As Austin Community College (ACC) has transitioned to a “School of” structure, two areas supporting students and faculty are now operating under names that more clearly reflect the breadth of their work.

Distance Education & Alternative Learning is now the Division of Digital Learning, and College & High School Relations is now the Division of High School Programs. While the names have changed, both divisions continue to expand access, strengthen educational pathways, and support student success across ACC and Central Texas.

This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting ACC’s Academic Affairs Schools following the College’s transition to its “School of” structure. View the previous feature on the School of College Readiness and the School of Community Education here.

Division of Digital Learning

Previously known as Distance Education & Alternative Learning, the Division of Digital Learning reflects a broader approach to supporting teaching and learning across ACC, one that extends beyond where a course takes place to encompass the technology, resources, expertise, and services that support the learning experience.

“‘Digital Learning’ reflects a broader, more integrated role in supporting teaching and learning across the College, not only distance education,” said Erasmus Addae, associate vice chancellor for the division. “As the division brings together Library Services, Academic Technology, Instructional Design, accessibility, quality, and emerging learning pathways, we are moving toward a learning capabilities model that connects the expertise, resources, technologies, and services faculty and students need across the learning experience.”

The name further reflects the division’s expanded scope following the addition of Academic Technology and Library Services.

“Digital Learning just fits better,” said Matthew Evins, director of academic technology. “It’s less about where a class happens and more about what technology is actually doing for teaching and learning at ACC.”

Keri Moczygemba, dean of library services, said the name reflects the work her unit already does to support students across modalities, including digital collections, research databases, discovery tools, and information literacy instruction.

“The new name describes a division whose mission already looks like the work we all do daily: building and supporting the digital infrastructure of learning across the College,” Moczygemba said.

Recent Milestones & Successes

The Division of Digital Learning continues to strengthen how ACC supports teaching and learning through technology, resources, and coordinated services. Recent work includes:

  • Building a more integrated learning support model: The addition of Library Services and Academic Technology brings together learning resources, technology, instructional design, faculty support, and quality assurance through a shared learning capabilities model.
  • Strengthening accessibility and inclusive learning: The division is expanding its accessibility capacity through a new Accessibility Analyst role and by transitioning team members from Access and Accessibility Services into Digital Learning, strengthening proactive support for accessible and inclusive digital learning.
  • Expanding flexible and future-ready learning pathways: Through microcredentials, digital badges, Credit for Prior Learning, and initiatives such as the AI for Every Student pilot and developing an IBM SkillsBuild partnership, the division is creating new ways for students to develop and demonstrate skills that support academic and career success.

The division also expanded professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. Summer Technology Week brought technology vendors in as partners to provide more intentional training and professional development opportunities for the ACC community. These accomplishments represent just a small part of the division’s work to support the College’s goal of helping students and employees succeed. The division’s new name and structure create opportunities for this work to take place more efficiently and collaboratively.

What’s Next

The Division of Digital Learning is focused on continuing to develop an integrated learning capabilities model that brings together people, technology, learning resources, design expertise, and flexible learning pathways.

“The goal is to create a more connected and flexible learning ecosystem to make it easier for faculty to access coordinated support and for students to experience high-quality, accessible learning regardless of modality,” Dean of Digital Learning Karina Hernandez said. 

Division of High School Programs

Previously known as College & High School Relations, the Division of High School Programs more clearly communicates its focus on creating and supporting educational opportunities for high school students and strengthening connections between ACC and its secondary school partners.

The new name replaces a more administrative title with language that directly communicates the division’s purpose to students, families, and community partners.

“By using plain language, we remove barriers for high school students taking their first steps toward college and make collaborating with our team effortless for secondary partners,” Associate Vice Chancellor of High School Programs Mison Yun said. “It shifts our identity from a complex departmental title to a direct, welcoming invitation for students to connect with their future.”

Recent Milestones & Successes

The Division of High School Programs continues to expand opportunities for high school students to earn college credit, explore careers, and build pathways to postsecondary education. Recent highlights include:

  • Expanding tuition-free dual credit access: The division has expanded tuition-free dual credit access across Central Texas and participates in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program. Through FAST, eligible high school students enroll in college courses at no cost, including textbooks. Students who complete 11 or more dual credits are 23% more likely to graduate college within three years, demonstrating the potential impact of early college access on long-term degree completion.
  • Launching targeted career and early college pathways: Expanded Early College High School programs and workforce-aligned Career Academies provide structured pathways in high-demand fields such as health care, manufacturing, and professional technical training. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials or associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas, preparing them for career entry or transfer to a four-year university.

“The division exists to clear a path to postsecondary education by making higher education straightforward, supportive, and accessible,” said Yun. “Through simple, barrier-free entry points like the tuition-free THECB FAST program and structured dual credit pathways, we remove financial and systemic obstacles so students can build real momentum in college.”

What’s Next

Looking ahead, the Division of High School Programs is centered on expanding access to college-level learning and ensuring more high school students can begin building their postsecondary pathways before graduation.

“Ultimately, we want students, families, and community partners to know that high school students shouldn’t have to wait for graduation to experience college and that ACC is committed to bringing college opportunities directly to every student who wants them,” Yun said.

Looking Ahead

The updated names for Digital Learning and High School Programs provide greater clarity about the work underway in both areas while reflecting their continued focus on expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success.

As ACC continues its work within the new School structure, these divisions are strengthening the connections between technology, teaching and learning, college access, and career pathways to help students succeed at every stage of their educational journeys.

Find more information, frequently asked questions, implementation timeline, and more about the “Schools of” structure here.

Contributed by Academic Affairs Communications