PORT FREEPORT OPENS GATE 12, STRENGTHENING INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORTING REGIONAL GROWTH
FREEPORT, TX (August 28, 2025) – Port Freeport recently marked a significant milestone with the completion and ribbon cutting of Gate 12, a major infrastructure project that enhances access and efficiency at the Velasco Container Terminal. The gate became operational on August 1, and the Port celebrated the achievement with a ceremony on August 14, joined by Commissioners, leadership, and community partners. “Gate 12 reflects the Commission’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that drives economic
ACC Starts Fall with Record Enrollment
Alvin Community College kicked off its 2025 Fall semester with its highest enrollment ever on August 25. ACC had 6,377 students taking courses on the first day of class, which approximately 9 percent higher than the previous year. “Reaching this milestone is a tremendous achievement for ACC,” President Dr. Robert J. Exley said. “While this is our highest enrollment ever, I am positive that we will build on this in the future. We are moving forward, and our singular focus is student success.” This Fall,
ACC Regents Approve 2025-26 Budget
The Alvin Community College Board of Regents approved the 2025-26 fiscal year budget during their meeting on August 21. The $55.89 million budget will go into effect on September 1 and includes nine new staff positions and includes funds for necessary facilities maintenance as well as a pay increase for faculty and staff. The college received an increase in revenue from the state allocation to $11.15 million compared to the $9.97 million issued the previous year. The board also approved a proposal for
ACC to Participate in Aspen Unlocking Opportunities Program
Alvin Community College was recently named as a participant in the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity program to help increase the number of students taking courses and completing programs with the nation’s community colleges. “Participating with the Unlocking Opportunity Network will help us learn best practices with other community colleges in order to improve educational outcomes for our students,” said ACC President Dr. Robert J. Exley. “That in turn will help students improve their professional
ACC Honors Staff for Service
Alvin Community College recognized staff members for their years of service during convocation on August 18. Staff members were recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. 35 years ACC custodian Barbara Merchant, right, was recognized for working 35 years at the college during Convocation on August 18. 5 years ACC employees who have worked at the college for 5 years were recognized during Convocation on August 18. From right: IT support specialist Maximo Mireles, Biology instructor
ACC Foundation Grant Supports Virtual Dementia Simulation
One of the most important ways for healthcare employees to better serve their patients is by walking in their shoes. Alvin Community College Nursing instructor Linley Glover hopes to do that with a simulation that will help students experience the debilitating effects of dementia. “It will allow someone to experience what dementia is like,” she said. “It increases empathy and allows them to better understand the condition.” Glover received a $3,000 grant to help create a virtual dementia tour to assist
ACC Jogging Trail Renovation
Alvin Community College is revitalizing the 2-mile jogging trail that winds through the heart of campus and serves as one of its most important community resources. Once completed, the upgrades will improve the look, the safety and the functionality of the trail for those who use it on a daily basis. For decades, the ACC jogging trail has been a place where neighbors meet, families walk and students recharge between classes. Construction is underway, and portions of the trail will remain open throughout
ACC Lab School Foam Party
The Alvin Community College Lab School held a foam party on August 7. ACC Lab School students play under the bubble machine during a foam party on August 7. ACC Lab School students play under the bubble machine during a foam party on August 7.ACC Lab School students dance around in the foam during a foam party on August 7.
ACC Foundation Supports CPR Training Program
When working with an unstable patient, Allied Health professionals never know when they will need to revive that patient in an emergency. One of the most important skills any person needs to know in the healthcare field is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A new grant program will allow Alvin Community College Allied Health students to ensure students are qualified in CPR. “They are going to be more confident and more competent because they have more frequent exposure,” said Marby McKinney, ACC Respiratory
ACC Foundation Supports Launch of Student Magazine
ACC Foundation Supports Launch of Student Magazine The Alvin Community College Communications Department hopes to start the presses after receiving a grant for a student-led magazine about events happening at the college. “One of the things I hope to accomplish is understand what it takes to print a magazine,” said Denise Bates, ACC Communications instructor. “I want students to learn content creation, writing in a certain format and knowing your audience.” Bates received a $1,600 grant from the ACC
Stay Cool and Safe: Brazoria County Library System and Local Organizations Launch Cooling Stations to Combat Extreme Summer Heat; Seek Bottled Water Donations
Stay Cool and Safe: Brazoria County Library System and Local Organizations Launch Cooling Stations to Combat Extreme Summer Heat; Seek Bottled Water DonationsOnce again, residents of Brazoria County are encouraged to prepare for potentially extreme heat conditions, which may include excessively high temperatures and elevated humidity levels. The health risks associated with extreme heat, particularly for infants, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses, are significantly heightened. To
PORT FREEPORT WELCOMES RETURNING COMMISSIONERS; PORT COMMISSION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS
PORT FREEPORT WELCOMES RETURNING COMMISSIONERS; PORT COMMISSION ELECTS NEW OFFICERSFREEPORT, TX (June 05, 2025) – Port Freeport marked a day of leadership transition and continuity as Commissioners Dan Croft and Ravi Singhania were sworn in prior to the Regular Port Commission Meeting on Thursday, May 29. During the meeting, the Port Commission elected new officers for a two-year term.Commissioner Dan Croft, first elected in 2019, begins his second term after running unopposed for Position 5, Precinct 3.
ACC Wins Pathways Award
ACC Wins Pathways Award Alvin Community College was recognized for student performance at the recent Texas Talent Strong Career Pathways Institute. The college received the Recognition of their Dedication to Educational Outcomes (RODEO) award for its increase in credential completion, university transfers and other key performance indicators. The college was recognized for student achievement with a 21% increase in college level math completion in first year, 20% increase in completing writing in first
ACC Pays off 2005 Bond
Alvin Community College recently posted its final payment to pay off the 2005 bond. The $19.9 million bond was approved by voters in 2005 to construct the Science-Health Science Building on campus. Construction on the facility was completed in 2007. “ACC has long been a great steward of taxpayer funds,” Board of Regents Chair ‘Bel Sanchez said. “Throughout the history of this bond we have exercised fiscal responsibility, saving taxpayers money while providing a valuable facility for our students. The
