Austin Community College (ACC) is driving innovation and redefining higher education with its pioneering initiative, Transform_Ed. Launched just over a year ago, this visionary program is ensuring ACC not only meets the evolving needs of today’s workforce but also serves as a leader in innovation and opportunity.

ACC Provost Dr. Monique Umphrey highlighted the program’s progress during the January 13 Board of Trustees work session, emphasizing the unique moment in history we face.

“We are standing at an exciting juncture, a time of profound change that opens up incredible possibilities for growth and transformation,” said Dr. Umphrey. “This is our moment to act boldly and lead with purpose.”

Empowering Faculty and Staff to Lead Change

Transform_Ed leverages advanced tools like design thinking and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) analysis to empower faculty and staff to embrace emerging trends. Through collaboration and innovation, participants are creating impactful solutions to enhance student success and prepare for the future.

In its inaugural year, the program’s pilot cohort journeyed from idea generation to fully developed product proposals. Employees voted to select the top three projects, which are now receiving additional support to bring them to life:

Year Two: Focus on Emerging Technologies

As Transform_Ed enters its second year, cohort two will continue with the foundation and fidelity of the programming established in year one while also increasing the emphasis on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). The new cohort is working on strategies to integrate AI’s impact across industries into ACC’s curriculum and services, ensuring the college remains agile and aligned with workforce needs.

This year’s programming will include a workshop with real-world case studies on AI, scheduled for March, designed to further equip ACC’s faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills to lead in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

A Bright Future for Students and the Community

Transform_Ed reflects ACC’s unwavering commitment to innovation and student success. By empowering faculty and staff to anticipate and respond to emerging trends, the college is preparing students for future careers and creating a culture of possibility and progress.

For more information about Transform_Ed, visit infohub.austincc.edu/transformed.