In 1966, Lee College, under the leadership of Dean Walter Rundell and TDC Director, Dr. George Beto, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Corrections, began offering a program of courses in the state's prison system. This program was the first of its kind to recognize the potential benefits of higher education as a rehabilitation opportunity, and has grown from 182 students that first year to more than 1,200 students today.
Today Lee College is widely recognized as a national leader in the field of Correctional Education and higher education in prisons. Further, the Lee College Huntsville Center has established an enduring track record of student persistence and student success evidenced by actual program completion rates approaching 90 percent.
Additionally, 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the Huntsville Center and its mission to provide quality academic and technical programming to incarcerated students in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.
LCHC Mission
The Huntsville Center's mission statement recognizes the need to develop mutually beneficial relationships between former students and potential employers.
We are committed to transforming lives through education, equipping incarcerated individuals with the knowledge, credentials, and personal discipline needed to become contributing members of society thereby improving public safety. By providing meaningful academic pathways and hands-on learning experiences, we cultivate the skills, confidence, and character that empower each student to secure employment, strengthen communities, and sustain a life of purpose beyond incarceration.
The Huntsville Center has grown from 182 students during the first year to more than 1,200 students today. Educational programs represent one of the few opportunities for personal rehabilitation while incarcerated. Both academic and technical programs provide the essential work skills and professional qualifications necessary for offenders to achieve meaningful and gainful employment upon release. Without some form of true rehabilitation, many offenders are destined to repeat past failures. In turn, prison becomes a revolving door for too many offenders today.
Lee College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Lee College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Lee College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on the SACSCOC website (www.sacscoc.org).