Austin Community College District (ACC) welcomes Gizette Disher as the College’s new Chief of Police. Her first day will be Monday, August 4, 2025. 

As Chief of Police, Disher will oversee the District’s police department — a force of 94 commissioned officers and 20 professional staff. In her role, Chief Disher will manage all public safety operations across the ACC District, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and emergency preparedness to ensure a safe and secure environment for students, employees, and visitors.

“I want to thank our interview committee for their time and commitment to finding the right person for this critical role,” says Neil Vickers, Executive Vice Chancellor of Finance & Administration. “Gizette brings decades of leadership and service to the Austin community. Her experience and commitment to community policing reflect the values we hold at ACC—creating a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong. Her passion, dedication, and focus on connection will help strengthen safety and trust across our campuses.”

Disher was selected as the new Chief of Police after a nationwide search and multiple rounds of interviews. During the interview process, she visited ACC for a Campus Conversation. You can view her chat with Vickers here. 

“I look forward to serving the ACC community and being part of the growth and vision of our future,” says Chief Disher.

Chief Disher brings 29 years of public safety experience to ACC. She comes to ACC from the Austin Police Department (APD), where she most recently oversaw the Special Victims Bureau as the Assistant Chief. She has also led numerous divisions at the APD, including patrol, recruiting, training, emergency management, and major crimes. Known for her strong community ties, she was APD’s first Executive Lieutenant appointed as Community Engagement Coordinator to the Chief’s Office. 

Other achievements include boosting police cadet applications, reducing attrition in Emergency Communications, managing 3,000+ special events, and launching “Your Voice Matters” to connect with marginalized communities. She has collaborated with local, state, federal, and nonprofit partners to strengthen public safety efforts.

As Chief of Police at ACC, Chief Disher shares her top priorities. 

“My top three goals are: 1. Be visible and engaged to learn the needs of the ACC community; 2. Understand the concerns based on those needs; and 3. Collaborate with the ACC community to improve any shortcomings and challenges.”

Chief Disher started her college career at ACC and transferred to Texas State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned a master’s in Criminal Justice Leadership from Sam Houston State University. She is also a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Certified Master Peace Officer and a Certified Public Manager. She graduated in June 2023 from the Senior Management Institute for Police and expects to graduate in August 2025 from the Police Executive Leadership Institute. 

She describes herself as approachable, open-minded, forward-thinking, and compassionate. In her free time, Chief Disher serves on the nonprofit board of Change 1. She also enjoys traveling with her husband, Jason, and dabbling in music — she once worked as a mobile DJ. 

Chief Disher will be formally welcomed and introduced to the College community and the community at large during the next regular Board meeting on Monday, August 4.