{"id":2193,"date":"2025-10-27T22:00:51","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T04:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/?page_id=2193"},"modified":"2025-11-04T14:07:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T20:07:15","slug":"afaec-2025-26-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/afaec-2025-26-2\/","title":{"rendered":"AFA Executive Council 2025-26"},"content":{"rendered":"

President<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Michelle Iskra <\/strong><\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Bio: Michelle has been an English professor with the College since 2003, alongside a public school teaching career in Advanced Placement English Literature. She’s served on the Executive Council for more than a decade and has also worked as an English tutor at the Cypress Creek Learning Lab. Michelle has two sons, aged 31 and 27, both UT Austin grads. To prepare for a post-ACC inheritance, she’s learning to farm from her father. A few fun facts about her: she earned her BS in Accounting and Computer Science from the University of North Texas before earning an MA in English Literature at State, and she played pedal harp in college (and beyond).<\/p>\n

Vice President\/President-Elect<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Amber Luttig-Buonodono has taught as an adjunct at ACC since 2009 and has served on the AFA Executive Council for over ten consecutive years. Her prior AFA positions have included Campus Representative, Secretary, Treasurer, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. When Amber is not teaching or advocating for ACC adjuncts, she spends her time writing novels and plays under a pen name, cold-reading Shakespeare\u2019s canon (boom) with her international friends on Zoom, caring for her many pets, and drinking what may be an unhealthy amount of hot Yaupon tea with oat milk. <\/p>\n

Immediate Past President<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cLMC\u201d Lisa Marie Coppoletta<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Lisa Marie Coppoletta, known as \u201cLMC,\u201d is an educator and activist with over three decades of experience. She first developed her interest in Communication Studies as an academic debater, becoming the first and only woman to qualify for the National Debate Tournament from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University).LMC’s professional career includes teaching and coaching intercollegiate Speech and Debate at institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Texas Lutheran University, and Texas State University. She has also served as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Central Texas College, and San Antonio College. Since 2007, she has been an Associate Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Communication Studies at Austin Community College, while also maintaining a career as a communication consultant, political operative, and ghostwriter for investigative journalism.In San Marcos, Texas, LMC is known as the “Shark Lady,” a moniker earned through her more than 33 years of activism. She is dedicated to the protection of Native American artifacts, historic preservation, and the prevention of toxic runoff from road projects. Her efforts have led to the preservation of many Heritage Live Oaks threatened by development. She has successfully stopped development projects that would have been detrimental to human health and caused flooding of surrounding neighborhoods.LMC is passionate about emergency communication, serving as a community watchdog during natural disasters. An enthusiastic ham radio operator, LMC specializes in QRP CW (making long-distance contacts using very low power and Morse code)\u2014a challenging and rewarding aspect of the hobby. She holds a General Class operator license for ham radio and a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license.Her diverse hobbies include documentary filmmaking, producing music for local artists, photography, building ham radio antennas, and studying Ecclesiastical Latin.Read about LMC\u2019s work with the Adjunct Faculty Association (AFA) on her blog at https:\/\/www.lmcsharklady.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Parliamentarian<\/strong><\/p>\n

Binx Beronio<\/p>\n

mail<\/a><\/p>\n

Secretary<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sarah Wilson<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

I am an Associate Professor of English in the CLS Department. I also tutor part-time at the San Gabriel Campus. I am celebrating 30 years with ACC (fun fact\u2014I started when I was five!) this year. I love reading, traveling, Scrabble, old movies, baking, walking, chatting over a gin and tonic, and volunteering with Round Rock Area Serving Center, and the Settlement Home. I have two amazing adult sons, 21 and 26, and a dog named Twosteaks.<\/p>\n

Treasurer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Don Morris<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

