The Woodlands U Is Here, Offering Special Classes On the Pioneering Masterplanned Community

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The base of the “First Fifty” sculpture marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of The Woodlands. NowThe Woodlands has its own Woodlands U university. (Illustration courtesy of LANDology)

The Woodlands Waterway embodies the heart of the city in all the best ways.

The Woodlands Waterway now serves as a linear park that connects residents, businesses, employees and visitors, enhancing our sense of community and providing inspiration for the entire region.

Waterway Square in The Woodlands is just one of the interesting hubs in The Woodlands.

The Woodlands community enjoyed a fireworks and drone show on the 50th anniversary of the founding of The Woodlands on Oct. 19 at Northshore Park. (Photo by Laura Landsbaum)

Scott Mitchell, (l) shared memories from the early days of The Woodlands as his father George began development as Dr. Ann Snyder and Jim Carman listen at the Woodforest Bank Club at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Oct. 18, 2024. (Photo by Laura Landsbaum)

Congressman Dan Crenshaw spoke at the dedication of the 50 year time capsule, held Monday, Oct. 14 at the Hughes Landing Bandshell.

The Woodlands U is almost in session. Are you ready to go back to school? This new nonprofit initiative was created to educate the residents of The Woodlands Township and the general public on the history and governance of The Woodlands, a nationally recognized pioneering masterplanned community. Its now offering classes that start September 22.

The Woodlands celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, with events throughout the year. Many of the people that had a hand in creating the masterplanned community, now owned by Howard Hughes Communities, still live the area, and will be part of The Woodlands U.

The inaugural program of The Woodlands U is a seven-session presentation this fall designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of founder George Mitchell’s original vision for The Woodlands, its evolution into one of the nation’s most highly regarded masterplanned communities and the governance structure that supports it today.

“The Woodlands has a remarkable story, but many residents have never had the opportunity to hear that story directly from the people who helped shape it,” The Woodlands U president Ted Stanley says. “We created The Woodlands U to preserve that history, help residents better understand how our community works and encourage informed participation in its future.”

Sessions will be led by a group of speakers with longstanding ties to The Woodlands and firsthand knowledge of the people, decisions and milestones that shaped the community. The curriculum will explore the founding of The Woodlands, early governance models, growth and development, covenants and community standards, the emergence of The Woodlands Township, the role of the villages, economic development, cultural life and The Woodlands’ future itself.

Visionary Professors

Speakers will include Robert Heineman, John Powers, Ann Snyder, Alex Sutton, Bruce Tough, Gil Staley, Joel Deretchin, Tim Welbes, Jim Carman and Nelda Blair, among others.

The Woodlands U is accepting applications now for this first program consisting of seven evening sessions. The class dates are September 22 and September 26, October 6, 13, 20 and 27, and November 10 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm each session. The sessions will be held at several locations throughout The Woodlands. The cost is $75 per person.

George’s Coffee Club is the founding sponsor for this program. The club is another nonprofit organization formed to share factual information about George Mitchell’s significant leadership and contribution in the development of The Woodlands,

For more information and to apply for the seven-session first program, go here.