HCC Board of Trustee
The Houston City College (formerly, Houston Community College) Board of Trustees is HCC’s governing body. Duties include establishing HCC policy and appointing the chancellor. The nine board members are elected from single geographic districts for staggered 6-year terms with no term limits and serve without pay.
Candidates
BACKGROUND: Why are you running for this office? What specific
experiences and attributes make you the best candidate for
this position?
HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE SYSTEM: What do you believe are the two (2)
most important issues currently facing the City in the Houston City
College System? As a Trustee, what will you do to address them?
I'm running for the HCC Board of Trustees because I believe in the power of public education to transform lives and I want to ensure HCC fulfills that promise for every student. As someone educated entirely in public schools—from first grade through law school—I’ve experienced firsthand how affordable, high-quality education can open doors and uplift families. HCC plays a vital role in Houston’s economy and the lives of students preparing for brighter futures. Whether transferring to a university, earning a certification, or gaining job-ready skills, students need programs that are current, responsive, and accessible. I bring not only a passion for public service but also the ability to think critically, ask tough questions, and collaborate to get results. As a lawyer, I’ve built a career making sound judgments and advocating effectively. I’m not tied to past conflicts and will bring a fresh, independent perspective focused on students and HCC’s future.
sasserforhouston.com
Two major challenges facing HCC are restoring trust in leadership and staying competitive in a changing higher education landscape. Recent dysfunction—infighting, ethics issues, and lost public confidence—has hurt the college. During this turmoil, the nursing program lost accreditation, and enrollment dropped. My opponent supported the dynamics that fueled this decline. I’ll bring an independent, objective voice focused on restoring trust, demanding transparency, and putting students first. Community colleges are at a turning point, and HCC has a chance to become the top choice for career-focused education. To do that, we must align our programs with Houston’s key industries: energy, healthcare, and technology. I’ll work to ensure HCC offers relevant, high-quality degrees and certifications that lead directly to good jobs. This moment calls for serious, solutions-driven leadership, and I’m ready to serve with fresh perspective and a clear commitment to student success.
ROLE OF TRUSTEES: As a Trustee, how will you work collaboratively
with internal and external stakeholders to address the needs of
current and future HCC students? Please address providing academic
and technical training opportunities as well as ensuring accessibility
and affordability.
Two major challenges facing HCC are restoring trust in leadership and staying competitive in a changing higher education landscape. Recent dysfunction—infighting, ethics issues, and lost public confidence—has hurt the college. During this turmoil, the nursing program lost accreditation, and enrollment dropped. My opponent supported the dynamics that fueled this decline. I’ll bring an independent, objective voice focused on restoring trust, demanding transparency, and putting students first. Community colleges are at a turning point, and HCC has a chance to become the top choice for career-focused education. To do that, we must align our programs with Houston’s key industries: energy, healthcare, and technology. I’ll work to ensure HCC offers relevant, high-quality degrees and certifications that lead directly to good jobs. This moment calls for serious, solutions-driven leadership, and I’m ready to serve with fresh perspective and a clear commitment to student success.
