Committee approves multiple degree programs, Carl D. Perkins funds and rule changes

The Committee on Academic and Workforce Success of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a package of items on April 23 that included new degree programs from several institutions, authorization to accept federal Carl D. Perkins career and technical education funds, the issuance of a second certificate of authority for one private health school, and a set of rule changes placed on the consent calendar.

Why it matters: The approvals expand postsecondary program capacity in health care, psychology and workforce-technical fields and release federal Perkins funds intended to support career and technical education and dual-credit partnerships. Several of the program proposals cited state workforce projections and plans to seek national accreditation as part of their implementation timelines.

The committee, chaired by Emma Wolschlager, took unanimous voice votes on a series of agenda items after adopting minutes and moving consent items. Among the approvals: Tarleton State University received approval for three doctoral programs — a Ph.D. in counseling, a Ph.D. in experimental psychology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) — all slated to begin in 2025 or 2026 depending on the program. Texas A&M University–Texarkana was approved to offer a DPT program beginning in spring 2026. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston received approvals for both a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a PsyD in clinical psychology, each planned to start in fall 2026. Texas Southmost College in Brownsville was approved to offer a Bachelor of Applied Technology in organizational management beginning fall 2025. The committee also approved issuing a second two‑year certificate of authority to the Texas School of Health Sciences to grant an associate of applied science in nursing, valid through April 2027.

Tina Jackson, assistant commissioner for workforce education, presented the Carl D. Perkins item. The committee approved receipt of fiscal year 2026 Perkins formula funds for community and technical colleges not to exceed $43,000,000 and Perkins state leadership grant funds not to exceed $5,000,000. Jackson told the committee the U.S. Department of Education estimated roughly $129 million allocated to Texas for Perkins V in 2025–26; the coordinating board staff proposal earmarked about 85% of formula funds to two‑year colleges, 10% for state leadership activities, and 5% for agency administration.

Several program presentations included workforce data and accreditation plans provided by board staff. For example, presenters cited Texas Workforce Commission projections for counseling and psychology fields and noted that some doctoral programs will seek accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), or the American Psychological Association (APA) as appropriate. Institutions described faculty hires planned before program start dates and, in some cases, local or regional emphases (for instance, DPT programs emphasizing rural and underserved communities).

All items on the rule consent calendar were approved as presented. The rules approved on consent included: proposed repeal of Board Rules Chapter 1, Subchapter S, Sections 1.213–1.219 (Higher Education Strategic Planning Committee); proposed repeal of Board Rules Chapter 1, Subchapter U, Sections 1.23–1.236 (Marketable Skills Task Force); proposed amendments to Board Rules Chapter 2, Subchapter J, Section 2.207 (effective date of rules); and proposed new Board Rules Chapter 10, Subchapter A, Sections 10.1–10.a (general provisions for Coordinating Board‑administered grant programs).

Votes at a glance - Adoption of January 22, 2025 committee minutes — approved (voice vote). - Consent: FY2024 annual review of low‑producing programs (agenda item 5b) — approved on consent. - Rule consent (items 5f1–5f4) — approved on consent (voice vote). - Item 5c: Issue second certificate of authority to Texas School of Health Sciences (associate of applied science in nursing, Apr 2025–Apr 2027) — approved (voice vote). - Item 5d: Receipt of fiscal year 2026 Carl D. Perkins consolidated grant funds (not to exceed $43,000,000) and Perkins state leadership grant funds (not to exceed $5,000,000) — approved (voice vote). - Item 5e: New degree program approvals (each approved by voice vote): Tarleton State University — Ph.D. in counseling; Tarleton State University — Ph.D. in experimental psychology; Tarleton State University — Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); Texas A&M University–Texarkana — Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); Texas Southmost College — Bachelor of Applied Technology in organizational management; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Ph.D. in clinical psychology; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — PsyD in clinical psychology.

Committee process and next steps: Presenters representing institutions will appear at the full board meeting the following day when required. Several programs indicated planned accreditation timelines (for example, Tarleton’s counseling program expects to seek CACREP accreditation and physical therapy programs plan to seek CAPTE review) and outlined faculty hiring plans before program start dates. The committee did not record any roll‑call vote for these items; all were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The committee adjourned after the approvals and a short break was announced for staff to set up the next meeting.