GAINESVILLE, Texas — North Central Texas College broke ground on a new residence hall that will add three stories of student housing to its Gainesville campus, a move college officials say will help recruit students and improve graduation rates. The Clark Residence Hall, named for college founder Randolph Lee Clark, expands NCTC's on-campus living options at a time when community colleges across Texas are investing in residential facilities to compete for students who might otherwise choose four-year universities. College administrators cite research showing students who live on campus tend to complete degrees at higher rates than commuters. Housing near classrooms and campus services eliminates transportation barriers and gives students easier access to tutoring, library resources, and faculty office hours. For students juggling work schedules with classes, on-campus housing can reduce daily commute time and costs while creating more opportunities to participate in study groups, campus organizations, and academic support programs. The new hall adds capacity for students from rural areas of North Texas who face long drives to attend classes. NCTC's announcement did not specify completion timelines or room capacity for the three-story building. The college plans to release additional details about construction progress, design features, and application procedures for prospective residents as the project moves forward. Families and students interested in campus housing can check NCTC's website for updates on room assignments, costs, and availability. Read the full announcement at https://www.nctc.edu/news/nctc-celebrates-groundbreaking-for-new-residence-hall-in-gainesville