50 Years of Building Brighter Futures
In 2023, Austin Community College District celebrated is 50th anniversary. Learn more about the college’s history and see how we commemorated this special milestone.
ACC Begins
ACC opened on September 17, 1973, with a mission to provide access to an affordable, quality college education to anyone who seeks it. In 1972, residents of Austin ISD voted to create ACC. The following fall, the region’s new community college opened its doors to 1,726 students. What started as an extraordinary vision among community leaders and education pioneers is today the primary gateway to higher education and career training in Central Texas.
Then and Now
ACC now serves more than 70,000 unique students each year through its credit, Adult Education, and Continuing Education programs. The college has earned regional, state, national, and international recognitions for innovation and academic excellence.
| Then (Fall 1973) | Now |
|---|---|
| One campus (Ridgeview) | 11 campuses |
| 177 faculty and staff | 5,000 full-time and part-time employees |
| 1,726 students | 70,000 students (annually) |
| 30 programs | 100+ programs |
| $7 per hour tuition (in-district) | $85 per hour tuition (in-district) |
Presidents of ACC
- Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart 2023-present
- Dr. Richard Rhodes 2011-2023
- Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow 2005-2011
- Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow (Interim) 2005
- Dr. Robert Aguero 2004-2005
- Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow (Interim) 2004
- Dr. Richard Fonté 1997 – 2004
- Ms. Janis M. Koenig (Interim) 1997
- Dr. Hosni Nabi (Interim) 1996 – 1997
- Dr. William E. Segura 1993 – 1996
- Mr. Roland K. Smith (Interim) 1992 – 1993
- Dr. Daniel D. Angel 1985 – 1992
- Mr. Roland K. Smith (Interim) 1984
- Dr. Brent Knight (Interim) 1983 – 1984
- Mr. Roland K. Smith (Interim) 1983
- Dr. Cecil L. Groves 1977 – 1983
- Mr. Marvin D. Shwiff (Interim) 1977
- Dr. Thomas Hatfield 1973 – 1977
