Women's History Month: AC's Leading Ladies
Get to know AC's female VPs and Associate VPs!
In honor of Women's History Month, we'd like to introduce you to some of the talented women leading the charge here at Amarillo College.
Cara Crowley, VP of Strategic Initiatives
Cara Crowley started with Amarillo College in 2008 as Director of Grants, became the President's Chief of Staff in 2014, and was promoted to VP of Strategic Initiatives in 2018. Through this role, she has been able to share the AC Story with colleagues in higher education across the nation. "Each time I get the to tell the inspiring work of our faculty and staff, it reminds me why I love this college and our deep commitment to students." In her free time, Cara likes to play golf and travel to off-the-beaten path places like the Enchanted Highway.
Best piece of advice for aspiring female leaders: "Mistakes are okay. Failure is okay. The point is to always get back up, learn from it, and then try again. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Give yourself grace."
Dr. Tamara Clunis, VP of Academic Affairs
Dr. Clunis served as the Inaugural Dean of Academic Success at Amarillo College for six years, before transitioning to her current role as VP of Academic Affairs. She is deeply committed to her role as faculty advocate and works with higher education leaders to partner with faculty in student success efforts. "I do not believe academic leaders and faculty need to have an adversarial relationship. Partnership is key!" Her favorite coaching topics include guided pathways, equity gaps, academic leadership development to lead transformational change, and scaling innovation, to name a few.
Through her leadership of the academic affairs division during the institutional reform period (2017 - 2021), AC has seen unprecedented course success and graduation rates.
Cheryl Jones, VP of Human Resources
Cheryl Jones worked with President Lowery-Hart on No Limits No Excuses Amarillo while in her role as the VPHR for BSA. She got to know more about AC as she continued on with some HR consulting work for Russell and the college. When the VP of Human Resources role opened up four years ago, "I knew it was my opportunity to step out of my 17-year comfort zone of the healthcare industry to try something new. I am loving learning about higher ed and getting the chance to innovate in our workplace." In her free time, Cheryl loves to be outdoors playing with her two dogs, watching cooking shows, and trying new recipes.
Best piece of advice for aspiring female leaders: "Be you. Let your best qualities and strengths influence your leadership brand."
Denese Skinner, VP of Student Affairs
Denese Skinner has been in higher education for 28 years. She started as a director at West Texas A&M University and worked her way up through different leadership roles by widening her portfolio of responsibilities, scope, and impact. She has been with AC for four years now and has enjoyed being a part of all the amazing initiatives taking place on campus. "It is SO rewarding to work in a culture that is innovative and willing to try new things to help our students to completion and get good jobs. Our students are amazing, hardworking, and eager to earn their credentials. They want what we all do a life that brings us joy and fulfillment." In her free time, Denese likes to listen to books on Audible (particularly Bren Brown's books on vulnerability and leadership), NPR's Ted Radio Hours, Gallup's Strengths Coaching and Cultural Competence podcasts as well as Anette Carlisle's podcast Anette on Education.
Best piece of advice for aspiring female leaders: "Read Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. She describes how women unintentionally hold themselves back in their careers. Her call to action for women is to 'sit at the table' and 'lean in.'"
Becky Burton, Associate VP of Academic Services
Becky Burton started with AC in 2010 as a part-time instructor, became the Dean of Academic Outreach & Support in 2017, and was appointed to her current role of AVP by Dr. Clunis in the Fall of 2019. Her favorite part about her role is that she is able to advocate for students, staff, and faculty. "As an advocate for all parties, I am able to use my strengths to help solve problems and find answers that may not be ordinary or conventional. As an advocate, I also want to inspire those around me to continue to grow and be better leaders." In her free time, Becky likes to spend time with her family and read.
Best piece of advice for aspiring female leaders: "Know your strengths and use them in a positive manner and with grace. Find a mentor and never be afraid to ask for help."
Tiffani Crosley , Associate VP of Business Affairs
Tiffani Crosley started at AC in 2013 as Director of Accounting, then was promoted to the AVP of Business Affairs in 2020. Her favorite thing about her current role is watching the success of everyone around her and "witnessing those 'light bulb' moments when the whole training and commitment finally comes together and it all makes sense." Her daily goal is to develop people to be better leaders and accountants, surpassing even her own skills in accounting and leadership. In her free time, Tiffani enjoys doing diamond art, reading, and watching her daughter tumble and her son's sporting events.
Best piece of advice for aspiring female leaders: "You may grow in your career hearing that this is a man's world and females will never be in management or higher. This only challenged me to work harder. NEVER let anyone dull your sparkle or tell you that you aren't able due to being a female. Shine brighter and prove them wrong."
