Coastal Bend College: A History of Education and Community Service
Coastal Bend College (CBC), originally established as Bee County College, stands as a testament to the power of community support and the enduring commitment to providing accessible education in South Texas. From its humble beginnings in 1965 to its present-day status as a comprehensive community college, CBC has played a vital role in shaping the lives of countless students and strengthening the communities it serves.
The Genesis of Bee County College
The story of Coastal Bend College begins with the creation of the Bee County Junior College District in November 1965. This marked the initial step in a journey to bring higher education opportunities to the residents of Bee County. In December of the same year, voters demonstrated their strong support for the initiative by approving a tax levy to fund the college and authorizing the issuance of bonds for the construction of campus buildings.
With the necessary groundwork laid, the board of trustees and President Grady C. Hogue embarked on the task of establishing the college program. In September 1967, Bee County College opened its doors to its first cohort of students, with an initial enrollment of 790. These students were guided by a dedicated team of twenty-four full-time and eleven part-time instructors. The campus was established on land donated by the A. C. Jones family, situated approximately one mile north of Beeville.
Early Academic Offerings and Development
In its early years, Bee County College focused on providing a well-rounded educational experience. The college offered the first two years of college degree programs, allowing students to pursue their academic aspirations locally before transferring to a four-year university. Recognizing the importance of technical skills in the workforce, the college also offered associate's degrees in fields such as electronic data processing, drafting and design, electronics, and mid-management in business.
Furthermore, Bee County College catered to the vocational needs of the community by providing certificate programs in areas like automotive mechanics, business and accounting, general business, data processing, secretarial work, clerk-typist tasks, and nursing. These programs equipped students with the practical skills necessary to enter the workforce directly after graduation.
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The college's commitment to quality education was recognized by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas College and University System Coordinating Board (later the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board). Bee County College also became a member of prominent organizations such as the American Association of Junior Colleges and the Texas Association of Public Community/Junior Colleges, further solidifying its standing in the academic community. By 1969, the library holdings had grown to 13,500 volumes, providing students with access to a wealth of knowledge and resources.
Growth and Expansion
In 1974, Norman E. Wallace assumed the presidency of the college, succeeding Grady C. Hogue. By this time, the enrollment had reached 1,670, indicating the growing demand for higher education in the region. The college was organized into thirteen divisions, encompassing a wide range of academic disciplines: Distribution and Marketing, Health Services, Industrial, Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Language, Mathematics and Physics, Office Occupations, Performing Arts, Public Services, Science and Agriculture, Social Sciences, Technology, and Visual Arts.
By 1991, the faculty had expanded to ninety-five members, serving a student body of 2,338. The college's investment in its physical plant and resources totaled $17,196,650, reflecting its commitment to providing a modern and well-equipped learning environment. To extend its reach, Bee County College offered off-campus programs in Alice and Kingsville, making education more accessible to students in neighboring communities.
Bee County College conferred Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, as well as certificates of achievement in various technological and vocational fields. These diverse offerings catered to the varied educational and career goals of its students.
The Transition to Coastal Bend College
In 1999, Bee County College underwent a significant transformation, changing its name to Coastal Bend College. This name change reflected the college's expanded service area, which extended beyond Bee County to encompass a larger portion of the Coastal Bend region.
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In the spring of 2001, the college's enrollment reached 3,241, demonstrating its continued growth and importance in the community. The faculty numbered 184, providing students with a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Coastal Bend College Today
Coastal Bend College stands as an "Achieving the Dream" community college, committed to student success and community development. The main campus is located in Beeville, with additional sites in Alice, Kingsville, and Pleasanton, Texas. These locations offer a wide range of academic courses that transfer to universities, as well as workforce programs in high-demand fields such as oil and gas, allied health (nursing, radiology, and dental hygiene), and business technology.
CBC proudly educates about 3,600 students each year and is home to six National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) athletics teams. The college celebrated more than 100 graduates during its Fall 2025 Commencement on December 19 in Beeville.
