Governor Abbott Announces Working Group To Develop Framework For Three-Year Bachelor’s Degrees

September 16, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced the selection of 13 members to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) working group, created under his directive to develop a statewide framework for establishing three-year bachelor’s degree pathways.

“Texas students deserve a clear and affordable pathway to high-paying jobs,” said Governor Abbott. “This working group will deliver a statewide framework for three-year bachelor’s degrees to keep Texas a national leader in affordable, accessible, high-quality education.”

A 3-year bachelor's degree could reduce the cost of earning a degree by up to 25% and save Texas students between $15-$35k.

“We look forward to hearing from these expert educators as they identify accelerated programs that can offer students a quality education leading to a durable, financially rewarding career,” said Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser.

The working group includes staff and faculty leaders from four-year institutions and community colleges across the state, with expertise in academics, administration, accreditation, and workforce education.

At the Governor’s direction, the group will develop recommendations regarding:

• Academic standards and requirements for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways;
• Degree programs and high-demand occupations for which three-year bachelor’s degree pathways may be most appropriate;
• Student demand and employer workforce needs;
• Accreditation and institutional approval requirements; and
• Statutory, regulatory, or administrative changes necessary for statewide implementation.

The group will submit its recommendations and proposed implementation framework to the Office of the Governor by Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026.

The initiative builds on Texas’ broader efforts to strengthen education and workforce connections, improve student completion, and ensure that postsecondary credentials provide lasting value to graduates and Texas communities.

THECB Working Group Members:

• Dr. Brandon Griggs, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Dr. Rigoberto J. Rincones Gómez, Ph.D., Lone Star College System
• Dr. Stacey Silverman, Texas A&M University System
• Dr. Nancy Brickhouse, Texas State University System
• Dr. James White, Texas Southern University
• Dr. Teri Longacre, University of Houston
• Dr. Cindy Akers, Texas Tech University
• Dr. Lisa McIntyre, The University of North Texas
• Dr. Belinda Prihoda, Tyler Junior College
• Dr. Ali Esmaeili, South Texas College
• Dr. Dava Washburn, Grayson College
• Dr. Angela Bauer, Texas Woman’s University

Dr. Serenity Rose King, University of Texas System