San Jac celebrates grand opening of Center for Biotechnology
PASADENA, Texas – San Jacinto College, the exclusive provider of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) program for the southern United States, celebrated the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Center for Biotechnology at the College’s Generation Park Campus today.
“The Center for Biotechnology represents our commitment to preparing students with the skills, training, and opportunities they need to step directly into high-demand, high-wage careers,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor, San Jacinto College. “At the same time, it provides industry partners with a reliable pipeline of talent that will help fuel innovation and growth for years to come.”
Built in collaboration with McCord Development, the developer of the 4,300-acre Generation Park, The Center marks a major step forward in advancing a robust life sciences ecosystem in the Houston region. The state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive, hands-on training in realistic good manufacturing practices (GMP)–simulated environments, preparing students and industry professionals with the critical skills to succeed in the fast-growing biopharmaceutical sector.
“Our partnership with San Jacinto College reflects years of thoughtful planning to create a fully integrated community where Houston’s life sciences industry can grow and thrive,” said Ryan McCord, president, McCord Development. “Central to that vision is a skilled workforce ready to support the influx of life science companies at Generation Park. The Center turns that vision into a reality with immersive programming tailored to develop the next generation of industry experts and strengthens the larger life science ecosystem here in the region.”
The Center will offer stackable certificates and an Associate of Applied Science degree in biomanufacturing technology, along with shorter training options for postgraduates and industry professionals. These pathways are designed to meet workforce demand quickly, safely, and cost-effectively while helping students launch meaningful careers in biomanufacturing and biotechnology.
“Having a well-prepared biomanufacturing workforce is a national imperative and a regional priority,” said Dr. Christopher Wild, assistant vice chancellor, biotechnology. “This new center gives our students and corporate trainees hands-on experience in environments that mirror real-world manufacturing, from day one of their training.”
San Jacinto College’s partnership with NIBRT ensures that the Houston region will benefit from world-class biopharmaceutical training, bolstering the local talent pipeline and positioning the city as a hub for innovation in life sciences.
“The opening of this facility at San Jacinto College marks a significant step forward in global collaboration to advance workforce development in bioprocessing,” said Barry Shortt, NIBRT, business development manager. By combining NIBRT’s international training standards with Texas’s commitment to innovation and education, we’re helping prepare a new generation of highly skilled professionals for one of the most technically demanding sectors in life sciences.”
About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
