Dear TCC Community,  

 

When I first assumed the role of president at Texas Chiropractic College, one of my key priorities was to foster trust and transparency with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters. To that end, I launched the President’s Letter – an ongoing effort to keep you informed and engaged in the life of our college.  

 

Since then, I have shared dozens of letters that highlight milestones such as graduations, student success stories, faculty achievements, and exciting campus events. My hope has always been that you find these updates both informative and encouraging.  

 

However, this month’s letter carries a more urgent tone. While there were many accomplishments in May, I need to take this time to draw attention to a serious and immediate challenge that threatens access to education for many of our current and future students.  

 

As communicated in the June 2 email from our Office of Marketing and Communications, the U.S. Senate is preparing to review a sweeping reconciliation bill that included deep cuts to federal student aid. These proposed changes would severely limit access to Pell Grants and federal student loans, especially for students pursuing careers in healthcare, education, and other essential service fields. Among the most alarming provisions:  

 

• Elimination of subsidized loans for undergraduates.  

• Termination of the Grad PLUS loan program (effective July 2026).  

• A cap on graduate borrowing that could undermine advanced degree programs.  

• Redefining full-time enrollment to 15 credit hours, which would reduce Pell Grant eligibility.  

• New “risk-sharing” penalties.  

 

These changes would have a disproportionate impact on institutions like TCC and the students we serve, many of whom are from rural, underrepresented, and nontraditional backgrounds. Without access to this critical financial support, many students may be forced to delay or abandon their education.  

 

WE MUST ACT NOW. I urge every member of our TCC community to contact your U.S. Senators and voice your opposition to these cuts. The coming weeks are important, since the bill is expected to go straight to the Senate floor without the usual committee review.  Click here to find your Senator’s contact information. 

 

Now more than ever, your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that future generations of chiropractic students have the opportunity to learn, lead, and serve their communities. Your advocacy can help protect access to the education that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission. 

 

Best regards, 

  

Sandra Hughes, D.C., M.Ed., FICC 

President, Texas Chiropractic College