In March 2022, Temple College launched Your Community’s College, a brand grounded in a simple idea: Temple College belongs to the people it serves.
The campaign was developed to clearly express the College’s long-standing role as a trusted educational partner in Central Texas and to reaffirm its commitment to students, families, employers, and communities throughout the service area.
Today, Your Community’s College continues to guide Temple College’s recruitment, community engagement, and brand building efforts, with measurable results.
Since the launch of the campaign, Temple College has experienced:
- A 28 percent increase in fall enrollment
- Record giving
- Record amounts of scholarships awarded to students
- Increased community engagement
- Increased visibility and recognition across Central Texas and statewide
Your Community’s College was developed in early 2022 by Eric Eckert, Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Outreach, in collaboration with Zach Oldham, who was serving as Executive Director of Creative Marketing and Design at the time.
The idea originated from a presentation Eckert attended on Valentine’s Day 2022 with the City Federation of Women’s Clubs. During the presentation, a speaker referred to Temple College as “our own institution of higher learning,” emphasizing the College’s role in strengthening educational, civic, and philanthropic life in the community.
The language resonated. Eckert shared the concept with Oldham, and together they developed a brand framework built around community ownership, access, and partnership. Oldham provided the original designs for the campaign.
The concept was reviewed with college leadership and presented to Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce, who enthusiastically supported moving it forward. It was later presented to the Board of Trustees, where it was well received and approved. The campaign officially launched in March 2022.
Photo Caption: Zach Oldham, left, and Eric Eckert, right, pose with the Temple College Leopard.
Your Community’s College is not simply a tagline. It represents a commitment to how Temple College shows up in the communities it serves.
“It’s a promise that Temple College will be a good neighbor, a strategic partner, and a visible, engaged institution throughout our Central Texas service area.”
~ Eric Eckert
Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Outreach
The brand is designed to be adaptable across all College initiatives while maintaining a clear focus on:
- Recruitment
- Community Engagement
- Brand Identity
Breaking down the phrase, the word Your signals ownership and access, reinforcing that Temple College is a public institution created to serve its region.
The word Community reflects connection, collaboration, and shared responsibility for educational and workforce success.
Together, they communicate Temple College’s role as both an educational provider and a community partner.
Photo Caption: Temple College's Mobile Go Center, which takes the college "on the road" throughout the communities we serve, is a tangible example of how "Your Community's College" makes an impact.
Your Community’s College is intentionally broad, allowing it to connect with people in many ways, from classroom experiences and workforce training to athletics, arts, public events, and partnerships with local organizations and employers.
- For students and employees, the brand reinforces pride and purpose.
- For alumni and supporters, it reflects continuity and shared history.
- For prospective students and partners, it signals opportunity and access.
As Temple College enters its Centennial year, Your Community’s College provides a consistent framework for honoring the institution’s history while supporting continued growth and innovation.
Photo Caption: Dr. Christy Ponce cuts the ribbon, officially opening Temple College's new Main Building and University Center in January 2026.
Your Community’s College is designed to speak clearly to:
- Current Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Prospective Students
- Prospective Faculty and Staff
- Donors and Prospective Donors
- Alumni and Friends of Temple College
- Community Members and Organizations
- Employers and Job Creators
- Community and Industry Partners
Photo caption: Students arrive on the first day of school and receive "Your Community's College" T-shirts.
Your Community’s College remains a central part of Temple College’s identity because it reflects both mission and results. It reinforces the College’s responsibility to serve its communities with excellence today and into the future.
Temple College is, and will continue to be, Your Community’s College.
Photo caption: Students at Hubbard Branch Elementary pose with the Temple College Leopard during the ceremony to launch the Adopt-A-School partnership the College.