College Profile: Palo Alto College

Palo Alto College was the culmination of a struggle that began in earnest in November 1982 when Southside community leaders, spearheaded by the Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) organization, sought and received the endorsement of Gubernatorial candidate Mark White for a community college in the under-served Southside of Bexar County.

Palo Alto College classes began with 231 students in high schools and at military installations in September 1985, and administrative offices were located at Billy Mitchell Village outside the Kelly Air Force Base gates.

When the mission-style campus opened in January 1987, the new college attracted students from throughout Bexar County and adjoining counties and was named the fastest growing college in Texas in 1991.

Consistent increases in enrollment have prompted much physical growth, specifically through the construction of new facilities for added classroom space as well as sports and recreation. The college is located on 126 acres.

As a public comprehensive community college, Palo Alto College provides exemplary, accessible education and training to a diverse and aspiring community. The College educates, nurtures, and inspires students through a dynamic and supportive learning environment, which promotes the intellectual, cultural, economic and social life of the community.

The college achieved full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1989. Its accreditation was reaffirmed in 2002.

The emphasis of Palo Alto College always has been its students. Enrollment reached a peak in Fall 2005 with 8,100 students reported. Historically, Hispanics comprise more than half of Palo Alto's enrollment, and females generally outnumber males.

In Fall 2000 Texas A&M University-Kingsville began offering junior- and senior-level courses on the Palo Alto College campus. Through the Pathway Model from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, TAMUK can operate a System Center until they reach the equivalent of 1,500 full-time students. At that time, with the approval of the Coordinating Board and the Texas Legislature, Texas A&M University-San Antonio could become a reality on the southside. The System Center offers a variety of programs, including teacher certification in some areas.

After 20 years, Palo Alto College is making a difference and moving forward to share its campus and its resources to improve its community.

 

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