Howard College

Howard College stands as a cornerstone of community education in West Texas, proudly serving 4,623 students as a public community college. Founded in 1945, the institution has a deep-rooted commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education, shaped by its visionary leadership under President Cheryl Sparks. It began its journey in Big Spring as Howard County Junior College, laying the groundwork for what would become a vital educational resource for the region.

From its modest beginnings with 148 students in September 1946, Howard College quickly expanded its footprint and offerings. What started in a former Army Air Force hospital wing soon grew into a sprawling 100-acre campus in southeast Big Spring, featuring a full suite of academic and student facilities, including a notable 10,000-seat stadium. This early growth demonstrated the college's dedication to creating a comprehensive and supportive learning environment for its students.

The college's expansion wasn't limited to its main campus; it also extended its reach to other communities, establishing a campus in Lamesa in 1972 and holding its first classes in San Angelo the following year. Officially changing its name to Howard College by 1974, the institution further solidified its commitment to specialized vocational and academic training by opening the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf in 1980 and taking over a crucial nursing program in San Angelo in 1981, showcasing its responsive approach to regional educational needs and career development.