Texas Chiropractic College announces leadership transition

Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) announces that Stephen Foster, DC, FICC, is stepping down as President and Sandra Hughes, DC, MEd, FICC, has been appointed President-Elect by the TCC Board of Regents.

The leadership transition becomes effective September 1, 2023.

Foster became TCC’s 15th President on July 18, 2016, after graduating from TCC in 1990 and serving in various roles as a faculty member and administrator since 1994.

“It has been an honor to serve as President of Texas Chiropractic College. My goal has been to deliver the very best experience for students, faculty, and staff, while also embracing our alumni and community. I am proud of where Texas Chiropractic College stands today and I know the best is yet to come,” said Foster.

“Dr. Hughes is the perfect selection as the next President. We have worked side-by-side for many years to better Texas Chiropractic College. I am confident she will continue to move the College forward with her unique skill set and aspiring vision,” added Foster.

Foster’s focus on student academic success and improving the student experience has delivered the highest graduation rates and student satisfaction in the past two decades. During his tenure, TCC added state-of-the-art technology to elevate student learning and introduced The Phoenix Project to enhance the TCC campus through investments in infrastructure, education technology, campus beautification and student amenities. The Hampton Tax Group Recreation Center opened in March 2022 as a cornerstone of The Phoenix Project.

Foster successfully guided TCC through several challenges, including rebuilding facilities following Hurricane Harvey and the January tornado. He also shepherded the college through an alternative and amended instructional approach during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Foster has been an impressive leader for Texas Chiropractic College. His focus on the student experience created a true sense of belonging for students at TCC. The enhanced student experience and improved education helps make our students stronger, better prepared, and ready to heal the world,” said Dawn Schwab, DC, Chair of Texas Chiropractic College’s Board of Regents.

Dr. Hughes will be the first female President of Texas Chiropractic College. The 1994 TCC graduate has served as Executive Vice President since 2020. Prior to that role, she was Vice President of Administrative Services from 2016-2020, Dean of Institutional Advancement from 2014-2016, and Director of Admissions from 2003-2009. From 2009-2014, Hughes taught in Alief Independent School District and served as an adjunct professor at Houston Community College. Prior to joining TCC in 2003, Hughes operated a Chiropractic practice and taught science in El Paso. She taught as an adjunct professor at Lee College from 2001-2003.

In her role as Executive Vice President, Hughes worked directly with Foster in leading efforts that promote academic success and enhance the student experience. Her responsibilities with the college provide her valuable experience interacting with key stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. These relationships and experiences are instrumental in guiding Hughes’s vision as President.

“I applaud Dr. Foster on a successful and inspiring tenure as President. It has been rewarding to work alongside him implementing changes to improve our programs,” said Hughes. Hughes embraces the future as TCC president. “I affirm my commitment to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of TCC. We will invest in opportunities that inspire and empower every life TCC touches. As the education landscape changes, we will continuously improve to meet the needs of future students and patients and to fulfill our mission of developing practice-ready Doctors of Chiropractic.”

“Dr. Hughes is the logical choice to be the next President of Texas Chiropractic College. Her experience working side-by-side with Dr. Foster is invaluable,” said Schwab. “TCC will continue to grow and thrive under Dr. Hughes as she elevates TCC programs with innovative ways to educate our students. As a board, we look forward to walking alongside her.” Foster will continue to assist TCC with special initiatives as he transitions out of the role of President.

“We are delighted that Dr. Foster will continue to serve TCC. He is incredibly important to the College and his experiences as President will help guide Dr. Hughes as she begins her tenure,” added Schwab.

About Texas Chiropractic College

Since 1908, Texas Chiropractic College has led the way in chiropractic education. Our mission is to
educate knowledgeable, skillful and patient-centered chiropractors. Our Moody Health Center is open to the public and has been serving Pasadena and surrounding communities since June 2000. To learn more, visit txchiro.edu or call 800-468-6839.