But as I read it, I found myself smiling. It was a moment of clarity, a reminder of the journey we\u2019ve taken together, and an opportunity to reflect on the promises I made when I stepped into this role. More than anything, it left me feeling deeply proud of what we\u2019ve accomplished and reinvigorated for the year ahead.<\/p>\n
What I Said Then and What We\u2019ve Done Since<\/strong><\/p>\n In that article, I shared a vision of sustaining and improving HR services, building trust and transparency, and implementing a long-term plan to support ACC\u2019s mission. Looking back, I believe we\u2019ve stayed true to those goals:<\/p>\n Sustaining and Improving Services:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019ve created new positions that help us better serve and connect with you. Our Managing Director ensures teams that run daily operations function optimally and cohesively. Our Communications Coordinator helps us keep you informed on what we\u2019re doing and connected so you know we do it with love. We placed HR Business Partners on the front-lines along with you to build relationships, provide personal and expert guidance, and identify ways to continuously improve our work environment. Most recently, we\u2019ve reimagined how we deliver HR support, moving toward a Shared Services model that combines employment, compensation, and benefits. By repurposing resources from senior roles to frontline support and cross-training staff, we\u2019ve created a more streamlined and comprehensive approach to serving employees. <\/p>\n Leading with Care:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I emphasized the importance of self-care, both for myself and my team, because you can\u2019t pour from an empty cup. This principle continues to guide me. I set professional boundaries for time management, communication, and workload. I communicate these and encourage my direct reports and leaders I support to do the same. Wellbeing goes beyond personal needs and goals\u2014they are essential to the intellectual, physical, and emotional balance required for leaders to create a harmonious, thriving workplace.<\/p>\n Building Trust and Transparency:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Eight Point People Vision, based on the eight core HR functions which I shared in those early days, remains a foundation for our work and is reflected in our structural enhancements, and how we prioritize and execute initiatives for improvement and enhancement of our services. While the arrival of Chancellor Lowery-Hart and the transformative Theory of Change process have brought new opportunities and challenges, our commitment to excellence, trust, and transparency holds true.<\/p>\n Why It Matters Now<\/strong><\/p>\n Reading that article reminded me of the privilege of serving as your Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. It\u2019s not just about the goals we\u2019ve met or the projects we\u2019ve launched. It\u2019s about the people\u2014the trust you\u2019ve placed in me and the collaboration we\u2019ve shared to build a stronger ACC.<\/p>\n As we step into 2025 and my third year as VC of HR, I carry these reflections with me. They root me in pride for how far we\u2019ve come and excitement for what\u2019s ahead. They remind me that while we\u2019ve accomplished much, there is always room to grow, to listen, and to improve.<\/p>\n Thank you for walking this journey with me, for your candor, your ideas, and your commitment to our shared mission. I look forward to continuing this work together, guided by the promise of excellence, trust, and transparency.<\/p>\n Warmest regards,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Kelly T.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fellow Riverbats, I recently stumbled upon a FacStaff Digest article from May 2023 titled \u201cChecking In With Our New Vice Chancellor of Human Resources.\u201d My first reaction was a mix of amusement and anxiety. What … Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/offices.austincc.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/01\/8-hr-functions.png\")
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