Alternative Teacher Certification:
First program in the nation
 
Dual Admission:
First program in Texas to allow simultaneous enrollment at a community college and select universities (TWU, SMU, UTD, UNT)
 
Student Leadership Academy:
First at a community college in Texas
 
LULAC Young Adult Council:
First at national convention, winning 2003 President of the Year, Woman of the Year and Advisor of the Year awards
 
U.S. Professor of the Year:
Theatre Director Brad Baker, honored by the Carnegie Foundation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
 
Bond Rating:
Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s gave the college the highest credit rating available to a municipality—AAA/aaa bond rating—and noted “sound financial management” by the college. Only 15 political subdivisions have this rating among all counties, cities, school districts and community colleges in Texas.