I’ve been teaching at Austin Community College for nearly 30 years, helping students in their first year of college\u2014some of whom are still figuring out where their classrooms are (half the time I am lost too). I\u2019ve taught in student development, business studies, and travel & tourism\/hospitality management, and I love helping students discover what they\u2019re passionate about (and what they definitely don\u2019t<\/em> want to do). I love having ACC faculty teach me and swap travel stories.<\/p>\n

Communications Officer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Gretchen Harries <\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Gretchen Harries has been a professor for nearly 30 years of teaching excellence in Honors and Communication Studies at ACC. Her Honors classes are Service Learning certified. She has been an Apple Fellow, Honors Fellow, and a Great Questions Fellow. Gretchen was an Apple Fellow before the pandemic researching the modernization of digital learning in the classroom. She helped found and arrange “Communication Week” for her department, which shuttered during the pandemic. Her career has been marked by innovation, starting with a groundbreaking European Union study abroad and internship program in Paris in the late \u201990s and early 2000s, establishing the first American internship at the Louvre. She will be bringing COIL to her Honors classes and created the first online course for Honors many years ago. Beyond academia, Gretchen has a creative background as a journalist, is an accomplished and published writer, poet, photographer, and artist. Some of her art pieces will be featured in an art shows in London and New York in 2026 and 2027. She also has songwriting credits to her name and is deeply embedded in the Austin music community. Gretchen is also trained to run emergency disaster shelters for Doctors without Borders and the Red Cross. Her multifaceted journey embodies a lifelong dedication to creativity and education, always striving to improve the lives of her students.<\/p>\n

Cypress Creek Campus Representative <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chandra Vanajakshi<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

I am an astrophysicist and was a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center
Space Sciences Division, in Moffett Field, California before moving to Texas. My field of
research dealt with the Origin of the Solar System, Star Formation etc.
Currently, I teach Physics and Astronomy at ACC. I teach Astronomy, Astrophysics,
Physics, Mathematics and Statistics at other colleges. I am an astrophysicist and was a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center Space Sciences Division, in Moffett Field, California before moving to Texas. My field of research dealt with the Origin of the Solar System, Star Formation etc.
Currently, I teach Physics and Astronomy at ACC. I teach Astronomy, Astrophysics,
Physics, Mathematics and Statistics at other colleges.<\/p>\n

Workforce Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Lililian Spell<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Lillian Faye Spell is the Campus Representative for Workforce Adjuncts with the Adjunct Faculty Association. She serves as an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at Austin Community College, where she teaches Principles of Accounting I \u2013 Financial<\/em>, Principles of Accounting II \u2013 Managerial<\/em>, and Internal Control and Audit<\/em>. She also serves as a Faculty Advisor for Workforce students, guiding learners through academic pathways, transfer planning, and financial aid navigation.<\/p>\n

With over 18 years of experience in internal auditing and financial management across government, nonprofit, and higher education sectors, Lillian brings extensive professional expertise to her teaching and service. Her academic work is guided by a commitment to student success, equity, and inclusive learning environments that connect real-world practices to classroom concepts.<\/p>\n

In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, Lillian is the owner of The Barber and Loc Lounge LLC, a natural hair salon located in Manor, Texas. Through her combined work in higher education, auditing, and entrepreneurship, she is dedicated to empowering students, supporting adjunct faculty, and strengthening her community.<\/p>\n

Distance Education Representatives<\/strong> (Paula King, Valeria Flint, Luke (Roy) Garza):<\/p>\n

Paula Clift King<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

As the Adjunct Faculty Association Distance Education Representative, I\u2019ve proudly dedicated over 20 years to serving our students and contributing to the growth and excellence of Austin Community College\u2019s academic community. My distance education journey began at the Pinnacle Campus, where I pioneered the Interactive Video Classroom, which later evolved into the hyflex\/hybrid model popular today. The pandemic further strengthened my commitment to creating high-quality online learning environments for all students, mentoring instructors nationwide, and reinforcing my dedication to serving fellow adjuncts at Austin Community College through the Adjunct Faculty Association. In this role, I am committed to serving our Association with the same passion, drive, and dedication that I bring to teaching our students\u2014whether in the online space or the face-to-face classroom. I am devoted to promoting opportunity, fairness, accessibility, and inclusion for adjunct faculty within the broader college community. To support this mission, I actively listen to constituents, host both in-person and virtual Campus Meet and Greets, and serve on college committees to ensure the adjunct perspective is well represented.<\/p>\n

