The Austin Community College District (ACC) swore in one newly elected and two returning Trustees while also recognizing the public service of an outgoing board member during the board’s general meeting Monday, December 2, 2024.
ACC Trustee Dr. Nan McRaven swore in new Trustee Sherri (S.O.P.H.I.) Lynn Taylor in a ceremony at the Highland Campus. Taylor replaced the retiring long-time Trustee, Dr. Barbara P. Mink, and will represent Place 7 on the Board. Mink, who has been associated with ACC as an employee or Trustee since the college was founded in 1973, did not seek re-election. Taylor is a native Austinite who graduated from LBJ High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Instrumental Music and a master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. Taylor shares that her goal is to use her new role to address critical societal challenges affecting students, such as disability support, food insecurity, and poverty.
“I’m passionate about voter registration and getting people involved as Travis County Volunteer Deputy Registrar. For me, it’s all about meeting people where they are and connecting with people on a personal level—you just can’t replicate that online,” says Taylor. “I truly believe that registering voters isn’t just about the election; it’s about building a network of support. When disasters strike, knowing where people are and how to reach them can make all the difference.”
Trustees Stephanie Gharakhanian and Julie Ann Nitsch were both re-elected to Places 8 and 9, respectively. U.S. Representative Greg Casar swore in Gharakhanian. Nitsch was sworn in by fellow Trustee Gigi Edwards Bryant.
“It’s been an honor to serve the Austin Community College District for these last six years,” says Gharakhanian. “During my second term as Trustee, my priorities will continue to be ensuring that ACC is affordable, accessible, and supports our students’ success.”
“Being re-elected to the ACC District Board is a humbling honor. As someone who survived on a Pell Grant and navigated college without family support, I understand the transformative power of accessible education,” says Nitsch. “This work has always been about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone in our community to achieve their dreams. I’m grateful for the trust that’s been placed in me to continue serving.”
The board also elected its new officers for 2024. Sean Hassan, Place 4, will serve as chair, Dr. Manuel “Manny” Gonzalez, Place 5, will serve as vice chair, and Dana Walker, Place 1, will serve as secretary.
ACC Board members serve staggered six-year terms and are elected at-large by registered voters who live within the ACC District, including the City of Austin and the Austin, Leander, Manor, Del Valle, Round Rock, Elgin, and Hays school districts. In future elections, voters in Lockhart ISD will also be able to vote in Trustee elections, as that community voted to annex itself into the ACC taxing district during the 2024 general election.
For more information and a video of the proceedings, visit austincc.edu/board.