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 Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart was named among the Texas 100 — the Business Journal’s annual list of impactful Texans who will likely make headlines during the coming year. Twenty-five leaders were named in the cities of Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Dr. Lowery-Hart was among the Top 25 Influential Pros to Know in 2024 in Austin.
ACC’s SEO/Web Content Coordinator Patrice Sarath is also an ACC Film/Video Production Technology student. She recently won two awards for a short film she created for class called “Do Over.” It won Best Short Film at the Equinale Film Festival in Mecklenburg, Germany, and a Winnie Award from the Equus Film & Arts Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
ACC’s Automotive Technology Department and its Department Chair, Mike Shoebroek, recently received word that the department passed the ASE re-accreditation evaluation — specifically for Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation. This is the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Our Military Programs Manager, Vanessa Errico, is one of three military spouses from around the nation selected to be a part of the 2023 Association of Defense Communities Installation Innovation Forum — Military Spouse Leadership Initiative. Vanessa presented at their national conference last month and talked about the challenges facing military families in Austin. She also shared insights on what we’re doing at ACC to better serve military families and service members across Central Texas. Our Military Families Center will launch in the year ahead.
ACC’s Highland Campus continues to earn recognition. First, ACC Highland, Building 2000, won the prestigious U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) South Central Region Community Champion award, beating out 145 other submissions. Also, Building 3000 was awarded USGBC LEED Gold certification.
ACC Dance Adjunct Professor Gabrielle Aufiero has been named Dance Educator of the Year by the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) for her work as a Round Rock High School Dance Teacher. The TDEA is a professional organization that provides dance educators with the opportunity for staff development and networking. Aufiero was nominated for this award by her peers.
ACC’s Adult Education Department was awarded a grant of more than $122,000 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to expand our Phlebotomy Technician Certificate and Certified Nurse Aide programs. We’re launching these through new Adult Education Career Pathways. TRUE Grant funds will create and support an affordable and accessible route for adult learners to begin new careers serving the public in hospitals, clinics, and labs as phlebotomists and nursing assistants.
ACC Biology Adjunct Professor Dr. Rodney Rohde’s latest article, “Rabies is an ancient, unpredictable and potentially fatal disease − two rabies researchers explain how to protect yourself” has been published in The Conversation. The article explains how the rabies vaccination works and how one can protect oneself from infection.
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].