination marketing organization for the city, Visit Pearland has managed the grant program since 2013 with past
ACC Student Success Workshops
Students enroll in college in order to gain the skills they need to excel in the workforce. But many times students need assistance in developing their ability to succeed in their classes. Alvin Community College is now offering free seminars for students who need assistance with those skills to pursue their educaoni. The Skills to Succeed Workshops will be offered throughout the Fall semester at the college Learning Lab. They will cover a variety of topics including resume writing, time management,
ACC Hosts Tails and Trails Event
Alvin Community College invites people and pups alike to the Tails and Trails event on September 27. The event will celebrate the reopening of the 2-mile campus jogging trail after it recently underwent a complete renovation. For decades, the ACC jogging trail has been a place where neighbors meet, families walk and students recharge between classes. In addition to a new surface for the trail, other improvements were added including new covered resting areas and planters, each featuring instructions for
PORT FREEPORT TERM LIMIT LEGISLATION GOES INTO EFFECT
FREEPORT, TX (September 4, 2025) – House Bill 1729, which establishes term limits for members of the Port Freeport Commission, went into effect on September 1, 2025. The bill, co-authored by Representative Cody Vasut and Representative Jeff Barry, was written at the request of the Port Commission, which unanimously approved a resolution calling for its passage.Under the new law, individuals who have served two full terms as a Port Freeport commissioner will no longer be eligible for re-election. However,
ACC Pollinator Project Receives Prairie Grant
A patch of land on the Alvin Community College campus has been growing on its own for five years and now it’s growing support with a recent grant. The college Pollinator Project was awarded a $6,000 grant from the Native Prairies Association of Texas Pocket Prairie program to help build on the project. “This is a completely natural area,” said Heather Lewis, ACC Biology instructor. “The idea is to just let it go and it kind of takes care of itself.” The grant funds will be used for site clearing, native
PORT FREEPORT OPENS GATE 12, STRENGTHENING INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORTING REGIONAL GROWTH
FREEPORT, TX (August 28, 2025) – Port Freeport recently marked a significant milestone with the completion and ribbon cutting of Gate 12, a major infrastructure project that enhances access and efficiency at the Velasco Container Terminal. The gate became operational on August 1, and the Port celebrated the achievement with a ceremony on August 14, joined by Commissioners, leadership, and community partners. “Gate 12 reflects the Commission’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that drives economic
ACC Starts Fall with Record Enrollment
Alvin Community College kicked off its 2025 Fall semester with its highest enrollment ever on August 25. ACC had 6,377 students taking courses on the first day of class, which approximately 9 percent higher than the previous year. “Reaching this milestone is a tremendous achievement for ACC,” President Dr. Robert J. Exley said. “While this is our highest enrollment ever, I am positive that we will build on this in the future. We are moving forward, and our singular focus is student success.” This Fall,
ACC Regents Approve 2025-26 Budget
The Alvin Community College Board of Regents approved the 2025-26 fiscal year budget during their meeting on August 21. The $55.89 million budget will go into effect on September 1 and includes nine new staff positions and includes funds for necessary facilities maintenance as well as a pay increase for faculty and staff. The college received an increase in revenue from the state allocation to $11.15 million compared to the $9.97 million issued the previous year. The board also approved a proposal for
ACC to Participate in Aspen Unlocking Opportunities Program
Alvin Community College was recently named as a participant in the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity program to help increase the number of students taking courses and completing programs with the nation’s community colleges. “Participating with the Unlocking Opportunity Network will help us learn best practices with other community colleges in order to improve educational outcomes for our students,” said ACC President Dr. Robert J. Exley. “That in turn will help students improve their professional
ACC Honors Staff for Service
Alvin Community College recognized staff members for their years of service during convocation on August 18. Staff members were recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. 35 years ACC custodian Barbara Merchant, right, was recognized for working 35 years at the college during Convocation on August 18. 5 years ACC employees who have worked at the college for 5 years were recognized during Convocation on August 18. From right: IT support specialist Maximo Mireles, Biology instructor
ACC Foundation Grant Supports Virtual Dementia Simulation
One of the most important ways for healthcare employees to better serve their patients is by walking in their shoes. Alvin Community College Nursing instructor Linley Glover hopes to do that with a simulation that will help students experience the debilitating effects of dementia. “It will allow someone to experience what dementia is like,” she said. “It increases empathy and allows them to better understand the condition.” Glover received a $3,000 grant to help create a virtual dementia tour to assist
ACC Jogging Trail Renovation
Alvin Community College is revitalizing the 2-mile jogging trail that winds through the heart of campus and serves as one of its most important community resources. Once completed, the upgrades will improve the look, the safety and the functionality of the trail for those who use it on a daily basis. For decades, the ACC jogging trail has been a place where neighbors meet, families walk and students recharge between classes. Construction is underway, and portions of the trail will remain open throughout
Stay Cool and Safe: Brazoria County Library System and Local Organizations Launch Cooling Stations to Combat Extreme Summer Heat; Seek Bottled Water Donations
Stay Cool and Safe: Brazoria County Library System and Local Organizations Launch Cooling Stations to Combat Extreme Summer Heat; Seek Bottled Water DonationsOnce again, residents of Brazoria County are encouraged to prepare for potentially extreme heat conditions, which may include excessively high temperatures and elevated humidity levels. The health risks associated with extreme heat, particularly for infants, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses, are significantly heightened. To
PORT FREEPORT WELCOMES RETURNING COMMISSIONERS; PORT COMMISSION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS
PORT FREEPORT WELCOMES RETURNING COMMISSIONERS; PORT COMMISSION ELECTS NEW OFFICERSFREEPORT, TX (June 05, 2025) – Port Freeport marked a day of leadership transition and continuity as Commissioners Dan Croft and Ravi Singhania were sworn in prior to the Regular Port Commission Meeting on Thursday, May 29. During the meeting, the Port Commission elected new officers for a two-year term.Commissioner Dan Croft, first elected in 2019, begins his second term after running unopposed for Position 5, Precinct 3.
ACC Wins Pathways Award
ACC Wins Pathways Award Alvin Community College was recognized for student performance at the recent Texas Talent Strong Career Pathways Institute. The college received the Recognition of their Dedication to Educational Outcomes (RODEO) award for its increase in credential completion, university transfers and other key performance indicators. The college was recognized for student achievement with a 21% increase in college level math completion in first year, 20% increase in completing writing in first
