San Angelo Howard College opens $14M, 45,000-SF bldgs.

SAN ANGELO – Howard College has opened their new Student Services Building and Academic Building, which cost a combined $13.8 million and total 45,000 sf.

The Student Services Building includes a new library, dedicated space for a testing center, an expanded area for advising, financial aid, registrar and business office, plus office space and a conference room.

The Academic Building features six new general classrooms, a lecture hall, a computer lab, a distance learning classroom, office space and a conference room.

“These new buildings will help us catch up to our existing enrollment,” said Howard College President Dr. Cheryl Sparks. “Obviously, we will continue to grow as the workforce needs of the area continue to materialize."

Dr. Sparks has been with Howard College for 38 years, and said she has relished seeing the steady growth of the school’s enrollment in San Angelo and said the new facilities were designed to accommodate the sizable student body.

“Out of our 900-some-odd graduates last year, I would say that about half of them already had a certification in some technical area, and that is only possible because of that relationship," said San Angelo Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Carol Ann Bonds.

“We are working right now to expand the training programs that are available with oilfield-related certification classes…Howard College and the school district have a seamless working relationship, and there are no turf issues to get in the way of teaching these students,” said Bonds.