This regular feature recognizes the achievements, activities, and accolades of Austin Community College District (ACC) faculty and staff. To submit news or suggestions, see the contact information below.

ACC’s Provost, Dr. Monique Umphrey, recognized November’s 3 Cs Shining Star award winners in a ceremony at ACC Riverside Campus on Tuesday, November 1. The November recipients are:

  • Sydney Stan, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Professor
  • Nancy Trigg, Professional Nursing, Professor
  • Christian Raymond, Radio, Television, & Film, Department Chair, Professor
  • Kelsey Sisler, Student Affairs Communication Programs, Interim Manager 
  • Herman Cavazos, Student Life, Coordinator
  • Librado Buentello, Student Affairs Help Desk, Director 

Dr. Rania Salman, professor and assistant department chair of ACC Child Care and Development, was appointed to the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) State Governing Board for 2022-2024. The TXAEYC Governing Board is responsible for setting the vision and strategic goals of the state organization, as well as ensuring proper governance of the organization and sound financial management of the organization’s resources. 

ACC Department of Professional Photography (DPP) faculty and students hosted a day with Digital Transitions / Phase One for the Texas Roadshow. More than 100 guests attended the community event that showcased industry-leading technology in medium-format imaging. ACC is the only community college in the country that trains students in Cultural Heritage Imaging using state-of-the-art tools like the DT / Phase One Atom and iXH Camera system. 

To celebrate the day and Halloween, the DPP collaborated with Drama chair Marcus McQuirter and his students to build a themed photo booth that wowed students and guests.

In additional department news, the DPP recently installed Edition 14 of The Picture Review student exhibition in the North entrance cove of ACC Highland Campus, Building 1000. It officially opens during the Austin Studio Tour and was curated by Alyssa Coppelman, deputy art director at Harper’s Magazine and art researcher at the Oxford American. 

Dr. Rodney E. Rohde moderated a Peer Exchange panel of nationwide experts presented by Contagion. He also offered his expert opinion in the panel, titled “Recent Approvals in Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron Subvariants.” Watch it HERE.

Do you know a student, faculty, or staff member who has accomplished something notable outside the classroom or in their community? We want to hear about them. Contact Victoria Garza Gonzalez, ACC internal communications coordinator, at [email protected].