Austin Community College District (ACC) announces Bethany Bell as the new Executive Dean of Enrollment and Records.
Bell returns to the College where she began her higher education career, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience across both community college and top-tier research university environments. She steps into the role previously held by Linda Terry, who retired in February 2026.
In her new position, Bell will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, Dr. Dorado M. Kinney. She will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Enrollment & Records Directors, Enrollment & Records Compliance & Operations, Graduation and Degree Audit Services, and Transcript Evaluations.
“Bethany brings deep expertise in academic operations—including registration, curriculum management, student records, and enrollment services—with a strong focus on improving systems to better support student success and institutional effectiveness,” says Kinney. “Her experience across both two-year and four-year institutions brings a valuable perspective to advancing work that supports the full student path and aligns with our institutional priorities. Her work is focused on improving access, clarity, and coordination so students can navigate a more seamless path from entry through completion.”
Her appointment marks a meaningful homecoming. Bell began her career at ACC, where she established a foundational understanding of the student experience through roles in advising, recruitment, and admissions and records. She later transitioned to leadership roles at The University of Texas at Austin, most recently serving as Associate Registrar. In that role, she led core academic functions and collaborated across campus divisions to improve operational efficiency and elevate the student experience.
Bell is known for her collaborative leadership style, strong policy acumen, and ability to lead complex operational areas with clarity, consistency, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
“I am thrilled to be part of ACC and a community that is deeply committed to student success,” says Bell. “My initial focus is on listening, learning, and building relationships with staff, faculty, and campus partners across the district while gaining a deeper understanding of the important work already underway. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to strengthen consistency in our processes, enhance the student experience, and support student success across the district.”
Bell is also currently expanding her impact on the field of higher education as a Ph.D. student in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin. Her academic research focuses directly on administrative processes and how they impact student persistence.
Since starting May 18, Bell has been connecting with teams across Enrollment Management to learn about ongoing projects, priorities, and frontline operations.