About NVC

Alamo Colleges District History (Click to Expand)

In the early 1900s, the term "junior college" was coined. During the 1960s, the "community college" movement took root. Community colleges made access to higher education easy and affordable for everyone through their cornerstone "Open Door" policy. For some, the community college serves as a springboard to further education; for others, it's a launchpad for careers through career and workforce training. Community colleges also offer developmental education, strong student support services, and are increasingly involved in community service.

St. Philip's College (founded in 1898 to educate emancipated slaves) and San Antonio College (established in 1925 as a junior college for the University of Texas) were the pioneers in the Alamo Colleges District, joining the District in 1945. Nearly 40 years later, in 1983, Palo Alto College joined as the third college within the District.

In the 1990s, there was a boom of development in the northwest quadrant of San Antonio. World Savings Bank donated property to the Alamo Colleges District for the purpose of building a new campus. Northwest Vista College began offering classes in 1995, followed by Northeast Lakeview College in 2008.

Northwest Vista College (NVC) History

Northwest Vista College began offering classes in the fall of 1995 as one of the newest additions to the Alamo Colleges District.

The college campus at 3535 N. Ellison Drive opened on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1998. The first on-campus classes were held in the "Academic Building" — now called Mountain Laurel Hall.

NVC’s initial enrollment was 12 students. Now, it has grown to more than 20,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff. Classes are now offered on-campus as well as at several off-site locations; several delivery options including evening classes, early mornings, online, hybrid, remote, and weekend courses are available. Most classes lead to a two-year associate degree or a certificate, and because Northwest Vista is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

In 2025, Northwest Vista College is celebrating 30 years of Creating Opportunities for Success in the San Antonio community. The college is located in one of San Antonio's fastest-growing areas, and continues to serve thousands of students every year.

*NVC campus lake reflection with buildings*

Dr. Amy Bosley

doctor Amy Bosley nvc president — *Dr. Amy Bosley,*
*NVC President*

Dr. Amy Bosley is the current college president.

Biography

Choosing an NVC Mascot

*Wildcat Willie poses for a picture outside of Cypress Campus Center (CCC)*

In the summer of 2000, a series of wildcat sightings and the discovery of numerous paw prints led to the selection of NVC’s beloved mascot, the Wildcat. During that year, a wildcat cub was spotted on campus, suggesting the presence of a family of wildcats in the area.

Following these events, the Wildcat emerged as a natural and fitting choice. It was determined that Wildcats embody the spirit of the Northwest Vista College community – strong, determined, and always striving for success.

Alamo Colleges District (ACD) Mission (Click to Expand)

Empowering Our Diverse Communities for Success

Northwest Vista College: Mission, Vision & Culture

NVC Mission

Northwest Vista College creates opportunities for success by offering quality academic, technical, and life-long learning experiences to its diverse communities in a collaborative, student-centered, data-informed and shared leadership environment.

nvc graduation ceremony students

NVC Vision

To become responsible members of our world community, we create exemplary models for:

Learning to Be . . .

Learning to Work . . .

Learning to Serve . . .

Learning to Lead . . .

Together.

2024 Commencement amy bosley with student

NVC Culture

We, the faculty, staff, and students of the NVC community, are committed to making a difference through learning and through service. To that end, we are guided and inspired by a unifying set of values.

The Alamo College's culture is based on six values:

Student Centered

Collaboration

"Can-Do" Spirit

Data-Informed

Respect For All

Community-Engaged

2024 Commencement two student graduates

NVC Touchstones

(Select each button below to expand)

Learning

We strive to create a quality learning environment in which each of us grows in effectiveness as a worker and a citizen while acquiring knowledge and understanding of self, community, and our cultural diversity.

Creativity

We think beyond the usual parameters to engage in and support innovations that continually recreate our learning community as a model of excellence in higher education.

Community

We strive to be a community in which all members are empowered to contribute as learners and leaders, practicing mutual respect and building mutual trust.

Openness

We engage in open and honest communications that create an atmosphere of trust and an openness to change for the benefit of students.

Caring

We believe in caring - for ourselves, for each other, and for this place - and exhibit that caring through service to others.

Integrity

We act with integrity, placing high ethical standards before personal gain and modeling that behavior for others.

Synergy

We work together to make our shared vision a reality, recognizing that the whole we can create together is greater than the sum of its parts.

Joy

We value laughter and play that enriches our work and lives.

Diversity

We value diversity, appreciating different ways of knowing and ways of living and recognizing that our diversity is a source of strength.

Awards

Northwest Vista College has received numerous awards and recognitions including:

2025 Aspen Prize Finalist for Community College Excellence
2023 Aspen Prize Top 150 – invited to compete for the prize
2023 – Ranked #2 in the state of Texas and Best for Student Success by Intelligent.com
Recognized four times (2022, 2021, 2020, 2018) as Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.
2022 - Ranked among top 25 colleges for Hispanics and #3 for associate degrees for Hispanic students by Hispanic Outlook on Education
2022 - Ranked #1 community college in San Antonio, #2 in Texas, and #34 in the nation by Niche.com
2021 Aspen Prize Top 150 – invited to compete for the prize