“I’m honored to join Austin Community College and continue the incredible work happening here—especially when it comes to ensuring student success and equity for everyone who comes through our doors,” Umphrey said in a press release.
Umphrey said her feeling of isolation because of her race, gender and class during her freshman year of college informed her tenure as an adjunct professor.
“As a faculty member, my goal was to empower the students to tap into their brilliance to evolve into their highest future potential. I believe we should make students the hero of their stories. This continues to be my motivation today,” Umphrey said.
Umphrey previously served as president at Houston Community College Northeast and vice president of workforce innovation at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.
Umphrey has a bachelor of business administration in computer information systems, a Master of Science in accounting/information systems from Middle Tennessee State University, and a doctoral degree in management from the University of Maryland with a focus in community college policy and administration, according to the press release.
Umphrey’s first day in the role will be Dec. 13.
Charles Cook retired from the role earlier this year. He joined the district in 2014.
