Hill College, in partnership with the City of Burleson and the Burleson Independent School District, announces the grand opening of the Burleson Higher Education Center

  Jessyca Brown
  Tuesday, February 7, 2023 9:34 AM
  Academics, General Events, Enrollment Management

Hillsboro, TX

Hill College announces the grand opening of the Burleson Higher Education Center in Burleson, Texas, on February 23, 2023, beginning at 11 a.m. The ceremony will include comments by Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills, Burleson Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Bret Jimerson, and the City of Burleson Mayor Chris Fletcher, followed by a ribbon cutting, as well as snacks, beverages, and tours.

The opening of the facility is the culmination of a multi-year project with the Burleson Independent School District (BISD) and the City of Burleson. The renovations were made possible by a $1 million contribution by the City intended for beautification of the campus to promote higher education and economic development, as well as funds from the BISD Facilities Advisory Committee in a bond package approved in May 2017.

“The Burleson Higher Education Center is a powerful example of how partnerships between higher education, local school districts, and city municipalities can work together to positively impact communities. The potential opportunities this impressive facility provides our current and future students are immeasurable,” states Dr. Mills. “The Hill College community is grateful to all the Burleson leaders who worked so relentlessly to make this venture a reality.”

Enhancements to the facility include a completely renovated façade, state-of-the-art science labs and classrooms, a full library with both study and meeting spaces for students as well as a commons space for student gatherings, a dedicated area for faculty, and a courtyard for students to congregate and socialize.

 “Through a partnership with Hill College and the City of Burleson, Burleson ISD was able to provide this incredible opportunity for our current and former students who wish to continue their studies right here in Burleson,” states Dr. Jimerson. “I’m grateful that our 2017 Facilities Advisory Committee recommended allocating financial resources to keeping this building useful.”

Hill College has also partnered with Texas Tech University, which now has a presence at the campus offering classes and degree plans for students attending Hill College at the Burleson Higher Education Center as well as the community.

The City of Burleson, in conjunction with Hill College and Burleson ISD, has worked to expand higher education opportunities that, when combined with the Burleson Opportunity Fund and the Burleson Collegiate High School, ensure that every graduate and community member in Burleson and the surrounding area has access to quality higher education. 

“Providing high-quality higher education to our residents right here in Burleson is a tremendous asset to our city,” stated Mayor Chris Fletcher. “We are lucky to partner with Hill College and are excited to see their growth. We know that residents will benefit from the new campus for decades to come.”

Hill College has had a presence in Burleson since December 2005, allowing area residents to take college courses, complete degrees, receive job-related certifications, and job training. In 2016, Hill College partnered with BISD to establish the Burleson Collegiate High School, offering students the opportunity to earn an associate degree at no cost.

Burleson Higher Education Center is located at 517 SW Johnson Street. The facility updates and upgrades were designed by the architecture firm Stantec; construction of the new center was completed by Jackson Construction.