Dr. Richard Rhodes

“Our thorough, nationwide search resulted in a number of outstanding candidates,” says Dr. Barbara Mink, chair of the ACC Board of Trustees. “Dr. Rhodes has a superb record and extensive experience with the challenges and opportunities facing ACC. We know he will carry out the vision detailed in the college’s Master Plan, including our focuses on student success and expanding our services to address the ever-growing needs of Central Texas.”

During Dr. Rhodes’ tenure at EPCC, enrollment increased 62 percent. Other significant accomplishments include the creation of the College Readiness Consortium (a partnership of EPCC, the University of Texas at El Paso, and 12 school districts), the development of several Early College High Schools (reaching a total of 365 associate degree graduates this month), implementation of dual credit/concurrent enrollment programs with area high schools (increasing from 63 to 5,000 students over ten years), and comprehensive technological advancement.

Prior to becoming EPCC president in 2001, Dr. Rhodes was vice president of business services at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also previously served with EPCC as interim president and vice president of financial and administrative services, as well as comptroller and accountant at New Mexico State University. Dr. Rhodes earned his Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, interning at ACC in the early nineties.

“I’ve been a fan of ACC for a long time, so this is an honor and a privilege,” says Dr. Rhodes. “I appreciate the confidence of the Board of Trustees, and I am committed to living up to those expectations. I look forward to working with the board, faculty, staff, students, and the community to continue and enhance the successes of this great institution.”

The ACC president/CEO maintains authority over all aspects of the college’s operations. Duties include providing leadership in the achievement of the goals of the Master Plan and Student Success Initiative, working with the Board of Trustees in the development and implementation of legislative and institutional advancement strategies, submitting the annual Master Plan and budget for board approval, ensuring sound fiscal practices, and expanding the fiscal resources of the ACC District.

President Stephen B. Kinslow shared with trustees in June 2009 that he would not seek an extension of his contract and intended to retire in 2011. Last summer, the college launched a collaborative search, with a 25-member advisory committee composed of trustees, faculty and staff, students, community and business leaders, and representatives from public and higher education. The committee conducted interviews in late February, and the board identified finalists in March. Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Katherine Persson, president of Lone Star College-Kingwood, visited ACC in April. The third finalist, Dr. Donald Doucette, withdrew his candidacy upon accepting another position.

Dr. Kinslow joined ACC in 1977 as an assistant dean and has held numerous leadership roles, including twice serving as interim president before accepting the official post in 2005. He has led ACC through historic growth and change.

“We are grateful for Dr. Kinslow’s leadership and his dedication to ACC over the past three decades,” says Dr. Mink. “He leaves an incredible legacy at this college and in the community, and he has positioned us for a smooth and successful transition.”

Dr. Kinslow will remain with the college until Dr. Rhodes begins.

Achievements during Dr. Kinslow’s term include:

• Record enrollment increases, with the addition of more than 13,000 credit students over the course of his presidency (31,908 in fall 2005 to 45,056 in spring 2011).
• Building minority enrollment, with 67 percent growth among African-Americans (2,383 in fall 2005 to 3,983 in spring 2011) and 59 percent growth among Hispanics (7,456 to 11,888).
• Instituting ACC’s Student Success Initiative and joining Achieving the Dream, a national success initiative focusing on community college students.
• Significantly expanding general education courses as well as high-demand workforce programs. ACC now offers more than 235 associate degrees and certificates.

“Our accomplishments are due to a passionate, committed team and long-term master planning,” says Dr. Kinslow. “Through the dedication of the board and our faculty and staff, a reliance on shared governance, and a culture that encourages innovation and accountability, ACC has enjoyed great success. I know the college will continue to thrive under the direction of Dr. Rhodes.”