Dear Colleagues,
This week we will all take a long, well-deserved winter break. As the end of the year nears, I’ve been reflecting on my time at ACC.
This is a college that loves its students deeply. I’m blown away by your dedication and commitment. I see it in every department and every division, and our students feel it. You are changing lives.
I’m as moved by your commitment to our students as I am frustrated with the ineffective systems we must navigate to serve them most effectively. Love will be the thing that binds us to greatness. The best version of ACC is when we win together.
When we return from our break, we will begin to work on our theory of change, and we’re going to identify our North Star. I don’t know exactly what it will be just yet, but it’s going to be tied to our students’ success, like doubling our completion rate. When a student graduates, it takes every single office at the college to make it happen. I have no doubt that when we figure out how to glue our work together we will lead the state and nation in student outcomes. With the resources and talent we have, we’ll be ready to do great things — together — in 2024.
It’s going to start at our first Data Summit. We’re closing the college on Wednesday, March 27, so that everyone can get together to review our data, learn how to use it, and begin to map out strategies to improve student success.
I could not be more proud to be a part of ACC. I want to thank you for your commitment to our students and this institution. ACC is an incredible place to be. I feel fortunate to be on this journey with you. Thank you for making my first months here so meaningful. I can’t wait to see what we can do together in 2024.
Until then, I wish you a season filled with love, laughter, and joy.
Much Love,
russell
Russell Lowery-Hart, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Austin Community College District