2022-2023 President's Annual Report

liberal arts subject matter, which allows for research in such a way that our students can excel in STEM graduate programs. The broader impact of the grant will generate not merely information but actual knowledge that can advance STEM achievement among the country’s 5,228 liberal arts colleges within the United States, including the ten (10) liberal arts HBCUs. Accordingly, the planning grant will serve as a pathway for the greater preparation of liberal arts students at HBCUs and other liberal arts colleges beyond Texas College. Overall, considering the myriad of changes that had to be faced during the pandemic, the Academy of Texas College embraced the force of change. There has been tremendous vibrancy and innovation in our teaching strategies. The recent developments of expanded technology have enabled transformations in all aspects of how students live, learn, and work. First, we provided learners the ability to curate learning through offering courses through three modalities of face to face, asynchronous (online) and synchronous (Zoom) access. The skills utilized in these learning mechanisms will have an impact over a student’s lifetime of learning and working. In particular, we expanded the curricula to involve exploring new education - to - work pathways and credentials that support underserved populations in obtaining meaningful and rewarding work. Second, we fostered an active marketplace for learning that allows individuals to readily access resources based on their needs. This expanded to the library and advisement services through Upswing, JICS Learning Management System, Zoom interactive appointments, and other

advisement technology software programs. Tailored access to coursework allowed for identity verification, team building, creativity, and sportsmanship through our pilot program of e - gaming. Faculty members were able to explore ideas and tools that enable learners to effectively track, and share the skills they have earned through multiple sources. Finally, Texas College became committed to leveraging emerging technology to improve individual learning and allow learners to develop their own their digital identities through differentiated learning modules.

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