This regular feature recognizes achievements, activities, and accolades of Austin Community College District (ACC) faculty and staff. To submit news or suggestions, see the contact information below.

ACC Geology Adjunct Professor Kusali Gamage is the winner of the 2021 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) Geo2YC Division. She was selected by NAGT members for her efforts to serve geoscience students at ACC and for her service to the greater two-year college geoscience community.

ACC DigiTex Executive Director Judith Sebesta recently authored a paper published with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) – The NISOD Papers. The paper is entitled, “Adopting OER to Support Equity in Instruction and Learning,” which explores how to support equity in instruction and learning at community and technical colleges.

Austin Community College District was recently awarded three new state grants. The college received two grants from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief Fund Accelerating Credentials of Purpose and Value Grant is aimed at quickly preparing individuals for employment or continued study as pharmacy technicians, radiologic technologists, and patient care technicians. The funding will allow faculty to revise and reorganize existing curriculum and articulate a new continuing education course in vaccine storage and administration. 

The THECB Texas Completion Repayment Grant will allow ACC Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs to support at least 75 students with debt repayment to encourage their return to college or continued enrollment. 

The Governor’s Summer Merit Program Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission paves the way for ACC to connect with high school students. The college will launch new summer day camps for 100 rising high school freshmen. These camps focus on key industries in our area like Health Sciences, Manufacturing, and Information Technology. 

Do you know a student or faculty or staff member who has accomplished something notable outside the classroom or in their community? We want to hear about them. Contact Victoria Garza Gonzalez at victoria.garza@austincc.edu.