Dr. Zachary Suarez, PresidentOperating at the intersection of education, workforce development, and community engagement, the college expands access to affordable, high-quality programs that prepare students for meaningful careers. Students benefit from clear pathways to course completion and continued education, while the community gains a talent pipeline that strengthens regional vitality.
“Our work is grounded in listening to our communities, responding with purpose, and creating opportunities that allow students to thrive not just today, but throughout their lives,” says Dr. Zachary Suarez, president.
Established in 1965, CBC brings decades of experience designing academic programs that meet community needs. It works with K-12 school districts, universities, ISDs, employers, and foundations across the region to coordinate resources and plan programs that advance shared goals.
One such example is the Associate of Applied Science in Project Management, launching in fall 2026. The program aims to help students gain workforce-ready skills and enter high-demand careers in the region.
Guided by a mission to create bold circumstances, the college extends its focus beyond graduation, ensuring continued access to opportunities that support professional growth.
Advancing Student Success
For CBC, student success begins with access. Its partnerships with local community stakeholders help reduce financial and structural barriers for learners. It also actively works on initiatives that expand tuition-free access and simplify pathways to course completion.
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Our work is grounded in listening to our communities, responding with purpose, and creating opportunities that allow students to thrive not just today, but throughout their lives.
One such initiative is the recently approved Coastal Bend Promise Program, which allows any student within the college's service district counties—Bee, Kleberg, Atascosa, and Jim Wells—to earn a tuition-free associate degree from CBC. To support its launch, the Coastal Bend College Foundation designated $100,000 in startup funding, reinforcing strong community backing for the program.
In another effort, the college entered into a collaborative agreement with South Texas College (STC), a fellow institution in the region. Known as the Cougar to Jaguar Rural Scholars Initiative, this promise-to-promise program enables 15 associate degree graduates from CBC to pursue a tuition-free bachelor's degree at STC.
Building Leaders, Careers, and Community Impact
CBC's impact is evident in the success of its students and the leadership its alumni bring back to the region.
Through a dual credit partnership with Beeville ISD, one CBC student completed an associate degree, later earned a master’s degree, and is now applying to medical school. With continued support from the college, he is also stepping into a new role as adjunct faculty, a full-circle moment that reflects CBC’s lasting impact.
Many members of the college’s Board of Trustees are alumni who now serve as public leaders, business owners, and public servants within the community.
Sustaining this level of success relies heavily on the faculty and staff who support students every day. All college faculty are credentialed to teach their disciplines, with most holding master's degrees or higher qualifications. CBC also places strong emphasis on employee well-being, recognizing that a supported faculty and staff directly influence the quality of student engagement and outcomes. As part of this commitment, the college launched an innovative four-and-a-half-day workweek pilot in spring 2026.
Looking ahead, CBC is focused on strengthening academic access by offering a four-year degree locally within its rural service area. It will continue to strengthen transfer pathways and invest in faculty and staff capacity.
Coastal Bend College does not measure its success by student enrollment. Completion, transfer rates, employability, and the positive impact graduates have on their communities matter most. These outcomes make it a trusted partner for families and students, and a catalyst for long-term economic growth for the region they call home.
