dancer

Report to the Community

Since 1961, San Jacinto College has provided quality education to students from all walks of life. Over the decades, San Jac’s faculty and staff have remained passionate about creating a learning environment where everyone can succeed and achieve their academic dreams. 

RISE

At San Jacinto College, we recognize the RESILIENCE of our students, the INNOVATION of our industry partners, the SUPPORT of our services and community, and the EXCELLENCE of our employees and College. Together, we RISE. In this Chancellor’s Report to the Community, we celebrate the spirit of RISE. These principles are not just ideals but the lived experiences of our students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for being part of the San Jacinto College journey. With your enduring support, we continue to RISE.

Student studying at San Jacinto College

Resilience

Resilience at San Jacinto College is not just a trait. It's a testament to our students’ spirit and our support systems. Our students face unique struggles — family obligations, financial barriers, demanding work schedules, childcare conflicts, and more. Yet they persist. They pursue their education because they believe in the promise of a better future. Their resilience is the bedrock of our institution.

Student studying at San Jacinto College is lobby of building

Innovation

Innovation propels San Jacinto College forward. As we partner with industry, our programs lead in technological and professional advancements. Our newest programs, like biotechnology and the cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, meet the changing demands of today’s workforce, giving our students the skills and knowledge to excel in East Harris County or anywhere else in the world.

San Jacinto College graduate in cap and gown making a heart gesture with her hands raised in the air during the graduation ceremony

Support

We support our students from the moment they enroll until they transition into careers or further education. Initiatives like the San Jac Marketplace, which supplies groceries and household essentials, and the San Jacinto College Foundation’s extensive scholarship programs remove barriers to success. Supporters — alumni, partners, donors, and community and industry partners — play a crucial role in this effort, ensuring every student has the resources to succeed.

Two San Jacinto College students sitting on floor studying.

Excellence

Excellence weaves through the fabric of San Jacinto College. Our faculty and staff provide a top-tier education and foster an environment where students can excel. This commitment to excellence has been recognized nationally, with San Jacinto College consistently ranking among the top 10 community colleges by the prestigious Aspen Institute. This accolade affirms the high standards we uphold and the exceptional outcomes our students achieve.

Points of Pride

San Jacinto College is a LEADER in the Gulf Coast Region's HIGHER EDUCATION landscape. 
San Jacinto College Transfer Programs icon featuring a pathway symbol, representing opportunities for students to transfer to four-year universities and continue their education.14,804
transfers to four-year institutions in the last five years
San Jacinto College Credentials icon featuring certification and diploma symbols, representing the college's focus on offering credentialing programs to enhance career opportunities
37,737
credentials awarded in the last five academic years.
San Jacinto College First-Generation College Students icon symbolizing the college's commitment to supporting first-gen students in their educational journey
57.7%
of students enrolled were first-generation in fall 2024 (preliminary figure).

San Jacinto College Financial Aid icon featuring a dollar sign and financial documents, symbolizing the college's commitment to providing financial support for students through scholarships, grants, and loans

34.2%
of students receive some form of financial aid.
 
San Jacinto College Degrees icon featuring degree certificates and academic diploma, representing the wide range of academic programs and degrees offered by the college
Increased the number of degree and certificates awarded since 2014 by
47.5%.
San Jacinto College icon featuring a book representing the college's commitment to offering open educational resources for students
Courses using open educational resources have saved students more than
$49.7 MILLION
in textbook costs from spring 2017 to spring 2024.

A Life of Service and Leadership

Marie Flickinger's passing in November 2024 closes a chapter of remarkable dedication and vision for San Jacinto College and the surrounding community. For nearly 30 years on the College's Board of Trustees, she shaped the institution's mission and ensured student success was always at the forefront.

Marie Flickinger
Marie Spence Flickinger, 1942-2024

From day one, Flickinger put students at the heart of her work. She guided the College through significant growth, helping expand campuses and programs and bringing San Jacinto College into the top ranks of community colleges nationwide. Her leadership led to more accessible admissions processes and the adoptions of the "Achieving the Dream" initiative, a national program to help more students reach their educational goals.

Flickinger's impact extended beyond policy. She was instrumental in securing bond funding in 2008 and 2015, which improved infrastructure, safety, and facilities campus-wide. The Flickinger Scholarship, established in 2010 became a key part of her legacy, making higher education possible for many students. Her genuined commitment to opportunity for all leaves an enduring impact on students and the College alike.

Flickinger's influence was deeply felt in her community, too. She co-founded the South Belt-Ellington Leader newspaper, using her platform to uncover issues like the toxic Brio Superfund site and advocate for safer neighborhoods. Her community spirit showed in her organization of events like the Fourth of July parade and holiday drives for families in need, which provided joy and support to countless residents and strengthened community bonds.

Marie Flickinger fine arts building
The Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Building on San Jacinto College's South Campus stands as a tribute to her legacy, symbolizing her three decades of commitment and her tireless advocacy. Her presences on the Board shaped the College's growth, but her influence reached far beyond it, touching lives and communities in meaningful ways.


Marie Flickinger's memory will be cherished as a symbol of selfless service and relentless dedication to the greater good. Her impact on San Jacinto College and the South Belt community will be felt for generations to come.

view the full report

Want to view the full report? Flip on through with our flipbook!