Hill College, Burleson Independent School District, and UNT Health Fort Worth announce new joint initiative for Burleson high school students
Ashlee Ferguson
Monday, April 6, 2026 9:32 AM
Academics
Burleson, TX
This fall, as part of an exciting new collaboration with Burleson ISD (BISD) and UNT Health Fort Worth (UNT Health), students at Burleson and Centennial high schools who are interested in a future in healthcare and biomedical science will have the opportunity to begin their college careers through the Accelerated Biomedical Careers (ABC) Initiative.
“The Accelerated Biomedical Careers Initiative provides a tremendous opportunity for students to jumpstart their journey to becoming medical professionals while still in high school. We are very lucky to be able to partner with Burleson ISD and UNT Health on this innovative program that will benefit students,” said Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills.
The ABC Initiative is an expanded dual credit program that provides high school students, including incoming ninth graders, with the opportunity to jumpstart their career. Through this partnership, students who qualify can begin earning college credit in high school, building toward their bachelor’s degree, and get an early start on their future in the medical profession by earning an Associate of Science degree by the time they graduate high school. After completion of the program, students who meet the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences program’s admission criteria will receive guaranteed admission to UNT Health’s fully online degree program.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Hill College and UNT Fort Worth. This collaboration unlocks an incredible opportunity for our students, expanding our academic offerings and personalizing their learning experience. By giving BISD graduates a head start, we are shortening their time to degree completion and empowering them to pursue advanced, post-bachelor's opportunities faster than ever. I look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements alongside these esteemed educational partners as we work together to champion their futures,” said Dr. Lindsey Byrd, Burleson ISD chief of secondary education.
Courses will be offered on the respective high school campuses, giving students an accessible, affordable start to their future in higher education. The flexible program and course options will prepare students for advanced study in fields such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and other professional healthcare programs.
“I am so proud of the partnership and work that Burleson ISD, Hill College, and UNT Health have done to provide students with this very important program that gives them an opportunity to chart a path from high school to a professional medical career,” said Irene Benero, vice president of student learning & success and chief academic officer.
“It is exciting to see our work progress as the first class of ABC students prepare to begin their journey in fall 2026. We are deeply grateful to our partners at Burleson ISD and Hill College for their shared vision and collaboration in removing barriers and creating a pathway for students to accelerate their education while remaining supported within their home community,” said Dr. Marcel Satsky Kerr, associate dean for undergraduate education and professor of pharmacology and neuroscience, College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at UNT Health Fort Worth.
In 2023, Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills, BISD Superintendent Dr. Bret Jimerson, and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at UNT Health Dr. Marcel Kerr began conversations to develop a pathway that would allow students to accelerate their education by providing access to college-level coursework while in high school and allowing them to enter the healthcare workforce more quickly. This March, after years of strategic planning, the BISD board of trustees approved the ABC Initiative.
“The faculty, staff, and administration at BISD are to be commended for their forward thinking in support of their students, without which this innovative program would not be possible,” said Dr. Mills.
For more information on the ABC Initiative, visit www.hillcollege.edu/dualcreditabc and www.hillcollege.edu/corecomplete.
About Hill College
Hill College, founded in 1923, is a comprehensive community college with three locations in Hillsboro, Cleburne, and Burleson, Texas, and a significant online presence. The college offers a diverse array of academic programs, including associate degrees, technical certifications, and job training. Hill College is committed to being a beacon of excellence in teaching, learning, and innovation. By creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, the college prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world. With a focus on accessible education, student-centered services, and community engagement, Hill College plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational and economic vitality of the region.
About Burleson ISD
Burleson Independent School District is a public school system in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, serving more than 12,600 students across 18 schools. Caring BISD educators and staff challenge and support students to help them graduate ready to tackle college and careers.
About UNT Health
UNT Health Fort Worth is located in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District. UNT Health trains the health care providers, public health workforce and scientists of the future in an interprofessional ecosystem. Through its six colleges—Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, College of Public Health, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy and College of Nursing—students learn to work in teams and develop an innovative mindset that prepares them for a rapidly changing health landscape. UNT Health Clinical Practice Group, the clinical enterprise of UNT Health, provides patient-centered care to people across Tarrant County. UNT Health’s research enterprise provides a foundation to expand the frontiers of scientific discovery to improve health and well-being.