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Learn more about the candidates running for the Austin Community College (ACC) Board of Trustees, Place 3 seat, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting will be open Oct. 19-30.
Candidates running for the trustee seat were asked to email responses to the following questions, keep responses within 50 words, and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Owner, McRaven Consulting. ACC Board Chair, 4 terms; Motorola VP Communications; Gates Foundation Advisor; Travis County Budget Director; Vice President, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Why are you running for this position?
I see every day how our work as Trustees transforms lives. We have entered another transformational period with a dynamic new Chancellor focused on student success and preparing our students for a changing future. I am more passionate about ACC today than ever. I believe my years of experience matter.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
#1 is affordability for our students and community. ACC has one of the lowest tuition and tax rates in Texas. Maintaining a free tuition program for graduating seniors. Preparing students for good paying jobs, and promoting a culture on belonging, respect, and student success.
How can ACC better meet the needs of local students and the workforce?
We must ensure students can easily navigate ACC by continuing to align our registration, advising, tutoring, wrap around services, and transfer and completion support. We must prepare students not just for today’s jobs but for the future. Our data focus will help us achieve these goals.
What role should ACC play in making higher education more affordable and accessible?
In 2024, ACC Trustees adopted a free tuition pilot project for students graduating from school districts in our service area. To continue this successful program, we must manage our budget and work with the community on the way forward. Key is being student-centered, with easy-to-navigate registration, advising, and financial aid.
TRS Rule of 80 Retiree. Ph.D.; Professor/Administrator: Huston-Tillotson, Texas A&M, University of Houston-Downtown; Scientist: Office of Naval Research.
Why are you running for this position?<br>
To pay it forward to Austin and Texas volunteering at something I know a thing or two about.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
Removing/reducing barriers (e.g., logistical, monetary, etc.) for Austinites to access higher education and career training; Increasing transparency in everything ACC does, and; Improving ACC’s communication of community impacts and opportunities.
How can ACC better meet the needs of local students and the workforce?
ACC is doing a tremendous job…really ardent yeoman’s level stuff. Where it can be better, IMO, is at the interface between skill delivery and career acquisition. Career placement should be job one and everything else follows suit.
What role should ACC play in making higher education more affordable and accessible?
Again, ACC is doing great things. In the area of affordability and accessibility, ACC should lead the way. Literally, they should take up the mantle of becoming the best community college in the country: Decide to become it, make a plan to get there, and then execute.
