The Vision

Since 1973, the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education has been a dynamic organization which provides a statewide vehicle for a diverse, multicultural workforce to learn, share, direct, lead and influence our educational system.

As rich as the organization is in resources, it is also rich in history. The founders of this great organization had a vision to formally organize an association to promote, maintain and assure the development and growth of African Americans in the educational process.

Our History

On April 7-9, 1973, several representatives of state and private institutions of higher education, within and outside the State of Texas, met at the Ramada Inn Central in Dallas, Texas, to discuss concerns pertinent to the well-being of African Americans at higher education institutions in the state of Texas.

It was determined that because all in attendance served in various specialized positions within these institutions with a commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action efforts in higher education, that we formally organize an association to promote, maintain and assure the development and growth of African Americans in the educational process.

Under the leadership of those who served as president of the state organization, for more than 50 years following this action, hundreds of African-American leaders have acted as a unified force to address new and recurring challenges in Texas higher education. 

Former presidents and their institutions at the time are listed below:

Years	President and Institution
1973-1979	Ivory Moore, East Texas State University
1979-1981	Mary McFall, Southern Methodist University
1981-1983	Erma C. Johnson, Tarrant County Jr. College
1983-1985	Roland Hayes, Austin Community College
1985-1987	Dr. Corinthian Fields, Moutainview College
1987-1989	Dr. Elizabeth Branch, Tarrant County Jr. College
1989-1991	Dr. Marie Cromwell, Houston Community College
1991-1993	Jafus Cavil, Texas State Technical College
1993-1995	Rev. Clarence Glover, Southern Methodist University
1995-1997	Eddie Harris, St. Philip’s College
1997-2001	Dr. Rod C. Fluker, Sr., Austin Community College
2001-2003	Pearl Conyers, St Philips’ College
2003-2005	James Shippy, Southwest College, Houston Community College System
2005-2007	Arthur Gregg, University of Texas at Dallas
2007-2009	Dr. Laurie Fluker, Texas State University-San Marcos
2009-2011	Dr. Felicia J. Scott, College Dreams
2011-2013	Dr. Cherry Gooden, Texas Southern University
2013-2015	Joseph Hebert, San Jacinto College
2015-2017	Tanisha Shorter, North Lake College
2017-2019	Dr. Curtis Hill
2019-2021	Dr. Connie P. Williams, Austin Community College
2021-2023	Dr. Alexander Okwonna, San Jacinto College