NVC Retrospective : Breaking Records and Ranking High
November 4, 2025
(2015-2018)
As Northwest Vista College (NVC) approached its 20th anniversary, the campus was a hub of record-breaking achievement and community engagement. The 2014-2015 academic year was historic, with the college awarding 2,485 degrees and certificates. This coincided with the Alamo Colleges Board of Trustees granting Dr. Jacqueline E. Claunch the esteemed title of Administrator of Emeritus of Alamo Colleges – Northwest Vista College, following her retirement the previous year.
NVC’s official 20th-anniversary celebration in 2015 spanned the year, showcasing two decades of commitment to the San Antonio community. Special events included an Anniversary Kick-off celebration, the "Shortest Fiesta Parade," a “Birthday Bash,” and the first-ever HalloVISTA, which culminated in a fireworks show over the lake.
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This milestone year also brought a significant enhancement to military student support with the opening of the Veterans’ Lounge & Resources Center in Pecan Hall. This special space was dedicated to the memory of Mike Munoz, Sr., a two-time Purple Heart veteran and longtime NVC economics instructor. Further demonstrating this commitment, the Board highlighted the V2V (Vet to Vet) Program, a faculty and staff initiative that provides advocacy, information, and resources to help current and former military students thrive in higher education.
The focus on excellence continued into 2016 when NVC was ranked the No. 2 community college in Texas by Best Colleges.com. This high ranking was based on key performance indicators, including acceptance, retention, graduation, and enrollment rates.
In planning for the future, NVC unveiled a draft of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), which included the construction of a STEM Center of Excellence, a new parking garage and welcome center, the Cypress Campus Center, and physical plan improvements. The college also showcased the high quality of its academic programs when its Digital Video & Cinema Production team presented their video collaborations with community organizations.
The year 2016 was also marked by acts of heroism when NVC/Alamo Colleges District Police Officer Mary Ramirez received the San Antonio Police Department’s Life Saving Award for helping to save the life of a 22-year-old man who lost both legs in a motorcycle accident near the college.
NVC also launched a new community outreach event, “May the 4th Be With You At NVC,” in an effort to make college accessible to families. The event featured a “Star Wars” movie by the lake, costumes, activities for kids, and opportunities for community members to learn about the college, apply for admission, and register.
NVC’s dedication to student well-being was evident in 2018 with the soft opening of the NVC food pantry in Huisache Hall. Recognizing that over 40% of NVC students relied on Pell Grants and that 2 in 3 reported food insecurity, the college–led by a dedicated committee and the Vista Hunger Relief drive–partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to provide students with fresh produce and various food options.
That same year, NVC received a $3.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant launched the NVC Community Math Project, in collaboration with UTSA and area community centers. This comprehensive initiative aimed to provide math literacy education for students, faculty, parents, and their children, empowering parents to support their children’s educational careers.
NVC’s commitment to excellence resulted in an award-winning period in 2017 and 2018, with the college ranking high in key performance areas such as retention, graduation, and innovative practices. The college received a Silver Well Workplace Award from the Wellness Council of America for promoting employee wellness. The NVC Drama department won nine Globe Awards from the Alamo Theatre Arts Council for excellence in the theatre production of “Grease.”
The years 2015 through 2018 were transformational for Northwest Vista College. The college's focus on student success, community service, and academic quality led to sustained recognition. This commitment culminated in NVC receiving seven additional awards and recognitions within higher education, underscoring the hard work and dedication of students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Watch for the next Retrospective: 2019 – 2022!
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Northwest Vista College, part of the Alamo Colleges District, opened in 1995 with 12 students and has grown to more than 22,000 students. Located in Westover Hills, NVC’s expanding agreements with business and higher education partnerships provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the community.