Earlier this month, Blackboard and U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31) brought together Texas Higher Education President & Provosts for a Texas Higher Education Summit focused on 1) student expectations for service, content and personalization and 2) strategic ways to address challenges posed by today’s active student. Held at Blackboard’s Student Services corporate office in Killen, Texas, the event began with an afternoon tour of Fort Hood, the United States Army’s largest installation. Participants met with military leadership and soldiers to discuss how Fort Hood educates and trains soldiers for the demanding and complex requirements of combat. Attendees participated in hands-on simulation training—and experienced the state of the art technology that enables best in class combat training.  Participants walked away with a new appreciation for the core competencies required of our troops as well as soldiers who continue their education during and post-duty. The second day focused on tackling the challenges Texas higher education institutions are facing today: limited budgets, expanded student choice, competitive pressure and rapidly changing student expectations. Presentations and discussions were led by institution leaders such as Dr. Ken Ray of Hillsborough Community College and Craig Maslowsky of Excelsior College, and showcased their innovative methods for making data-informed decisions to successfully tackle retention, progression and graduation challenges. The Summit aimed to help Texas educators improve educational outcomes, build a better education experience and ensure a prosperous future for Texas.

On September 30, 2011, Blackboard Student Services- Killeen, Texas hosted U.S. Congressman John Carter and his staff to discuss ways education technology is empowering students, teachers and parents in the state of Texas—and the important role Blackboard Student Services plays in the student experience at higher ed institutions throughout the country.

• Blackboard employs ~400 Texans at our Killeen Blackboard Student Services call center
• Blackboard learning technologies are used at 83% of all Texas higher education institutions and 21% of all Texas school districts
• 1 in 3 Texans who are in public education are using Blackboard technology daily