2019-2020 President's Annual Report

Inst i tut ional Highl ights

Founder’s Convocation: This year ’s Founder’s Convocation was again a special activity as the College

celebrated her 126th anniversary. The occasion was also special in that the speaker, Rev. Dr. VaLita Waits was a

former campus minster and CEM pastor, who re-introduced significant aspects of the founding of the institution,

as well as the founding principles of “Methodism.” Rev. Dr. Waits addressed the theme “Envisioning the

Future- Planning for Success.”

Federal Recognition: Texas College is one of 190 institutions that have been selected to par ticipate in a pilot

program associated with the Federal Work-Study program; and the College is also one of ten HBCUs selected.

The pilot program is designed as an experimental initiative that will allow more students to receive work-study

aid as they participate in work initiatives with private sector employers. This allows for pay during internships,

apprenticeships and other “work aid” initiatives. Attachment 3L is a summary of a press release with comments

made by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

The Male Initiative (Men in Suits): With the assistance and dir ection of the Office of Student Affair s, the

male students’ created an initiative to embrace their self-identity at Texas College. With the leadership and

support of three students, the initiative is sub-titled Men in Suits. The focus as designed by the young men follows

with their: Mission Statement, Core Values, V ision Statement, and Pledge of Commitment . The initiative was also

reported by CBS 19, the local television station.

The Male Initiative Mission Statement

The initiative, Men in Suits, is a student-based project initiated by three male students, as a way of galvanizing men throughout the campus in a way of showing commitment, respect and solidarity towards their respective educational pursuits. The wearing of suits is an iconic acknowledgement that [as men] they are collectively “dressed for success” as an understanding of what remains needed beyond the gates of where they are. And, the collective demonstration of wearing suits serves as a constant reminder as young men, they are inextricably tied to God and one another for the success they desire to achieve.

The Male Initiative Core Values

Discipline

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Integrity

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Respect

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Tenacity

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Love for God and Mankind

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24 2019- 2020 Pres i dent ’ s Annual Report