Overview: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Overview & Synopsis

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) was created by the Texas Legislature in 1965 to provide leadership and coordination for the Texas higher education system to achieve excellence for the college education of Texas students. Most of the statutes that are applicable to THECB are found in the Texas Education Code, Title 3, Section 61. The THECB's overall responsibilities include assessment of the state of higher education in Texas; development of recommendations to the governor, Legislature, and institutions for its enhancement; establishment of policies for the efficient and effective use of the state's higher education resources; and the appointment of a Commissioner of Higher Education (Commissioner) to perform all duties delegated by the Board. To meet these broad obligations to the people of Texas, the THECB reviews and recommends changes in formulas for allocation of state funds to public institutions. In addition, it helps eliminate costly duplication in academic programs and unnecessary construction projects. Working with higher education institutions, the governor, and the Legislature, the THECB also ensures that all Texans have access to high quality programs at different instructional levels and administers the state's student financial aid programs.