Texas A&M University-Commerce's Affordable Baccalaureate Program has been recognized for its contribution to the State of Texas' efforts to make postsecondary education accessible for all Texans.
On Oct. 26, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board announced that A&M-Commerce is the winner of this year's Star Award, an honor given "for exceptional contributions toward meeting one or more of the goals of 60x30TX, the state’s strategic plan for higher education."
The Affordable Baccalaureate Program is the state’s first competency-based bachelor-level degree from a public institution. The course of study leads to an applied science degree with an emphasis in organizational leadership.
“There were many excellent Texas programs to choose from among this year’s six Star Award finalists, but the judges unanimously agreed that the innovative Texas Affordable Baccalaureate Program and its potential to positively impact a great number of students across the state made Texas A&M University-Commerce the decisive Star Award winner this year,” Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes said. “The Coordinating Board is proud to recognize this institution and this program. The success of our 60x30TX plan will depend on our ability to deliver high quality education with affordable options.”
The Star Award was established in 2001. The Coordinating Board received 39 nominations and 35 applications for this year’s Star Award program. IIn addition to Texas A&M University-Commerce and the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate Program, 2016 finalists were:
• El Paso Community College and Texas Tech University (Partnership): Architecture
• Tarleton State University: Intern 2 Learn
• University of Houston-Clear Lake: Success Through Education Programs (STEP)
• The University of Texas at Austin: University Leadership Network
• The University of Texas at Tyler: Insight Motivated Marketing (IMM 360) Curriculum
