Texas Southern University Approves 'Ascend 2030' Strategic Plan

The university's comprehensive roadmap aims to prepare graduates for the future and strengthen its role as a catalyst for economic growth.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Texas Southern University's Board of Regents has unanimously approved the university's 'Ascend 2030' strategic plan, which establishes a disciplined roadmap for the institution's next century of growth and impact. The plan, grounded in the framework of Renew, Enhance, and Expand, aligns academic excellence, operational precision, and institutional growth around preparing graduates to lead and shape the future of Texas and the nation.

Why it matters

As Texas Southern University approaches its centennial in 2027, the 'Ascend 2030' plan positions the university to compete, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing world. By embedding advanced technologies, aligning degrees with measurable outcomes, and creating a purpose-built ecosystem that integrates academic programs, research, and industry partnerships, the plan aims to strengthen the university's role as a catalyst for economic growth in Houston and across Texas.

The details

The 'Ascend 2030' plan is built upon four guiding ideas: 1) Embedding advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, across academic and operational systems to strengthen performance and resilience; 2) Aligning degrees, credentials, and experiential learning with measurable completion and career outcomes; 3) Leveraging Houston as a strategic advantage for immersive learning, research, and industry collaboration; and 4) Creating a purpose-built ecosystem that integrates academic programs, research, philanthropy, and industry partnerships to accelerate innovation and long-term growth.

  • Texas Southern University is approaching its centennial in 2027.
  • The Board of Regents unanimously approved the 'Ascend 2030' strategic plan in March 2026.

The players

J.W. Crawford III

President of Texas Southern University.

James Benham

Chairman of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents.

Texas Southern University

A public historically black university located in Houston, Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As we approach 100 years of service, this plan represents the University's mandate. Ascend 2030 is disciplined, data-informed, and designed for execution. It honors our legacy while positioning Texas Southern University to compete, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing world — and to strengthen our role as a catalyst for economic growth in Houston and across Texas.”

— J.W. Crawford III, President of Texas Southern University

“The Board of Regents is fully aligned behind Ascend 2030 because it does what a strategic plan should do — it sets clear priorities, ties them to measurable outcomes, and gives the University a real framework for accountability. President Crawford and his team built this plan around what Texas Southern University actually needs to compete at the highest level over the next decade: modernized systems, stronger student outcomes, and deeper ties to Houston's economy and employer base. We're not just planning for the centennial — we're laying the foundation for the next hundred years.”

— James Benham, Chairman of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents

What’s next

The university will now begin implementing the 'Ascend 2030' strategic plan, which includes modernizing financial, human resources, and information technology systems, diversifying revenue streams, and strengthening partnerships to expand opportunity for students and communities across Texas.

The takeaway

Texas Southern University's 'Ascend 2030' strategic plan positions the institution to compete, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing world, while strengthening its role as a catalyst for economic growth in Houston and across the state. By aligning academic excellence, operational precision, and institutional growth, the university aims to prepare graduates to shape the future of Texas and the nation.