Temple College and Texas A&M University–Central Texas Sign Agreement to Expand Partnership, Launch University Center on TC Campus

Beginning in spring, A&M–Central Texas will offer seven bachelor’s degrees on the TC campus

Temple College and Texas A&M University–Central Texas (A&M–Central Texas) today signed a memorandum of understanding that expands their partnership and establishes A&M–Central Texas as the sole university partner operating within the new University Center inside Temple College’s recently opened Main Building.

The agreement, signed by Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce and A&M–Central Texas President Dr. Richard Rhodes, formalizes a growing collaboration that provides students seamless transfer opportunities to earn four-year, upper-division degrees on the Temple College campus.

Since 2018, A&M–Central Texas has offered a Bachelor of Music degree on the Temple College campus. Through this expanded partnership, A&M–Central Texas will now offer six additional undergraduate programs, allowing students to complete their first two years through Temple College (associate degree) and the final two through A&M–Central Texas — all without leaving the Temple College campus.

The seven degree programs include:

• Bachelor of Music (currently offered)
• Bachelor of Arts in English
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (Cybersecurity)
• Bachelor of Science in Education (EC–6)
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology & Human Performance

“This partnership represents a major milestone for our students and our region,” said Dr. Christy Ponce, president of Temple College. “For years, we’ve been working toward creating a true university experience right here in Temple. Having A&M–Central Texas located in our new University Center means students can complete their entire four-year journey — from associate to bachelor’s degree — without leaving campus. This is a powerful example of what it means to be Your Community’s College.”

As the state’s only upper-division university, A&M–Central Texas works closely with community colleges to provide affordable, flexible and high-quality bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for transfer students and working adults.

“Texas A&M–Central Texas was designed to build partnerships like this,” said Dr. Richard Rhodes, president of A&M–Central Texas. “By building on our long-standing relationship with Temple College and increasing our presence on this growing campus, we’re making higher education more accessible, more convenient, and more affordable for Central Texas students. This agreement strengthens the higher-education opportunities in our region.”

Temple College’s Main Building, which opened this fall, serves as the college’s new front door on the south end of campus. The four-story, state-of-the-art facility houses a Welcome Center, centralized student services, technology-rich classrooms, a Student Success Center with math and writing labs, and a large events space that can accommodate more than 600 guests.

The University Center — a 1,500-square-foot space located on the third floor of the new building — will serve as the home of A&M–Central Texas operations in Temple. The space includes administrative offices and advising areas where students can receive one-on-one support. A&M–Central Texas faculty will also share access to classrooms where they will teach upper-division courses.

Both institutions plan to continue expanding academic offerings within the University Center, including exploring future master’s and doctoral programs aligned with regional workforce needs.

Through this collaboration, students will benefit from:

• Quality: Degrees from two respected and proven Texas higher-education institutions
• Convenience: Full four-year pathways on a single campus
• Affordability: Tuition and fee options to help students plan and complete their degrees
• Support: Shared student services, advising and academic support resources

The partnership underscores Temple College’s and A&M–Central Texas’ shared commitment to creating accessible, affordable higher education pathways that strengthen the workforce and meet the growing needs of Central Texas communities.