Texas Southern, Port of Houston Teach Logistics

Texas Southern University is partnering with the Port of Houston Authority on a new degree program that will address key national transportation needs: logistics, security and environment.

The program will be the first of its type in Houston and the first to be offered at any historically black college or university in the country, according to a statement from the port. The Port of Houston Authority has committed $2 million to the program over a two-year period. The money will be used to develop and promote the program and to recruit and graduate students from it.

"We are extremely excited about our new Maritime Transportation Management and Security degree program and grateful to the Port of Houston Authority for its commitment to supporting this important initiative," Dr. John Rudley, TSU President, said in a statement. "This partnership is a perfect realization of Texas Southern's commitment to providing our students with cutting-edge, relevant academic programs that speak to the real needs of today's and tomorrow's job markets."

"Recently, there has been a global call for an infusion of prepared workforce into the maritime industry," PHA Chairman James T. Edmonds said. "This partnership integrates the resources of two dynamic Houston institutions committed to advancing education, commerce and improving quality of life. The success of this program will reap benefits that will be felt locally, nationally and around the world."

In addition to reaching TSU students, the program will expose area high school students to maritime employment opportunities.

C. Michael Walton, Ernest H. Cockrell Centennial Chair in Engineering, University of Texas, said, "The proposed program addresses a growing need in the U.S. and abroad for individuals educated in the aspects of an expanding global trade enterprise via the maritime industry. Houston is a catalyst for such a program because it is a major city in a dynamic country and state, has a world-class port with an established maritime business and is strategically located."