As Temple College enters its Centennial year, it does so during a period of sustained growth, campus transformation and expanding opportunity for Central Texas students.
Since becoming the College’s 11th president in 2019, Dr. Christy Ponce has guided the institution through a period of renewal that includes rising enrollment, major capital investment and stronger partnerships with regional employers and universities. Her leadership has focused on aligning Temple College with the needs of modern students.
Since 2021, Temple College has increased its credit headcount enrollment by more than 28 percent and serves more than 5,600 students pursuing college credit. In addition, another 3,000+ students are pursuing workforce and adult education programs.
The College now offers more than 80 associate degree and certificate programs.
In November 2025, Temple College and Texas A&M University–Central Texas signed a memorandum of understanding establishing A&M–Central Texas as the sole university partner in the University Center inside Temple College’s new Main Building, expanding seamless transfer pathways that allowed students to complete seven bachelor’s degree programs on the Temple College campus.
One of the most significant initiatives of this era has been the College’s commitment to supporting the whole student. In 2019, Temple College opened the Circle of Support Student Resource Center, which provides food assistance, emergency loans and access to social work services to help students overcome barriers such as housing, childcare and transportation.
In 2020, the College transitioned quickly to online learning and launched Focus2Finish, an eight-week course model that allows students to complete degrees more efficiently.
Dr. Christy Ponce and Dr. Richard Rhodes with TAMUCT sign a memorandum of understanding.
Temple College is also in the midst of the largest physical expansion in its history. In 2021, voters approved a $124.9 million bond that is funding four major new facilities, including a new Main Building and University Center, a multi-story Health Sciences Building, a Campus Services Center and a Workforce and Visual Arts Building that opened in 2025. These new spaces are designed to support everything from healthcare and advanced manufacturing to fine arts and student services, giving students modern environments in which to learn, train and create.
A key part of this transformation is the new University Center, which houses Temple College’s university partners. Through an expanded agreement with Texas A&M University-Central Texas, students can now earn bachelor’s degrees in fields such as business, cybersecurity, education, English, music and exercise science without leaving the Temple College campus. This partnership creates a seamless two-plus-two pathway that makes a four-year degree more accessible and affordable for students across the region.
Temple College was founded in 1926 when civic, business and education leaders in Temple recognized the need for a local postsecondary institution. Then known as Temple Junior College, the school began in the basement of Temple High School and was led by its first president, Major Joseph S. Cook, a retired soldier and educator who hired the College’s original faculty. In its early decades, the College operated as part of the Temple public school system and served students seeking both transfer preparation and professional training.
Leadership during these early years included Dr. L. C. Procter, Dr. Joe R. Humphrey, George Gentry, S. P. Cowan and Newman Smith, all of whom also served as superintendents of Temple schools. Despite challenges that included the Great Depression and World War II, the College continued to grow. In 1955, voters created a separate junior college district, allowing Temple Junior College to establish its own campus in south Temple, where it relocated in 1957.
In 1959, Hubert M. Dawson became the first president after the College separated from the public school system. Having served Temple Junior College in a variety of roles since 1928, Dawson guided the institution through a period of independence and expansion. His leadership helped solidify academic quality and administrative stability, and the Temple College Library is named in his honor.
In 1973, Dr. Marvin Felder became president and went on to serve for more than 22 years, the longest tenure in college history. Under his leadership, Temple College expanded technical education, strengthened transfer pathways and deepened its role as a workforce leader for Central Texas. Dr. Felder was followed by Dr. Marc Nigliazzo in 1995 and Dr. Glenda Barron in 2008, each of whom continued to strengthen academic programs, community partnerships and statewide leadership.
In 1996, the institution officially became Temple College, reflecting its role as a comprehensive community college offering university transfer, technical and workforce education, continuing education and cultural programming. Over time, the campus grew to more than 108 acres with 27 buildings, student housing, athletic facilities and specialized centers that support students from many backgrounds and stages of life.
Today, Temple College serves students at campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs in fields ranging from healthcare and engineering to fine arts, business and public service. With small class sizes, close faculty relationships and strong community partnerships, the College remains large enough to provide opportunity and flexible programs, yet small enough to keep students at the center of everything it does.
As Temple College celebrates 100 years in 2026, it stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and the generations who have built upon it. From a few classrooms in a high school basement to a modern, multi campus institution serving thousands, the College has remained rooted in its commitment to access, excellence and community. That commitment continues to guide Temple College into its second century as Your Community’s College.
Today, Temple College serves students at campuses in Temple, Hutto, Taylor and Rockdale, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs in fields ranging from healthcare and engineering to fine arts, business and public service. With small class sizes, close faculty relationships and strong community partnerships, the College remains large enough to provide opportunity and flexible programs, yet small enough to keep students at the center of everything it does.