In December 2024, members of the Texas Community College Student Advisory Council (SAC) were invited by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to participate in the annual Higher EDge Conference in Austin. The theme for this year’s conference, which brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across the state, was “Today’s Student. Tomorrow’s Texas.” There were many insightful sessions, and SAC members participated in multiple panels, including “Student Voices: Perspectives on the Future of Higher Education in Texas,” a plenary panel showcasing the firsthand experiences and perspectives of students.

Amplifying Student Perspectives

For SAC members, the conference provided a unique platform to engage with decision-makers and share their stories. Brendan Batchelder, a SAC member and first-generation parenting student who transferred from a community college to a four-year university, reflected on the experience, saying, “The conference was fantastic as it provided the opportunity to share my perspective, which I believe offered valuable insight to others.”

While sharing his experience, Brendan said: “I realized that my education wouldn’t just affect me, [it] would affect my children.” He strongly encouraged other parents who are contemplating pursuing a higher education to start at their local community college, praising the support and guidance he received at Paris Junior College before moving to Texas A&M. “At Paris Junior College, they’re willing to work with you to make your education happen. If you want it, take that first step. Just talk to somebody. You don’t have to commit, but the institutions do want to help.”

Brendan also stressed the importance of having face-to-face conversations with advisers, a theme that fellow SAC member Elias Ramirez also highlighted while discussing some of the hurdles he faced when transferring course credits from a community college to a four-year university.

Elias described the panel as a meaningful opportunity to help shape higher education policies in Texas. “Sharing my experience as a Texas student during the Higher EDge conference has been a true highlight of my year,” Elias said. “I understand that my challenges are not unique and having the opportunity to voice them to decision-makers allows me to contribute to shaping policies that will benefit current and future higher education students.”

Elias also reflected on his higher education journey from College of the Mainland, where he earned an associate degree in general studies, to the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where he’ll complete a bachelor’s degree in public service leadership this spring.

The son of parents who received only a sixth and second grade education respectively, Elias credits his family’s sacrifices for his achievements. “It’s because of them that I’m where I am today. That’s why I dedicate myself to giving back to my community and advocating for students, making the path to higher education just a little easier for the next generation,” says Elias, who also serves as an AmeriCorps mentor to students at Weis Middle School on Galveston Island.

A Learning Experience for Leaders

While students gained valuable opportunities to share their stories, the higher education leaders in attendance benefited from hearing directly from students about their experiences, challenges, and successes within the current Texas higher education landscape. Their insights underscored the importance of including student voices in policy discussions to ensure more accessible and successful pathways to and through higher education.

After the conference, Allison Rizzolo, senior director of marketing and communications for the THECB Board, said about the student panel: “Favorite panel of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Higher EDge conference! These undergraduate and graduate students of Texas are giving us all hope for the future. Proud of these young folks for sharing their experiences and insights with 500+ rapt adults.”

The next cohort of Student Advisory Council members is eager to build on their participation at the conference as they continue to advocate for student-centered policies during the Texas legislative session.

Photo credits: Courtesy THECB

Watch the Panel Discussion

For those who missed the live session, a recording of the full plenary discussion is available to watch here.