Valeria Flint<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Luke (Roy) Garza<\/p>\n

email <\/a><\/p>\n

Dual Credit\/ECS\/ECHS Representatives\u00a0<\/strong>(Jim Christianson, Aimee Finney, and Jen Zuba)<\/p>\n

Jim Christianson <\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Jim Christianson is a retired attorney and CPA. He has taught as an adjunct for Austin Community College for 45 years teaching all sections of Accounting courses and Business Law in the Management Department. During his time on the Adjunct Faculty Association Executive Committee\u00a0 (AFAEC) he\u00a0 has served\u00a0on the AFAEC\u00a0Bylaw Committee and\u00a0 AFAEC\u00a0Compensation Committee. Presently\u00a0he\u00a0represents the AFAEC on the Austin Community College Curriculum Committee. He is also presently a member of the ACC Management Department Task force Committee.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Aimee Finney<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Aimee Finney\u00a0joined Austin Community College (ACC) in the summer of 2016 as an adjunct professor in the Communication Studies Department. She currently serves as a Faculty Development Coordinator with the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division\u2014a role she describes as her dream job. Aimee\u2019s top CliftonStrengths are\u00a0Intellection, Input, Belief, Developer,\u00a0and\u00a0Arranger, which reflect her thoughtful, values-driven, and growth-oriented approach to leadership and collaboration.\u00a0She is honored to serve as an\u00a0Ambassador of Joy, working alongside a diverse group of leaders across the college to organize\u00a0Joyous Employee Mixers, fostering community and connection. Aimee also has the honor of serving as a Campus Representative with the Adjunct Faculty Association Executive Council for the past eight years. Beyond ACC, Aimee contributes her time and talents to the broader Austin community through her involvement with\u00a0Leadership Austin\u00a0(Essential Class of 2013) and the\u00a0Junior League of Austin.<\/p>\n

Jennifer Zuba<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Jen Zuba is an adjunct dual credit professor in the CLS Department and serves as the dual credit representative for AFA. When she\u2019s not supporting students and bridging high school and college learning, you\u2019ll find her cheering on her younger daughter at soccer tournaments, visiting her oldest at the University of Arkansas, or planning her next family adventure with her husband. A proud foster mom for Humane Heroes, Jen always has room in her heart (and often her home) for animals in need.<\/p>\n

Eastview Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

Franklin Marciales<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Franklin, originally from Colombia, is passionate about helping students reach their academic goals. With a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, an MBA with a concentration in Sustainable Tourism, and a Doctorate in Education, he strives to combine his academic background with a genuine desire to support student success. With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry\u2014working as a travel agent and in various roles across airports, restaurants, hotels, and resorts\u2014Franklin aims to share practical insights with his students. He believes that education can be a rich, immersive experience. Thus, he tries to go beyond traditional teaching methods to engage students in the diverse world of global cultures and tourism. Moreover, Franklin enjoys mentoring emerging professionals. He encourages their passion for the hospitality industry while providing guidance throughout their academic journeys, helping them navigate challenges and work toward their goals. His commitment to student success is central to his approach, and he is grateful to be a part of their academic pursuits.<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Elgin Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Charity Benford<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Hays Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

Angela Smith<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Highland Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chris De La Ronde  <\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Christina Michura<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

email  <\/a><\/p>\n

Northridge Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kevin Clark<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Rio Grande Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ping Chu<\/p>\n

email <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Riverside Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

David J. Albert<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Dawn Tawwater\"\" <\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

