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 Biotechnology Department Chair Linnea Fletcher co-wrote a white paper with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals on “Community College Biotechnology Education: Innovation, Lessons in Success, and the Critical Need for Fostering Engagement with the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry.” It was mentioned in an article published in biotech journal BioSpace titled “Community Colleges Help Address Skills Gap.”
ACC Highland, Building 2000, was awarded the Austin Green Awards Project of the Year. The program aims to highlight the next generation of sustainably inspired best practices and heighten the visibility of a broad spectrum of exemplary initiatives in Austin. Judges described the ACC Highland project as an outstanding example of adaptive reuse — showcasing the college’s dedication to sustainable practices while maintaining impeccable design aesthetics. They also recognized the work that happened here to celebrate history in the design.
ACC Adjunct Biology Professor Dr. Rodney E. Rohde was honored by The American Society for Clinical Pathology with the 2023 ASCP Member Excellence in Education Award. The award recognizes an educator for their contributions to the medical laboratory profession.
Professional Photography Professor Bret Brookshire was recognized and awarded the David A. Berry National Distinguished Humanities Educator Award. This prestigious honor is bestowed every two years to recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond in service to the humanities as an educator in the nation’s community colleges.
Last month, ACC hosted the national conference of the Community College Humanities Association, welcoming faculty, administrators, staff, and students from 61 community colleges from around the country. Several dozen ACC faculty and staff in the Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Communications division led the way to make this possible, including Humanities & Cinema Studies Professor Jean Lauer; Adjunct Philosophy Professor Wade Allen; Philosophy, Religion & Humanities Professor Grant Potts; and Dean Matthew Daude of our Liberal Arts Area of Study.
ACC has a new student-led mental health organization called Active Minds to spread the word about the importance of Mental Health at ACC. ACC Clinical Counselor Susan Lorino is sponsoring this group, and Andrew Silver and Sandra Elizondo are serving as Faculty advisors. Several students have already stepped forward to serve as officers — Damian Lindley, Asmaa, and Marley.
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].