Scholarship Opportunities at Coastal Bend College
Coastal Bend College recognizes the importance of financial assistance in helping students achieve their educational goals. The college offers a variety of scholarships to students pursuing different fields of study and meeting specific eligibility criteria. These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of individuals, families, and organizations in the Coastal Bend community.
Here are a few examples of the scholarships available:
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- Acock - Beverly Acock Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to top students in Nueces County who demonstrate excellence in artwork and/or community activities for children.
- Anderson - Anderson Family Endowed Scholarship: Supports graduating seniors from Aransas County high schools pursuing STEM majors.
- Asbury - Dorothy Tutt Asbury Memorial Scholarship: Recognizes Taft High School seniors who demonstrate a love of learning and service.
- Balboa - Alejandro Antonio “Tony” Balboa Memorial Scholarship: Assists Alice High School seniors pursuing a medical degree with demonstrated financial need and community service.
- Barriger - Zachary Barriger Memorial Scholarship Fund: Provides support to Tuloso-Midway High School seniors planning to study engineering or medicine at a Texas public college or university.
- Battaglia - Battaglia Family Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to students who demonstrate a determination to pursue an education but lack the financial means to do so.
- Beard - Billy and Lu Beard Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors from Taft or Gregory Portland planning to attend TAMUCC, TAMUK, Del Mar, or Coastal Bend College.
- Beecroft - Beecroft Family Scholarship: Assists high school seniors or college students residing in Nueces or San Patricio counties attending Del Mar College or TAMU‐CC.
- Benavides - The Linda R. Benavides Memorial Scholarship-Community Fellowship Award: Recognizes Coastal Bend graduating high school or GED graduates with a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and a high level of community engagement.
- Bennett - Reverend E.F. Bennett Scholarship: Supports graduating seniors in the CBCF seven-county service area in the top 10% of their high school class attending Del Mar College, TAMU-CC or TAMU-K with demonstrated financial need.
- Blaschke - The Mamie Blaschke and Eleanora Strong Memorial Trust Fund: Supports graduating high school seniors from Skidmore-Tynan planning to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree/career in public service.
- Brem - Marion Luna Brem/Pat McNeil Health and Education Endowment: Assists graduating high school seniors (or GED) from the CBCF seven-county service area, planning to attend Del Mar College, TAMU‐CC, TAMU‐K or Coastal Bend College, with GPA of 2.5 or above.
- Burney - Cecil E. Burney Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors or current college students graduat(ing)(ed) from any high school in the CBCF seven-county service area.
- Calahan - Gauge Calahan Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to graduating high school seniors from any Orange Grove High School.
- Carpenter - Joann and C.W. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship: Supports graduating CCISD high school seniors.
- Coastal Bend Community Foundation Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors from any high school in the CBCF seven-county service area.
- Coastal Bend SHRM Scholarship: Awarded to current college students majoring in Business with an interest in Human Resources who permanently reside in the seven-county service area of the Coastal Bend Community Foundation.
- Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association Scholarship: Supports current college students attending Del Mar Community College, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University- Kingsville, Coastal Bend College, or UIW either part time or full time, minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and demonstrate a history of community service, extracurricular activities or work experience.
- Children’s Orthopedic Association of South Texas (COAST) Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors from any high school in the CBCF seven-county service area with a minimum GPA of 90%, planning to pursue a career in medicine or nursing.
- Corpus Christi Estate Planning Council Scholarship: Assists Coastal Bend graduating high school seniors or current college students attending TAMUCC or Del Mar College.
- Crowder - Kassie Michelle Crowder Scholarship: Awarded to graduating seniors from Mary Carroll High School with GPA of 70% ‐ 90%.
- Dean - Derek Dean Soccer Scholarship: Recognizes outstanding W. B. Ray High School students who exhibit a love of athletics, teamwork and sportsmanship.
