Austin Community College (ACC) faculty and staff gathered on April 3 for Spark Tank, a Shark Tank-style event focused on innovation, collaboration, and idea sharing across disciplines. Held in the Highland Campus Presentation Hall and streamed virtually, the event brought participants together to pitch creative solutions designed to enhance teaching, learning, and student success.

The day began with a community welcome and overview, followed by faculty pitch sessions where presenters delivered concise, high-impact proposals to a panel of “Sharks.” In-person attendees participated throughout the day, using “spark bucks” to vote for their favorite pitches. At midday, participants gathered for a collaborative lunch, engaging directly with presenters and the Sharks. The afternoon concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the funded projects and closing remarks.

Spark Tank was supported by grant funding awarded to the Faculty Center for Learning Innovation (FCLI) from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to advance work in artificial intelligence and innovation.

Pitch Presenters and Projects

Faculty presented 10 proposals spanning a wide range of disciplines and ideas. Each pitch highlighted practical, forward-thinking approaches to teaching, learning, and student engagement. The presentations are listed below in the order in which they were delivered:

  • Roots and Wings, Inspired by Calpurnia Tate – presented by Anna Moreno
  • Library Research Award: Advancing Information Literacy by Honoring Student Research – presented by Maria Ruelas, Martha Clark, and Jorge Lopez-McKnight
  • Speak, Connect, Succeed: AI-Powered Language Development for Everyone – presented by Anna Moreno
  • Boss Mode: Managing AI Workers to Learn Real Leadership – presented by Russ Holloway
  • The Digital Thread: Bridging the Industry Divide Through Stackable Micro-Credentials in Digital Fluency, presented by Janie Chang and Morgan Davis
  • Community Clay Tiles: A Collaborative Art Installation – presented by Karen Bolton
  • Globalizing Community Health: Expanding Study Abroad Options for BSN Nursing – presented by Emily Grigsby, Daira Wilson, and John Nation
  • The Innovation: “Seeing is Believing” Outreach Initiative – presented by Elissa Mapp
  • College for Kids: Building a College-Going Culture in Early Childhood – presented by Anaka Rivera
  • Rapid Retrieval – presented by Ben Bernhard

Event Contributors

A group of committed Sharks and volunteers helped bring Spark Tank to life. Their time, expertise, and support ensured a smooth and engaging experience for all participants. Event organizers intentionally invited Sharks representing employee associations from across the College to ensure broad representation in the feedback and selection process.

Event Hosts and Organizers:

  • Stephanie Long – FCLI Associate Dean
  • Alex Watkins – Communication Studies Faculty
  • Janey Flanagan – FCLI Coordinator

Sharks:

  • Michelle Iskra – Adjunct Faculty Association
  • Vanessa Hollis – Classified Employee Association
  • Nicky Haywood – Classified Employee Association
  • Jordan Villarreal – Full-Time Faculty Senate
  • Victor Sibaja – Association of Professional-Technical Employees
  • Abel Rincon – Student
  • Nariman Michie – Orientation and First-Year Experience

Audience: 85 attendees from across the College supported our Sparks and made the event a success

Volunteers: LaKisha Barrett, Houli, Hoda Tavakoli, Donna Shepperd, Jennifer Black, Jacob Moskalev, and Faiza Hussain

Funding Outcomes

All 10 pitches received funding, reflecting the strength and diversity of ideas presented. The crowd-favorite pitches, which received the most votes from the virtual and in-person audience, received additional funding. The outcome underscored a shared commitment to investing in faculty-driven innovation across the College. Questions or inquiries about FCLI initiatives may be directed to [email protected].

Recording

A full recording of Spark Tank is available for those who were unable to attend or who would like to revisit the pitches and outcomes. To see the innovative ideas presented and the final funding results, watch the video.