Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Charles Grant

Dr. Charles Grant has had many roles at San Jacinto College. Beginning as a student in 1965 then later serving 25 years at the College as a faculty member, administrator, and former president of the College's North Campus, he has seen the College grow and evolve into the nationally ranked institution that it is today. Recently, Grant was honored by the San Jacinto College Foundation as its first Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for his continued support with scholarship donations through individual, community, and industry gifts.

"We all know that the key to a better quality of life is education," said Grant. "However, there is so much need and the cost of education is greater than ever before. Financial barriers are often the reason that students don't complete their degree or certificate. Donors have the opportunity to change the trajectory of so many lives through scholarship donations."

Prior to his tenure at the College, Grant earned an A.A. from San Jacinto College, a B.S. from Stephen F. Austin State University, an M.Ed. from Sam Houston State University, and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. Grant then spent 10 years at Galena Park ISD as a teacher and assistant principal. He began his career at San Jacinto College as an instructor for management development, director and dean for continuing education, vice president of instruction, and president of the North Campus. The continuing education division became a significant highlight for Grant, as he was instrumental in developing some of the College's early workforce training programs including welding, pipefitting, and industrial painting.

"The College's Continuing Education courses originally focused on enrichment and leisure learning such as guitar, ballroom dancing, or defensive driving. Workforce training became such a great need for our students and local industry, so we began working with industry partners and professionals to develop training courses that would eventually become entire programs dedicated to students earning technical certificates and associate of applied science degrees."

Ruth Keenan, San Jacinto College Foundation executive director of advancement, says that Grant's continued support and advocacy for higher education is truly remarkable: "He is a pillar of the College and part of the very fabric of what San Jacinto College is. We are grateful to have people like him who support the College and who inspire the next generation of people to rise up."

Grant often says that the College played a major role in his success and that attending a community college was one of the best decisions he ever made.

"I highly recommend that students attend a community college before transferring to a university," he said. "San Jacinto College provides students with a solid foundation that allows them to be successful whether they are transferring to a university or going directly into the workforce."