- E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC Higher Education Fund for San Patricio County - Papalote Creek: Supports graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates of Taft and Gregory-Portland ISD’s, San Patricio County, Texas.
- E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC Higher Education Fund for Willacy County - Magic Valley: Supports graduating high school seniors and recent high school graduates of Raymondville, Lyford and San Perlita ISD’s, Willacy County, Texas.
- Eidson - John R. Eidson, Jr. ’38 Scholarship Fund: Supports college students (at least a sophomore) pursuing an engineering degree and attending Texas A & M University - College Station School of Engineering.
- Flynn - Barney Flynn Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to graduating seniors of Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff or Tuloso‐Midway ISD high schools who are active members of the high school band.
- Gonzalez - Luis Adan Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship: Supports graduating seniors from any Coastal Bend high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Guerra - Melissa Ann (Missy) Guerra Scholarship: Assists graduating seniors from Mary Carroll High School attending a state-funded college in Texas, with demonstrated financial need.
- Hale - Mark Todd Hale Memorial Criminal Justice Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors intending to major in criminal justice and full-time college students majoring in criminal justice.
- Hernandez(Art) - Joe L. Hernandez Fine Arts Scholarship: Awarded to graduating high school seniors from Miller High School with an endorsement in Fine Arts.
- Hernandez - Manuel Hernandez, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors from Roy Miller High School with minimum GPA of 80% and demonstrated financial need.
- Higginbotham - Allison D’Ann Higginbotham Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to graduating seniors from HM King High School with minimum GPA of 90%, ranked #3 or below in class.
- Huerta - A. Joseph Huerta “Puedo” Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors from each of the CCISD high schools with minimum GPA of 90%, planning to attend a 4 year college or university.
- Jalufka - Patricia Jalufka Endowed Scholarship: Supports students who are currently pursuing or planning to pursue a degree that will lead to them teaching reading or diagnosing reading disabilities.
- Koch - Leatrice Koch Scholarship: Awarded to graduating seniors of Woodsboro High School.
- Laine - Casey Laine Armed Services Scholarship: Supports graduating seniors from any high school in the CBCF seven-county service area who have participated in JROTC or intends to join ROTC in college, OR current college student who is an honorably discharged veteran or someone currently on active duty who has served at least 3 years, OR senior in high school or current college student who is the dependent of either a veteran or someone currently on active duty.
- Lay - Sue Kay Lay Memorial Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors from any high school in the CBCF seven-county service area.
- Leadership Corpus Christi Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors, GED or home-schooled graduates from Nueces County, or current college students (freshman) with a minimum high school GPA of 80% or college GPA of 3.0, planning to attend Del Mar College, TAMU‐CC, or the Craft Training Center, demonstrating financial need.
- Lebleu - Glen Lebleu Education Scholarship: Supports graduating high school seniors, current college or graduate students who graduated from a high school in the CBCF seven-county service area attending or planning to attend TAMU-CC and pursuing an education major.
- Lee - Dennis Lee Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to graduating high school seniors, 90% GPA, planning to attend Del Mar College full‐time.
- Leming-Brower Endowment Scholarship: This scholarship is exclusively available to high school graduates from our Coastal Bend seven-county service area (Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio) who plan to enroll or are enrolled in a Texas public university or college pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, with a concentration or certification in special education, leading to a career as a Special Education Teacher.
- Navy Retired Endowed Scholarship: Student must have graduated in the prior 3 years from W.B. Ray High School and have a minimum 2.0 GPA, preference will be given to students that participated in NJROTC all four years of high school.
- Miller - Brian and Colleen Miller Math and Science Scholarship: High school seniors ‐ preference will be given to those who are taking advanced placement mathematics or science classes and are involved in extracurricular math and science competitions, groups, and events.
- Nadkarni - Govind and Bahkti Nadkarni Engineering Scholarship: Current Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students majoring in civil engineering who have completed at least 60 college credit hours.
