LONG BEACH, CA – As part of a growing movement to strengthen student connection and success, four additional Texas community colleges are adopting the Caring Campus framework – a student-centered approach designed to foster belonging and improve student outcomes. Hill College, Brazosport College, Clarendon College, and Texarkana College are joining Caring Campus thanks to a grant from the Trellis Foundation, marking a significant expansion across the state.

Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills said he was drawn to Caring Campus after first learning about it at a Talent Strong Texas Pathways meeting more than a year ago.

“It just checked all my boxes,” Mills said. “It’s student-focused, rooted in belonging, and built around helping people feel seen and heard – something we need in this day and age more than ever.”

Although funding was not available at the time, Mills waited patiently and continued pursuing Caring Campus until Hill College secured a spot in the Trellis Foundation-supported cohort. Now, Hill College staff are preparing to launch the Caring Campus work at their institution.

“We have a lot of people on our campus that care, but they need a roadmap to help guide their behavior and remind them where we want to be as a college and how we can get there,” Mills said. “I hope Caring Campus catches quick and grows like wildfire!”

Through Caring Campus, staff will work together to implement intentional behavioral commitments – such as greeting students by name or proactively offering assistance – that help establish a culture of care and ensure students feel welcomed. Research shows these efforts contribute to increased student persistence, retention, and success.

For Hill College, a multi-campus institution, Mills said he believes Caring Campus will also help unify staff across locations and foster a stronger sense of internal community.

“We already have an amazing group of employees who go above and beyond for students,” Executive Director of Human Resources Tamy Rogers said. “Caring Campus is about taking what we do well and making it pop even more – elevating it to the next level.”

Hill College’s leadership, executive team, and staff are eager to get started, with Caring Campus coaching sessions set to begin in the coming months.

“We are so pleased to welcome Hill, Brazosport, Clarendon, and Texarkana community colleges to our Caring Campus family,” Caring Campus founder and CEO Dr. Brad Phillips said. “Thank you to the Trellis Foundation for making this work possible, and to our newest colleges for being committed to your students’ success.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

IEBC_HILL1: Hill College is one of four Texas community colleges launching Caring Campus backed by funding from the Trellis Foundation. This marks another significant step in growing the student-centered framework across the state, empowering colleges to strengthen student connection and success.

IEBC_HILL2: Hill College’s leadership, executive team, and staff are eager to start the Caring Campus work, with coaching sessions set to begin in the coming months.