| Lone Star College–North Harris | |
| Established: | 1973 |
| President: | Bennie E. Lambert |
| Chancellor: | Mario Castillo |
| Students: | 18,478[1] |
| Country: | United States |
| Campus: | Urban, 254 acres (1 km²) |
| Colors: | Blue and Red |
| Mascot: | Hurricanes |
| Website: | http://northharris.lonestar.edu |
Lone Star College–North Harris (formerly North Harris College, NHC) is a public community college, located in unincorporated Harris County, Texas. Part of the Lone Star College System, LSC North Harris offers Associate's degrees and program certifications in over 110 fields of study.
It was established in 1972 by voters in the Aldine, Humble and Spring Independent School Districts, located in the northern parts of Houston and Harris County. Lone Star College–North Harris, opened 1973, serves more than 11,000 students and is the district's only source for automotive technology, health information technology, child development and family studies, paralegal studies, medical assisting and pharmacy technology programs. To provide neighborhood centers that serve residents in the greater Greenspoint and South Aldine areas, Lone Star College–North Harris has two full-service satellite centers.
On January 22, 2013, three people were injured in a shooting in the campus courtyard near the library. The gunman was heard arguing with a student named Jody Neal, and initially walked away but returned and pulled out a handgun from his backpack. The gunman shot Neal three times.[2] A maintenance man was hit in the leg by a bullet. The shooter accidentally shot himself in the buttocks area.[3] Witnesses said up to six shots were fired.[4]
Immediately after the shooting, the campus was evacuated and put on "lockdown."[5] Two individuals with multiple gunshot wounds were in serious condition at Ben Taub Hospital. A fourth person suffered a stroke and was also taken to the hospital.[6] [7] The shooter fled into nearby woods and was followed by officers who later apprehended him.[3]
There were two people detained for further questioning[8] and later that day, Carlton Berry, age 22, who is believed to be the gunman, was charged with aggravated assault in the shootings.[9] These charges were later dropped.[10] Recent Developments
In recent years, Lone Star College–North Harris has undertaken significant expansion projects to accommodate its growing student population and to enhance its educational offerings. In 2022, the college completed the construction of a new state-of-the-art Health Professions Building, which houses advanced simulation labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed for health science programs. This facility aims to provide students with hands-on training and experience using the latest medical technologies.
Lone Star College–North Harris has been recognized for its excellence in various academic programs. In 2023,[11] the college's Nursing program received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), highlighting its commitment to high standards in nursing education. Additionally, the college's Paralegal Studies program was ranked among the top community college programs in the nation by Paralegal Today magazine.
The college has strengthened its ties with the local community through various outreach initiatives. The Lone Star College–North Harris Community Engagement Center, opened in 2021, serves as a hub for community services, offering free workshops, job training programs, and educational resources to residents of the surrounding areas. The center's goal is to enhance the economic and social well-being of the community by providing accessible educational opportunities and support services.
The LSC-North Harris campus is situated on 254 acres (1 km²) of land originally owned by Aldine ISD, located just several hundred feet from Aldine's Nimitz High School. It is about 20miles north of Downtown Houston.[12]
The Houston Weekend College of Our Lady of the Lake University previously operated at North Harris.[13]