Austin Community College District (ACC) announced Aziz Hussaini as the new Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Planning, Construction & Sustainability in early April. 

Hussaini most recently served as interim Vice Chancellor of Facilities & Construction, where he established campus design guidelines and construction standards, the District-Wide Campus Master Plan, and oversaw the completion of ACC’s 2014 bond projects.

In his new role, he will oversee ACC’s project management office, energy and sustainability efforts, commissioning and engineering, in-house construction, furniture fixtures & equipment, and facilities information systems.

We asked some questions to learn more about him and his new role.

When did you start at ACC and in what role?

I joined ACC in August 2019 as the Director of Project Management in our Facilities & Construction Department. In January 2020, I took on the role of Interim Vice Chancellor for Facilities & Construction.

What inspired you to take on this new role?

What really inspired me to take on this role was the chance to make a meaningful difference—both in how our campus looks and feels, and in how it serves our students. I’ve always been passionate about creating spaces that are not only functional and welcoming but also sustainable. When this opportunity came up, it felt like the perfect blend of everything I care about: thoughtful planning, environmental responsibility, and supporting student success. Being part of a community college means the work we do directly impacts people’s lives every day, and that’s something I’m proud to be part of.  

What are some of the challenges in the areas you oversee?

Each of these areas plays a vital role in how our college campuses operate and evolve, and with that comes a unique set of challenges, which are not unique to ACC. These include:

Better space utilization 
Improving space utilization is a key priority, as we need a clearer picture of how our existing spaces are being used. By understanding which areas are underutilized and which are in high demand, we can make more informed decisions—whether that means repurposing existing buildings or planning for new development. It’s about using our resources wisely to ensure our spaces truly support the evolving needs of our students, faculty, and programs.

Staff development and training 
We have fewer people entering our field, and with many seasoned professionals retiring, we’re seeing a real gap in experience. That makes it even more important to support our new hires from Day 1. We need to find better, more effective ways to get them up to speed quickly—without overwhelming them—so they feel confident and prepared to do their jobs well. It’s about giving them the tools, knowledge, and support they need to grow, while also making sure we’re keeping things running smoothly across campus.  

Alignment on sustainability 
Achieving alignment on the sustainability value proposition is crucial. Advancing sustainability initiatives often requires not just changes in infrastructure, but a cultural shift and ongoing education. One of the key challenges is seamlessly integrating green practices into both new and existing buildings, particularly when budgets are tight or systems are outdated. Our goal is to make sustainability an inherent part of how we build and operate—so that it becomes second nature, rather than an afterthought or an added burden. This approach ensures sustainability is deeply embedded in everything we do.

Overall, the biggest challenge is making sure all these areas are aligned and working together toward shared goals, while staying flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of the campus.  

What is your vision for this role?

My vision for this role is rooted in creating a college that feels welcoming, inclusive, and built for the future. I want our spaces to reflect who we are as a community—diverse, driven, and deeply committed to learning and growth. That means making sure our planning and construction efforts are not just efficient, but thoughtful, designed with people in mind. I also care a lot about sustainability, so I see this as a chance to build in ways that respect the environment and set a strong example for our students. At the heart of it, my goal is to help create college spaces that everyone feels proud to be part of.

What are your top short-term and long-term priorities?

In the short term, my priority is to build strong relationships across campus and get a clear understanding of current projects, needs, and challenges. I want to ensure ongoing construction stays on track, aligns with our goals, and supports students and staff without major disruption.

Long term, I’m focused on creating a sustainable, forward-thinking campus master plan that reflects our values and growth. That includes integrating sustainability into every stage of planning, improving infrastructure, and making sure our spaces evolve alongside the needs of our community.

How does your work contribute to ACC’s North Star goal and overall student success?

The College’s work, focused on our North Star, is outlined in the tenets of ACC’s Theory of Change. One of these tenets is Belonging and Connection, and it is this tenet that my team most aligns with by creating environments that support and enhance the student experience. By improving campus spaces, ensuring sustainability, and making strategic infrastructure decisions, we’re fostering a setting that is conducive to learning, engagement, and well-being. A well-designed, accessible, and sustainable campus provides students with the tools and spaces they need to succeed while reducing barriers to learning. Additionally, efficient resource use and thoughtful planning can help reduce costs, allowing us to reinvest in programs and services that directly support student achievement. In short, the work we’re doing will help create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally, ultimately contributing to higher success rates.

What is something we would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a huge 80s New Wave music fan. If you pull up next to me in your car, you may see me singing along to New Order, the Cure, Depeche Mode, or Duran Duran.

Is there anything else you’d like the College community to know about your vision and work for the future of this area?  

Everything we’re working on, from construction to sustainability to campus planning, is ultimately in service to the people who learn and work here. My vision isn’t just about buildings or blueprints—it’s about creating spaces that feel welcoming, functional, and inspiring.

I truly believe that the physical environment plays a huge role in student success, staff satisfaction, and community pride. Whether it’s improving how we use space, making our campus greener, or modernizing infrastructure, I want our work to reflect the values and energy of this college. And I hope to keep the lines of communication open—because the more voices we include in this process, the better our campus will become.