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This small liberal arts institution celebrated a number of achievements in 2007. For the first time, U.S. News and World Report included the school in its annual profile of top colleges. Texas College was also recognized with a substantial federal grant to enhance its science, technology, engineering, and math programs. One of the original 27 colleges first funded by the United Negro College Fund organization, Texas College offers 16 degree programs to approximately 800 undergraduates and prides itself on a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1. Many students major in one of the education areas, and the school also has an accelerated teacher certification program called Teach to Reach.
Sensitive to the various challenges that might prevent a student from earning a degree, Texas College employs a number of programs to keep undergraduates on track. The Single Parent Action Network, for instance, offers individualized educational assistance and other types of support. More than 25 student clubs, organizations, and groups provide mentoring, spiritual guidance, and general diversion. Texas College’s seven Greek organizations are also popular with undergraduates, and the college has eight sports teams that compete at the NAIA Division I level and in the Red River Athletic Conference.
The Texas College campus is in Tyler, known for its spectacular flowering shrubs and trees (azaleas, roses, and dogwoods). The city’s annual Texas Rose Festival draws many visitors in October. Tyler’s East Texas location, early equidistant from Dallas and Shreveport, allows students to make the occasional road trip to sample dining and nightlife in both cities.