Community Invited to Celebrate the Installation of AC’s Dr. Jamelle Conner 

Amarillo College will make history with its first-ever presidential investiture—a joyful, community-centered celebration honoring both tradition and progress—set for 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the Oeschger Family Mall on the College’s Washington Street Campus.

This time-honored academic ceremony will formally install the College’s new president, symbolizing the continuity of leadership and the deep connections between the institution, its students, and the broader community.

“After the board finalized Dr. Conner's appointment, she immediately went to work,” said Dr. Chris Hudson, professor of English and president of the Faculty Senate. “I traveled to Austin with her, members of the Board, students, and faculty, and was impressed by how quickly she grasped not only our College but also the broader context of higher education in our state. I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as Faculty Senate president because she genuinely listens to faculty and students alike.”

Dr. Conner brings more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning higher education, private industry, government, and public utilities. She began her higher education career in 2008 at St. Petersburg College in Florida, where she held senior leadership roles over 17 years, including Associate Vice President of Strategic Execution and Systems Support, Chief Campus Officer/Provost of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, and Vice President of Student Affairs. During her tenure, she led innovative student support initiatives and championed efforts to strengthen community engagement.

She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Computer Information Systems from Florida Southern College, an MBA from the University of Tampa, and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Education with a specialization in Higher Education Administration from Barry University.

“As I look ahead to the formal ceremony, it reminds me that we haven’t stopped to consider our good fortune and her immense talent,” Hudson added. “This event gives us that moment. It’s fitting that we formally inaugurate Dr. Conner as the 15th President of Amarillo College, the first woman to hold this role and a true embodiment of our future aspirations. I look forward to pausing, getting a little fancy, and celebrating her leadership.”

The ceremony will include remarks from AC leaders, alumni, community partners, and a current student. Following the ceremony, faculty, staff, and students are invited to enjoy a campus celebration honoring Conner, featuring local food trucks and live music.