Updated December 18, 2025
This regular feature recognizes the achievements, activities, and accolades of Austin Community College District (ACC) faculty, staff, and departments and will be updated regularly. To submit news or suggestions, fill out this form.
Austin Community College (ACC) was the only community college nationwide selected to join the Postsecondary Data for Action Network, a new community of practice to help colleges harness data to improve student outcomes and credential completion. The network includes 12 cross-functional teams from four-year universities, community colleges, and Minority-Serving Institutions from across the country.
“Austin Community College is thrilled to join the Postsecondary Data for Action Network. Data guides our way, whether by demonstrating the power of our new first-dollar tuition-free college model, aligning our instructional programs with labor market needs, or ensuring success for all the students we serve,” says Jenna Cullinane Hege, Vice Chancellor of Research, Effectiveness & Grants. “The opportunity to partner with our peers to stay on the leading edge of college analytics and attuned to rapidly changing policy dynamics is incredibly valuable.”
ACC Photography & Visual Media Department’s inaugural Artist in Residence, Victor Josué Quintana Ramos, was the featured artist for a full week on NPR/KUT’s Arts Eclectic. His presence provides invaluable mentorship for our students, and this coverage underscores the college’s commitment to innovative artists. Listen to the feature here.
Additionally, the program continues to be a launchpad for graduates who are strengthening Austin’s creative economy and joining world-renowned cultural institutions:
- Mireya Salinas now serves as Collections Photographer at the Hoover Institution at Stanford, where she recently presented alongside Condoleezza Rice.
- Regan Bradshaw just accepted a position in the same specialized field at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City.
Also, current student Donna Soo was featured in the highly competitive Unbound! exhibition at Candela Gallery, earning a purchase award and a 2026 solo show.
ACC Biology Associate Adjunct Professor Dr. Rodney E. Rohde co-wrote a piece published by the American Society for Microbiology. Read the article, “Climate, Vectors and Virus Keep Chikungunya a Global Focus,” here.
ACC Geospatial Adjunct Professor Michael Ritter has been recognized for his 40-year commitment to providing instruction to the next generation of surveyors. The Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS), the authoritative voice for land surveyors across the state, honored Mike with the Eminent Educator of the Year Award in October 2025. Read more about this special award in this blog post.
ACC Criminal Justice Adjunct Professor RenEarl Bowie has been named CapMetro’s new Chief of Transit Police. Bowie steps into th role with more than 30 years of transformative leadership in law enforcement. Read more here.
Erica Cepeda, BAS Software Development/Computer Science and Information Technology Program Coordinator, published two articles this year.
“Trial by Fire: Exploring Informal and Social Learning in an IT Managed Service Provider” was published in the European Journal of Training and Development in March 2025. The article examines how learning happens beyond formal training through collaboration, employee relationships, and mentorship.
The article “Beyond Arrival: Transformative Learning in an International Peer Mentor Circle for Graduate Students” explores how peer-based learning communities foster belonging, reflection, and transformation among international students. Published by the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education in October, it emphasized the importance of culturally responsive and supportive environments that ease transitions and promote academic confidence.
Five Ascender students were selected to attend the Latino Leaders Network’s 75th Latino Leaders Luncheon Series on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Austin JW Marriott:
- Pamela Ortiz Suarez
- Karla Buenaventura Esquina
- Isaiah Castillo
- Mauricio Nava-Vences
- Yolanda Rivera
They were able to attend a Tips for Success workshop and meet John Quiñones, Emmy Award-winning ABC journalist. The event brought together distinguished leaders such as Ruben Alvarez, CEO of the Latino Leaders Network; Mickey Ibarra, Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network; Leticia Van de Putte, Latino Leaders Network board member; Mayor Kirk Watson; and Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes, to celebrate Latino leadership and service to our community.
ACC Biology Associate Adjunct Professor Dr. Rodney E. Rohde has been invited by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to give the Barbara M. Castleberry Lecture for Laboratory Professionals. His lecture, “My Journey in Advocacy – Why OUR Voices Matter!,” will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at the ASCP 2025 Annual Meeting.
If you have any questions, contact Victoria Garza Gonzalez, ACC internal communications coordinator, at [email protected].