From April 7–9, 1973, representatives from both public and private institutions of higher education—within Texas and beyond—gathered at the Ramada Inn Central in Dallas to discuss issues affecting the well-being of African Americans in Texas higher education. It was determined that because all in attendance served in various specialized positions within these institutions with a commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action efforts in higher education, that we formally organize an association to promote, maintain and assure the development and growth of African Americans in the educational process.

For more than 50 years after this initiative, under the leadership of the state organization's presidents, hundreds of African-American leaders have united to confront both new and ongoing challenges in Texas higher education.

Honor of their memories. 

In memory of our founders, TABPHE honors outstanding individuals each year at its annual state conference.

Former Presidents and their institutions at the time

Years	President and Institution
1973-1979	Ivory Moore, East Texas State University
1979-1981	Mary McFall, Southern Methodist University
1981-1983	Erma C. Johnson, Tarrant County Jr. College
1983-1985	Roland Hayes, Austin Community College
1985-1987	Dr. Corinthian Fields, Moutain View College
1987-1989	Dr. Elizabeth Branch, Tarrant County Jr. College
1989-1991	Dr. Marie Cromwell, Houston Community College
1991-1993	Jafus Cavil, Texas State Technical College
1993-1995	Rev. Clarence Glover, Southern Methodist University
1995-1997	Eddie Harris, St. Philip’s College
1997-2001	Dr. Rod C. Fluker, Sr., Austin Community College
2001-2003	Pearl Conyers, St Philips’ College
2003-2005	James Shippy, Southwest College, Houston Community College System
2005-2007	Arthur Gregg, University of Texas at Dallas
2007-2009	Dr. Laurie Fluker, Texas State University-San Marcos
2009-2011	Dr. Felicia J. Scott, College Dreams
2011-2013	Dr. Cherry Gooden, Texas Southern University
2013-2015	Joseph Hebert, San Jacinto College
2015-2017	Tanisha Shorter, North Lake College
2017-2019	Dr. Curtis Hill, Dallas County Community Colleges
2019-2021	Dr. Connie P. Williams, Austin Community College
2021-2023	Dr. Alexander Okwonna, San Jacinto College
2023-2025	Dr. Lavell Hendricks, East Texas A&M University