This regular feature recognizes the achievements, activities, and accolades of Austin Community College District (ACC) faculty and staff. To submit news or suggestions, see the contact information below.
ACC has named Perry Crafton as dean of Arts & Digital Media. Crafton has served as interim dean since 2021. Prior to serving as interim dean, Crafton was an associate professor of Drama at ACC. He also has served as director of the Theatre Program for West Texas A&M University. His work has been recognized on the state, region, and national levels and received more than 50 collective awards. He is a three-time nominee for ACC’s Teaching Excellence Award and teaches Acting I, II, and III; Voice & Diction; and Introduction to Theatre.
ACC Jewelry instructor Gay “Sugar” Isber was featured in Accessories Council Magazine, introducing her to its global members and buyers. The two-page story, “From Everything Nice to Sugar and Spice,” was featured in the July edition.
Alejandra Polcik, ACC Hispanic Outreach Projects manager, and Liliana Tabasco, ACC College Communications associate director, were interviewed by Univision 62’s Despierta Austin, a local Spanish-speaking morning show. Both shared information about fall registration and discussed the college’s earn-and-learn programs, transfer pathways, support services, and financial aid opportunities. Watch one of the featured segments here.
Dr. Rodney E. Rohde, ACC Biology associate adjunct professor and Texas State University Clinical Lab Science Program chair, was featured on a panel hosted by The Pathologist titled “Pathology’s Role in Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance.” Dr. Rohde was one of four experts featured as part of the June roundtable discussion on the lab’s role in fighting drug resistance.
Three ACC students were selected as NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars. Connor J., Richard C., and Amber T. were selected among hundreds of students nationwide for a virtual NASA experience this summer in which they designed a mission to explore the Moon or Mars. The opportunity also allows the students to attend events hosted by NASA subject matter experts, receive information on how to apply for NASA internships, and virtually tour NASA’s facilities. Learn more here.
Austin Community College District was featured nationally by NBC News for its intentional work focused on serving Latino students. ACC was one of seven colleges featured in a research brief by Excelencia in Education titled “Beyond Completion: Post-Completion Efforts at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.”
Do you know a student, 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, ACC internal communications coordinator, at [email protected].