She will serve on the board at least until the election of 2019, when she would have to file and run for re-election. For now, however, Malone is thrilled by the opportunity to advocate for youngsters within the AISD.

Malone emerged from a field of four finalists during a special meeting of AISD trustees today (Sept. 11) and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of James Allen.

“I am deeply honored to be able to serve in this very important role,” said Malone, herself a product of the AISD.

Malone, an attorney, joined the Amarillo College faculty in 2015 and by the following year she had acquired a grant from the Texas Bar Foundation that enabled the Legal Studies Program to launch the AC Legal Clinic.

The Clinic, which is staffed by AC legal studies students and supported by bar-certified lawyers, provides free legal services for AC students who need help dealing with non-criminal cases involving divorce, child custody, wills, traffic tickets, immigration and more.

To date, the Clinic on AC’s Washington Street Campus has helped more than 350 AC students save, collectively, more than a million dollars in legal fees.