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 Student Affairs Communications Director Mirosalva Zuniga has been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program. The six-month leadership development program for mid-level college and university professionals is designed to increase the number, variety, and quality of Latino/a talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and in higher education overall. The sessions will be delivered through a series of online meetings and also in-person sessions that will take place in October 2023 at HACU’s Annual Conference in Chicago and at the National Capitol Forum in Washington, D.C., in April 2024. 

ACC Goverment Associate Professor Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr. was published in The Review, the opinion and ideas section of The Chronicle of Higher Education. He writes about the common but outdated perception that community colleges are more oriented toward the trades than the liberal arts in “Community College Is the Future of Liberal Education.”

Karen Serna, Student Financial Wellness and Financial Aid Outreach director, co-authored an article published in the Community College Journal of Research and Practice, “Through Their Fingers Like Water: How Community College Students View Family as Sources of Financial Education.” The research was conducted to develop our understanding of how our students develop their knowledge of managing money. This research has been used to inform the continuous development of ACC’s Student Money Management Office’s programs and services to align with the unique needs and experiences of our students. Read the article here. 

Advanced Manufacturing Programs Associate Dean Dr. Laura Marmolejo is leading a new $364,000 grant awarded to the college from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The grant is funded through the Economic Development Administration STEM Talent Challenge program. ACC’s project is called the STARS Training Program. It stands for Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start and will allow the college to launch an affordable, short-term, high-quality training program. Students can prepare for entry-level employment as semiconductor manufacturing equipment maintenance and repair technicians. The program will be the only one of its kind in Central Texas and one of few nationwide. Read more here.

ACC Nursing student Kristan Hennessy is one of only seven students selected to serve as the Student Parent Fellow as part of the FamilyU Cohort. During her fellowship, Kristan will work with ACC administration and other students across the country to improve how colleges and universities address the needs of students with children. Read more here.

ACC Drama’s production of The Snow was nominated for 8 B Iden Payne Awards, including: 

  • Production of Theatre for Young Audiences 
  • Outstanding Direction of Theater for Young Audiences
  • 2 nominations for Outstanding Lead Performer in Theatre for Young Audiences
  • Set Design
  • Original Score
  • Puppet Design
  • Outstanding Wig Design

The awards recognize outstanding theatrical performance, production, and design in Austin. The selection committee is composed of volunteer theatre professionals and lifelong audience members who watch hundreds of shows each year to ensure every eligible production is considered.

​ACC was recognized with the 2023 Corporation of the Year award by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. As a Hispanic-serving institution, ACC was chosen as an outstanding example of how organizations can positively impact the lives of the Hispanic community and demonstrate a strong track record of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility. Read more here. 

ACC Rio Grande Campus, Building 1000, was awarded Best Project Innovation by the prestigious Urban Land Institute – Austin. The award recognizes projects for originality, creativity, innovative land use, sustainability, financing, and supporting public transportation. The campus was also a finalist in the Most Influential Project, Best Project Design, and Best Public Space categories. Read more here.

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].