This regular feature recognizes achievements, activities, and accolades of ACC faculty and staff. To submit news or suggestions, see the contact information below.

Dr. Melissa Curtis, Enrollment Management associate vice president, was accepted to the American Association of Community Colleges' Future Presidents Institute. The program is for community college leaders interested in the community college presidency.

Kathy Dowdy, Adult Education executive director, oversees a program called Ability to Benefit (ATB), which includes an eight-week, pre-collegiate seminar that provides college success skills, helps students complete the ATB application process, and assists students in applying for federal student aid. Since Dowdy was unable to attend the American Association of Community Colleges annual convention, Dr. Gaye Lynn Scott, Academic Programs associate vice president, served on a panel in her stead. Learn more here.

Dr. Guillermo "Willie" Martinez, Student Engagement & Analytics associate vice president, and Dr. Ruth Reinhart, Student Support Services associate vice president, were accepted to the National Community College Hispanic Council Leadership Development Program. The program is designed to develop Latinos who have the goal of becoming a community college president.

Courtney Mlinar, Elgin Campus Head Librarian, was appointed to the Association of College and Research Libraries Standards for Academic Librarians Task Force through June 2020. This Task Force will review standards for Faculty Status, Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure of Academic Librarians throughout the United States and abroad.

Student Life awarded Henry Tsai, Career Services counselor, the "Student Life Champion" award at its Nite in the Life awards ceremony for his participation in Student Life events, particularly in leading the Career Connections workshop in Student Life's Success Series. Amy Velchoff, Sociology and Student Development adjunct assistant professor, also received an award, "Student Organization Advisor of the Year," for her work with the Educational Leadership Student Association.

Do you know a faculty or staff member who has accomplished something notable outside the classroom or in their community? We want to hear about them. Contact Vicky Garza Gonzalez at victoria.garza@austincc.edu.