


In 1934, the school changed its name from the Houston Independent School District to Houston College. Currently Texas Southern University is one of the largest and most comprehensive HBCUs in the nation with an enrollment of over 10,000 students and over 100 academic programs. The university serves as a strong economic resource for Greater Houston, contributing over $500 million to the region's gross sales and being responsible for over 3,000 jobs.
Notable alumni include Jennifer Holliday, a Grammy Award-winning entertainer and well-known cast member of Dreamgirls; Tray Walker, former Baltimore Ravens cornerback; Jim Hines, a former NFL player, two time gold medalist at the 1968 Olympics, and also the first sprinter to officially break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters; Ron Reynolds, member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 27 since 2011; and many more.