Student Learning Center at Flower Mound

Story Julie Gaynor
Photos A J Lopez III
3 min read

In 2015 the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board launched 60x30TX, a bold initiative in which 60% of Texans ages 25-34 will have a certificate or degree by 2030. Statistics indicate that while completion rates are improving, there still are not enough Texans completing the levels of education needed for many of the jobs available in the market. 

Responding to today’s workforce needs, MSU Texas utilizes select online programs to establish a pathway to attract adult learners and community college students who are eager to complete their bachelor’s degrees. These programs are not necessarily new to the university, but the new student learning center located in Flower Mound provides greater opportunity to showcase these degrees in the larger market. 

“With more than 7.5 million people calling the Dallas-Fort Worth area their home, the need for postsecondary education is necessary. Two-and four-year schools are rapidly expanding in the traditional and online spaces to meet the needs of a vibrant and ever-changing workforce,” said Randy Canivel, Director of MSU Texas Flower Mound. “Unlike other institutions in DFW, MSU Flower Mound has positioned itself, geographically and digitally, to lead the way for returning adult learners or community college transfer students.” 

While dedicated classes for the Flower Mound initiative began in Spring 2018, the Flower Mound facility officially opened its doors in June of the same year. Since those first classes in Spring 2018, the student learning center is experiencing moderate, consistent growth. This spring, the center served 337 students, representing a 44.64% increase over Spring 2017. For Fall 2020, enrollment continued to increase with 437 enrolled, which represents a 30% increase from the previous spring and a 51% increase from Fall 2019. 

“Our undergraduate degrees in nursing, respiratory care, radiologic sciences, teacher education, and select graduate programs will provide the knowledge and skills for a robust workforce,” said Canivel. “In addition, our partnerships with area community colleges, such as North Central Texas College and Tarrant County Community College, provide students a seamless transfer and accelerated completion towards a baccalaureate degree.” 

The 30,000-square foot, two-story facility, shared with NCTC, houses classrooms, two science laboratories, a combination laboratory and lecture classroom, three interactive television classrooms, and two seminar classrooms, as well as tutoring and study space, administrative and faculty offices, a bookstore with a coffee bar and grab-and-go food items. 

In addition to addressing the needs of the workforce, the Flower Mound student learning center also provides MSU Texas with the ability to expand its brand identity. 

“For MSU Texas, the Flower Mound student learning center is much more than just an extension, rather, it embodies the spirit of what makes MSU great: its commitment to its student, high caliber faculty/staff, and proud alumni. In essence, I look at Flower Mound as our footprint, collective space, and gateway for all who call themselves an MSU Mustang,” Canivel said.

 

Earnings Potential

In addition to workforce needs, students who pursue education beyond high school increase their earnings potential. 

  • Average salary with a certificate/some college experience earns 9% more annually than a high school diploma. That is a $3,120 difference.
  • Average salary with an associate degree earns 18% more annually than a high school diploma. That is a $6,240 difference.
  • Average salary with a bachelor’s degree earns 68% more annually a high school diploma. That is a $23,868 difference.
  • Average salary with a master’s degree earns 98% more. That is a $34,479 difference.

 

The traditional path to a bachelor’s degree is not always a fit for everyone. MSU Texas offers a variety of completion programs that may assist place-bound students along the path for career advancement. As well, the University offers a number of online master’s programs for those also seeking opportunities in career advancement.

Source: www.60x30TX.com