The Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies at the University of St. Thomas-Houston has been blazing trails with an in-demand variety of AAS (two-year) degree programs since 2019. Now, the young, high-spirited school announces fall 2023 is seeing its largest enrollment ever. A total of 233 students are spread across six programs of study: Pragmatic Studies, General Business, General Studies, Drug & Alcohol Counseling, Cybersecurity, and Networking Technology. 

The Pragmatic Studies Program, designed for students who learn differently, is “wildly successful” and presently has a waiting list, indicating parents of such students are ecstatic about Kolbe’s academic offerings.

The Kolbe School Dean, Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters, is the school’s most passionate champion.

“We are pleased on so many levels,” Walters said, “including how the General Business Program has experienced a boost in numbers since we began offering MBA students an opportunity to complete their business prerequisites, which are easily transferrable.”

Offering Eight AAS Degrees

Under Walters’ leadership, the school has grown to offer eight two-year degrees.

She said, “We are now a family of eight! We are extremely excited to offer three of our newest programs: the General Sciences, which we have designed in collaboration with our STEM and Nursing Programs; General Studies, which will provide a broad base of courses within areas that support the Texas Common Core, in both an English and Spanish track; and Human Services to support the growing counseling and mental health communities.”

For Students Seeking the AAS Opportunity and Individualized Support

The enrollment numbers speak to the increasing awareness and appreciation of educational opportunities outside the traditional four-year degree program.

“Busy students want convenience while working to maintain a work and home-life balance,” Walters added. “Also, our affordable price tag attracts students who desire a two-year or certification program in a private university setting with a strong Catholic mission. And finally, innovation is central to what we do at Kolbe. We work closely with students to support their personal and professional development with a dedicated student success coach. We truly offer one-on-one individualized support to give our students a red-carpet experience. 

Walters went on to say the work could not happen without Kolbe’s incredibly dedicated faculty and staff, including chairs who work tirelessly to advise students, and the  admissions counselor. 

The Kolbe goal is to support students as they enroll in one of UST’s four-year programs or seek employment upon graduation.

“We are thrilled with our numbers, but we’re keeping a keen eye on the future and how to keep our programs strong to meet the needs of any student who desires to attend UST.”