The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees held its October regular meeting on Monday, October 4, 2021. Trustees witnessed the swearing in of new Student Government Association officers, heard a presentation from ACC community partner the African American Youth Harvest Foundation, and received a report on ACC Police Department training courses, commendations, and promotions.
Below are highlights from the meeting.
Dr. Rhodes’ Contract Extension
Trustees approved a one-year extension to Chancellor Dr. Rhodes’ contract. His rolling contract will run through August 2024. Learn more here.
Chancellor’s Report
ACC Chancellor Dr. Richard Rhodes announced recent accolades that the college has received, including that the college’s Nursing program has been recognized among the best in Texas in a new report. Additionally, ACC Earth and Environmental Sciences professor Kusali Gamage was awarded the Spring 2021 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award from the Geo-2-Y-C Division of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Also, ACC Trustee Nicole Eversmann was selected as the Very Large College Director (Central) with the Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT).
In other college news, Dr. Rhodes quickly recapped the college’s General Assembly, including the announcement of the topic selection for ACC’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). He also informed Trustees of the launch of the college’s new 3 Cs website to help further build upon ACC’s culture of Collaboration, Connection, and Caring. The chancellor also shared that the college will be switching over to a new Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) system, Workday, on October 16.
Finally, Dr. Rhodes invited everyone to participate in upcoming events such as the 15th annual ACC Golf Scramble taking place October 8, which benefits the ACC Foundation, and the college’s Hispanic Heritage Month events.
Contract Approved for Highland Campus Renovation Projects
The Board heard presentations from the two companies bidding on construction-related projects at Highland Campus Buildings 1000 and 2000. Following the presentations, Trustees voted to contract with Vaughn Construction on the approximately $7.5 million in projects, which include the newly announced Make It Center, a Manufacturing Academy, and expansion for Student Services.
2021 Leadership Academy Cohort
ACC Leadership Academy facilitator Nicole Bell presented Trustees with the faculty and staff selected for the 2021 class of the ACC Leadership Academy. View the full cohort here.
Student Scholarship Recognition
ACC Foundation Director Amy Bawcom introduced ACC RedLeaf Properties scholarship recipient Dusty Friday. Friday was one of four students awarded a $2,000 scholarship this year. The scholarship is for single women with dependents pursuing an associate degree or a certificate. The scholarship can be applied toward tuition, fees, books, and child care.
View recordings from the meeting here.