Texas A&M University – Central Texas officially signed an affiliation agreement with the East Williamson County Higher Education Center at a press conference Dec. 10.

Mark Nigliazzo, president of Texas A&M University – Central Texas, said the university has planned to join EWCHEC since the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2074 in 2007, paving way for construction of the campus. After earning accreditation in June, Texas A&M University – Central Texas has worked to bring classes to EWCHEC, where Texas State Technical College and Temple College already offer classes and technical certifications.

"This is the future of higher education," said Jim Schwertner, a member of the Texas A&M University System's board of regents. "We've got to have a system where everyone collaborates to educate our students in a more affordable way"

Texas A&M University – Central Texas is an upper-level junior/senior graduate-level university. Students who begin their studies at community colleges can transfer to finish their bachelor's degrees in two years, and MBA programs could be offered in the future. Nigliazzo said the university plans to offer business courses first, followed by a school of education, and schools of arts and sciences as interest arises.

EWCHEC officials welcomed the university to the campus and said the addition will help expand the campus' academic offerings.

"It's incredibly exciting," said Robbin Raye, Director of Center Development for EWCHEC. "[Texas A&M University – Central Texas] will bring a lot more students and offer a lot more opportunities."

The first classes through Texas A&M University – Central Texas will be available at EWCHEC in spring 2014.