William Parent Appointed President of Texas Community College Teachers Association
PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College is pleased to announce the appointment of William Parent as the incoming president of the Texas Community College Teachers Association. After serving as president-elect for the past year, Parent has officially assumed the leadership role, marking a significant milestone for both himself and the College.
"I'm honored to serve as President of TCCTA, but let's be clear, this isn't about me. It's about the thousands of members throughout the state representing our fifty institutions," said Parent. "I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, such as Patsy Goss who is the only other San Jacinto College employee to serve as President of the association – and fought for your right to join TCCTA over five decades ago."
Parent, who has taught government at San Jacinto College since 2010, becomes only the second faculty member from the College to hold this distinguished position in TCCTA's 77-year history.
"William Parent's appointment to this prestigious role elevates San Jacinto College's visibility across Texas," said Dr. Alexander Okwonna, provost for San Jacinto College's North Campus. "This achievement creates a powerful platform to showcase our innovative programs, dedicated faculty, and student success stories while amplifying our voice in shaping the future of community college education throughout the state."
Parent has outlined several ways his new role will benefit San Jacinto College: "I've already had conversations with San Jacinto College faculty and staff to serve as section chairs for workforce disciplines at the convention. Additionally, I have requested that faculty fellows serve as the research arm for the association and provide reports on matters pertinent to SJC such as online campuses."
Looking to the future of community college education in Texas, Parent emphasized TCCTA's continued leadership role: “TCCTA has and will continue to be at the forefront of advocating on behalf of employees at Texas two-year institutions,” said Parent. “Beyond lobbying, our association provides premium professional development for our members.”
Founded in 1948, TCCTA stands as the largest organization of postsecondary educators in Texas, with a membership more than twice the size of all other similar organizations combined. The association is dedicated to advancing teaching and learning in community and technical colleges across the state through professional development, advocacy, and faculty support.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.
