Today is Armistice Day. At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the Great War ceased. A war that had no real reason to start, a war that consumed an entire generation of young men, that killed millions of civilians as well as members of the military, a war that reshaped the global map politically, economically, and geographically, a war that was meant “to end all wars”, finally ended on the battlefields and in the trenches and in the No Man’s Lands between enemy positions scattered across Europe.
Today of course – and because the Great War did not end all wars – we call November 11th Veterans’ Day. We remember those who have served in our armed forces and we take a day of thankfulness for all who have served and sacrificed.
I’ve been thinking a lot about why people serve – not just in the military, but in health care, or legal aid offices, or social work offices – or in education. Why do you come to work every day at Austin Community College?
Early in the Fall semester the members of the instructional leadership team spent a couple of weeks talking about our “why?”. We were led in this exercise by the Managing Director of Instructional Operations David Borden. (Check with David for details on how he approached this – it was excellent.) It was a very worthwhile and thought-provoking series of exercises and discussions, and it resulted in a “why?” for each of the leadership team members and those whom they lead.
As Vice Chancellor of Instruction, I lead and support all the work in instruction as well as working on initiatives, problems, and goals as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. My portfolio includes the teaching and learning in our workforce, transfer, continuing education, and adult education and literacy programs. I guide and support and rely on the work of the instructional leadership team, the faculty, and the staff across instruction. It is a joy, a privilege, and a pleasure to serve in this role. My “why?” encompasses all that we do in instruction, which is the heart of the college.
The VCI’s “Why?”: We empower individuals to envision and realize their future by designing and delivering accessible, flexible pathways that are grounded in innovative and relevant learning. We offer engaging, future-focused programs in career and technical education, transfer pathways, adult education and literacy, and continuing and corporate training.
Below you will see the “why?” for each of our instructional leaders and the areas they lead. Reading why we each do what we do – why we come to work, why we work long hours, why we put up with frustrations and stresses, why we find joy in our work – will cheer you and will make you proud.
- Dr. Beth Knight is our Associate Vice Chancellor Academic Programs: We empower students in their learning as persons, professionals, and citizens. We create inclusive learning environments and support our faculty and staff in developing and deploying a varied and relevant Liberal Education. This curriculum is both foundational and challenging, and is facilitated via innovative instructional methods, modalities, and mediums.
- Dr. Brandon Whatley is our Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce Education: We empower individuals across Central Texas to excel in their professional lives and meaningfully contribute to their families and communities through innovative workforce education and training programs that are at the forefront of the global business and industry landscape.
- Dr. Nina Almasy is our Associate Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences: We believe in creating a healthier community by offering nationally accredited programs in partnership with healthcare and community organizations. With a legacy of innovation and excellence, we nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals and leaders.
- Ms. Mison Zuniga is our Associate Vice Chancellor of College and High School Relations: We believe every high school student deserves an opportunity to access higher education regardless of background. By providing guidance and support, we ensure students have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to pursue and succeed in higher education.
- Dr. Erasmus Addae is our Associate Vice Chancellor of Distance and Alternative Learning: We value equal educational opportunities and academic success in the digital age. By combining quality service with continuous improvement, we help create student-centered courses, offer academic support, and promote innovation.
- Dr. Susan Warner-Sanchez is our Associate Vice Chancellor of Instructional Support Services (better known as TLED): TLED provides instructional services, resources and programming that nurtures meaning and connection, to help those we serve live their best and most fulfilling lives.
- Mr. David Borden is our Managing Director of Instructional Operations and Initiatives: Instructional Operations and Initiatives supports the fundamental relationship between students and faculty. By understanding how the people, funding, and tools work together, we can align instructional operations for optimized efficiency to support that fundamental relationship for collective impact.
We each ask that you hold us accountable for leading and living in our “why?”. And we encourage others to go through the exercise to clearly articulate your “why?” for the work you do at ACC.
Here’s to all our veterans and their service to their communities and their country. And here’s to all of ACC’s leaders at every level for their work in supporting our mission and our students.