Austin Community College District (ACC) welcomes new Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. Russell, as he prefers to be called, began his service as the ninth ACC chancellor Monday, October 2, 2023.

The ACC Board of Trustees approved the employment agreement for Russell during its regular board meeting on Monday, August 21. 

“I begin my service at ACC with excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. I started my career in Austin and am looking forward to finishing my career here,” says Russell. “This past month, I have already begun working with faculty and staff and getting to know some of the students. ACC is known as a leader in innovation and transformation in higher education. I look forward to listening and learning from everyone at ACC and the community to continue building upon the legacy of excellence.”

Russell will visit all 11 ACC campuses in his first 100 days and will host both campus conversations and virtual town hall meetings to engage with all stakeholders of the college. 

“My intention is to foster an inclusive, caring, and transparent environment,” says Russell. “I am committed to actively engaging with our faculty, staff, students, administrators, and our invaluable community partners. These events offer an opportunity for us to come together, to listen and learn about successes and opportunities at the college to improve student success.”

​​First 100 Days Outcomes include:

1. Identify a districtwide “north star” for improving student success.

2. Outline a theory of change to attain that goal.

3. Integrate and focus the new theory of change into the 2024 Strategic Plan.

The conversations are open to faculty, staff, students, and the community. The first two conversations took place Tuesday, October 3, and Wednesday, October 4, at Eastview and Elgin campuses, respectively.

For more information about the events and to explore more about the chancellor’s first 100 days, visit austincc.edu/100.

Russell previously served as president of Amarillo College since 2014. Under his leadership, the college earned the title of the top community college in the nation through the prestigious 2023 Aspen Prize, a Community College Excellence award. He replaces the former chancellor, Dr. Richard M. Rhodes, who announced his retirement in January following 12 years of service to the college.

Tags: campus conversations, chancellor, First 100 Days, Russell Lowery-Hart