For Dawn’s bio, please check our her ACC faculty website: <\/p>\n

https:\/\/sites.google.com\/austincc.edu\/dawn-tawwater\/bio<\/a><\/p>\n

Round Rock Campus Representative <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Joseph Ferguson <\/p>\n

Dr. Joseph Ferguson is a distinguished educational scholar and accomplished administrator with 18+ years of transformative leadership across K-12 and higher education. His commitment to educational excellence is reflected in his impressive academic credentials: five degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University, a Master’s in Educational Administration, a Master’s in Instructional Technology, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Lamar University, and his Superintendent Certification. Currently, Dr. Ferguson serves as adjunct professor at four institutions simultaneously at Dallas College, Austin Community College, Walden University, and McLennan Community College. He teaches several courses, ranging from Introduction to Teaching and Special Populations to graduate-level curriculum design and educational technology. He also serves as University Supervisor at Tarleton State University, mentoring student teachers through their clinical practice. Beyond the classroom, he is authoring a comprehensive seven-book series for teachers, synthesizing decades of practical experience with research-based best practices. Dr. Ferguson’s administrative career includes serving as Principal, Interim Superintendent, and nationwide school and region educational consulting, where he fostered ratings to increase to an A for several districts. He has also secured over $270,000 in technology grants for his own campuses, while also helping to achieve an accumulation of over $537,000 for other districts. A proud Baylor alumnus, Dr. Ferguson was recruited for football but played rugby instead, being a part of the Division II National Championship in 2000-2001. Above all, he is a devoted family man and father to two sons\u2014Colton, 22, and Jaxson, 15, bringing the same student-first philosophy to both his professional work and his role as a father. At his core, Dr. Ferguson remains forever an educator and passionate advocate for all students. Whether serving in the classroom, the principal’s office, or the university lecture hall, he is driven by an unwavering belief that every student deserves access to high-quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.<\/p>\n

San Gabriel Campus Representative<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Kathy Statos<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Since 2009, Kathy Statos has served at Austin Community College as an adjunct professor of Psychology. Kathy earned a Bachelors in French from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois.  She earned a Master of Arts in Industrial Organizational Psychology with a focus on leadership, teams and organizations from Louisiana Tech University, and a doctorate in higher education administration with a specialization in community college leadership from National American University.  Kathy has been faithfully serving as a campus representative since 2016 and has participated and chaired many committees and work groups including: administrative rules, bylaws, compensation, and estaffing.  Additionally, Kathy is an active member in community affairs, local service organizations, and the arts. She volunteers for CASA, ECHO, and Brides against cancer. Kathy also volunteers as a job coach for autistic young adults. Since moving to Austin, she has given lectures within the community and is a strong advocate for children, citizens with disabilities, and education.<\/p>\n

South Austin Campus Representative <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

email<\/a><\/p>\n

Adri\u00e1n de la Rosa<\/p>\n

Adri\u00e1n de la Rosa has been an adjunct instructor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Austin Community College (ACC) for more than a decade. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, an M.A. in Sociology, and a J.D. from Texas Tech University. In addition to his teaching, Adri\u00e1n works as an investigator and mitigation specialist, advocating for the constitutional rights and dignity of individuals accused or convicted of federal crimes who cannot afford legal representation. His work has included representing individuals sentenced to death in Texas in both federal and state habeas proceedings, as well as indigent defendants in federal criminal cases. He brings these real-world experiences into the classroom, enriching his courses with firsthand insights into justice, inequality, and social systems. With a background in indigent defense, immigrant and worker rights advocacy, and public defense, Adri\u00e1n has a long record of community engagement and organizing. He is a proud West Texas native with Mexican roots, a fluent Spanish speaker, and an active volunteer with several Austin-area nonprofits, while also mentoring underserved college students.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

President Michelle Iskra  email Bio: Michelle has been an English professor with the College since 2003, alongside a public school teaching career in Advanced Placement English Literature. She’s served on the Executive Council for more … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4316,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2193","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2193","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4316"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2193"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2193\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/afa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}