Category Archives: Faculty and Staff News

Hispanic student wearing a blue shirt and tan jacket smiles at the camera. He has short black hair and is wearing a cowboy hat in front of a neutral background

“Prepared me for that moment in my life” | Meet Culinary Arts Grad Daniel Ortiz Frias

From the moment he stepped onto Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Highland Campus as a high school student, Daniel Ortiz Frias knew he’d found the place that would shape his future.  “Seeing all the kitchens, … Continue reading

Student in blue collared shirt and black jacket sits in a green chair at the dias with two open chairs next to her. She sits in front of the seal of Texas with an American and USA flag behind her

Turning Courage Into Community | Meet Fall 2025 Grad Vianca Pinto De La Paz 

Some students arrive at ACC looking for a fresh start. Others come searching for opportunity. Vianca Pinto De La Paz found both, and in the process, she built a community and created a new path … Continue reading

An ACC District Board of Trustees regular meeting is taking place in a modern conference room. Six trustees and the chancellor are seated at a dais, with some raising their hands in a voting gesture. The room features a large wooden wall with an ACC District seal, and there are American and Texas flags displayed. A screen in the background shows a video feed of the meeting. The atmosphere appears formal and organized.

ACC Board of Trustees December 1 Recap

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees met for its regular meeting on Monday, December 1. Highlights include the fall financial report and refunding bonds. Below are highlights from the meeting. Board Election … Continue reading

A young man stands outdoors, smiling proudly while wearing a black graduation gown and cap. He has curly hair and is adorned with a purple and gold honor cord and sash that reads "HONOR SCHOLAR." The background features a modern architectural setting with blurred structures and greenery.

Meet Parker G., one of ACC’s Fall 2025 graduates

This fall, Parker G. will be one of more than 4,440 students at the Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony. He joined ACC in 2023 and is set to graduate with his associate degree in Government, followed … Continue reading

Student with multicolored dress smiles at the camera. She has brown hair that is pulled back and wearing glasses. The is sitting outside under a patio.

Fall 2025 Graduate Peach Taylor Finds Confidence, Community, and a Clear Path Forward

When Peach Taylor enrolled at Austin Community College District (ACC) in 2022, she wasn’t just pursuing a degree. She was searching for a place that could offer stability, support, and a chance to grow. This … Continue reading

headshot of femal student with brown curly hair looking at the camera.

Finding Confidence, Community, and a New Chapter at ACC | Meet ACC Fall Grad Zoila W.

When Zoila Walston enrolled at Austin Community College District (ACC) in 2023, she wasn’t just returning to school; she was stepping into a new version of herself. Now, at 47, she’s graduating with her Associate … Continue reading

Student with long brown hair and bands smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white and black polka dot shirt in front of the black background

“Just Start. It Will Get Clearer.” Meet fall 2025 graduate Nichola C.

At 54, Nichola Cotto is proving that there’s no deadline on pursuing your dreams. This fall, she’ll walk the stage at ACC’s Commencement Ceremony, joining more than 4,440 graduates at the H-E-B Center on Thursday, … Continue reading

Take a Listen: A new podcast at ACC brings our stories to audiences across the nation

Pull up a chair. Pop in your earbuds. Get ready to join the conversation. A new podcast has launched at Austin Community College (ACC) — and it’s all about our students, faculty, and community.  ‘Austin … Continue reading

A colorful celebration scene featuring a purple mascot, ACC's R.B. the Riverbat, wearing a party hat and happy birthday sash surrounded by excited cheerleaders and students. The mascot is walking through a tunnel of colorful streamers, while the crowd waves and cheers in a festive atmosphere. The background shows a modern building with banners, adding to the lively spirit of the event.

ACC Community Turns Out to Celebrate R.B.’s 15th Birthday at Highland Campus

Dozens of students, employees, families, and community partners gathered at ACC Highland to celebrate a major milestone — R.B. the Riverbat’s 15th birthday. The celebration took place in the Paseo at Highland Campus, where ACC’s … Continue reading

ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, a middle-aged white man stands confidently in a modern office setting. He is wearing a dark suit with a bow tie and glasses, smiling warmly. Behind him, large windows let in natural light, revealing a cityscape outside. In the foreground, there are two orange chairs and a small table with a vase of flowers, adding a touch of color to the professional environment.

ACC Chancellor Named Among Austin Business Journal’s 2025 Power Players

Austin Community College District (ACC) Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has been named to the Austin Business Journal’s (ABJ) 2025 Power Players list, recognizing influential leaders shaping the future of Central Texas. The annual list, now … Continue reading

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