The Houston Community College system welcomed area leaders “To the Metaverse and Beyond” in the annual “State of the College” breakfast on November 1 at the Hilton Americas at 1600 Lamar in Houston.

Over 900 attendees gathered for the program on the college system’s key initiatives. About 100 HCC staff members manned 19 booths outside the meeting room, showcasing the varied programs offered by the college.

Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., who just completed her first year in her position, recapped several important initiatives from the past year, including the development of apprenticeship programs.

Fisher outlined plans for the coming year, which include consideration of a name change for the community college system. As Houston Community College continues to evolve – now offering a pair of four-year degrees -- the “community college” name may no longer fit. HCC is seeking community input on the change, Fisher said. Next, she described the development of HCC’s Global Online College which will offer more than 60 online programs when it officially launches in 2025. Fisher said the online college was of interest to companies like Shell and Chevron, who have employees around the world, as well as to military personnel.

HCC is also involved in the future of urban transportation, Fisher said, predicting that “the Houston skies will be filled with flying taxis.” HCC is partnering with BP, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration in the development of vertical takeoff helicopters, which she said would “change the landscape.”

Fisher then discussed how HCC is leading education in the development of metaverse technologies for the classroom. She shared HCC's leadership role in the development of virtual reality technology for education and discussed the impact the metaverse will have on society, business, and education. The college will combine virtual reality, ambient intelligence and artificial intelligence to create the future of online interactions. “Avatars will be common,” she said, describing how the technology will change how meetings – and even college classes -- may be conducted. Her points were underscored through an interview with industry leaders Sean Guerre, Executive Director OF Stone Fort Group and Edwin Bailey, Senior Preconstruction Technologist for Skanska.

The State of the College program also featured remarks by the HCC Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary, who called the event “the highlight of our year,” providing an opportunity to update the community about the college system and to provide a “forecast of things to come.” For 53 years, she said, the college has been a source of opportunity for students, providing quality education that is accessible and affordable.