- Pagan - JS (Jack and Shirley) Pagan Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors, current college or technical school students and individuals returning to college or technical schools. Preference to applicants from Nueces and San Patricio counties.
- Rains Memorial Scholarship: Graduating senior from CCISD with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, with preference given to students in speech and/or debate and/or demonstrated financial need.
- RBG - Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship: A law school student enrolled in a Texas-accredited law school from one of the eligible counties in the Coastal Bend.
- Robeau-Priour - Robeau-Priour Endowed Scholarship: Coastal Bend high school senior with a minimum 3.5 GPA who will be a history major or in secondary education with an emphasis on history.
- Roberts - Douglas Roberts Endowed Scholarship: Nueces county resident attending any Texas institution that is either wheelchair bound or has special needs as may be defined by the American Disability Act (ADA).
- Rodriguez - Cristian Gabriel Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors from eligible high schools, 75 - 90 GPA, and show financial need.
- Rooke - Rooke Foundation Endowed Scholarship: Recipients must be graduating high school seniors from either Refugio or Woodsboro High Schools planning to enroll in college or vocational school fall semester immediately following graduation.
- Roper - Myrtle Wakeland Roper/Leola Garrett Scholarship: Graduates of Bishop High School who plan a career in teaching.
- Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Scholarship: Graduating seniors from any high school within the Corpus Christi city limits, planning to attend Del Mar College or TAMU‐CC, with demonstrated financial need.
- Rusk(Academic) - Colton Rusk/Jose Martinez/Class of ’09 Academic Scholarship: Recipients must be graduating seniors from Orange Grove High School and have a minimum GPA of 90.
- Rusk(Athletic) - Lance Corporal Colton Rusk Athletic Scholarship: Recipients must be graduating seniors from Orange Grove High School, have a minimum GPA of 80, and have participated in Orange Grove athletics for a minimum of two years.
- Sanchez - Rebecca Renee Sanchez Memorial Scholarship: Recipients must be graduating seniors from Bishop High School, enrolled in the Health Sciences program and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Horacio R. Villarreal Scholarship Fund: Applicants must be a current junior or senior in college and planning a career in the medical field.
- W.B. Ray High School Class of ’56 Averill Johnson Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors at W.B. Ray High School, minimum GPA 90%, attending college in the fall of the year of graduation.
- Webb - Faye and Rendell C. Webb, Jr. Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors from Miller or Moody high schools in Corpus Christi, with a minimum high school GPA of 85%.
- Webb - Faye Webb Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors from any high school in the CBCF seven-county service area with a GPA of 80% (or 3.2 of 4.0), for students who attended Faye Webb Elementary School for two years.
- Willbern - A.D. Willbern Family Scholarship: Bishop High School Graduates.
- Williams - Dr. Dana Williams Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors from any CCISD high school, with preference for permanent residents of Nueces County and education majors pursuing a teaching certificate.
- Woodman - Laura Woodman Memorial Scholarship: Students who will be full-time students (12 hours or more) of accredited colleges or universities located in the continental United States and are members of the Texas Youth Rodeo Association or are a graduating senior from Banquete High School.
For more information about these and other scholarship opportunities, students are encouraged to visit the Coastal Bend College website or contact the financial aid office.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
Like many educational institutions, Coastal Bend College has faced its share of challenges throughout its history. However, the college has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of its students and the community. From its initial focus on providing transfer programs and vocational training to its current emphasis on workforce development and community engagement, CBC has remained committed to its mission of empowering individuals and strengthening the Coastal Bend region.
The college's response to Hurricane Celia in 1970 exemplifies its resilience and determination. Despite suffering significant damage to its campus, UCC was unable to rebuild the campus without major assistance from the state. The solution came when the Texas Legislature authorized the transfer of the school into the Texas A & I-Kingsville system as an upper level institution (Junior, Senior, and Graduate level courses). The college persevered and continued to serve its students.
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