Board of Regents Announces New President
The Board of Regents on Tuesday selected Dr. Jamelle J. Conner as the first female president of Amarillo College.
Conner, the vice president of student affairs at St. Petersburg College in Florida, was one of two finalists for the AC presidency. Her selection as the 15th president of AC marks the culmination of a 17-month national search to replace Russell Lowery-Hart, who resigned from AC in September of 2023 to become chancellor at Austin Community College.
"I am so deeply honored to be selected as the next president of Amarillo College. The passion and dedication of the faculty and staff, coupled with the warmth of the Amarillo community, have given me a true heart for this College and the community," Conner said. "I am excited to work alongside the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students, and the entire community to build on our strengths, create our shared vision, and transform the lives of those we serve."
The Board authorized appropriate AC staff to negotiate a contract with Conner, an agreement set to be approved in January. Denese Skinner will continue to serve as interim president until the new president takes office.
"She expressed to us her plans to be part of the future and what we're doing here at AC, and that's exciting," said Jay Barrett, chairman of the AC Board of Regents. "I can hardly wait to see her in place and see her expand the College's reach throughout our community."
Conner began her work at St. Petersburg College, which serves 40,000 students, in 2008 as associate vice president of strategic execution and administrative systems support. Prior to her higher education experience, Conner worked as a director of financial planning and analysis, responsible for a $200 million annual budget.
Dr. Jamelle J. Conner, Ph.D.
Search Process
Finalist Forums
The two individuals who have been selected as finalists to become the next Amarillo College president are scheduled to attend separate 75-minute open forums Dec. 9-10 in Ordway Hall on AC’s Washington Street Campus.
- Dr. Frank Sobey - 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9.
Watch open forum with Dr. Frank Sobey
- Dr. Jamelle J. Conner - 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10.
Finalist Feedback
Submit your feedback on each of the presidential finalists by 5:00 PM on Friday, December 13.
DR. JAMELLE J. CONNER FEEDBACK FORM
These responses will be provided to the AC Board of Regents in advance of the Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 17.
Search Advisory Committee
A new search advisory committee representing faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community members will be chosen by leadership to provide feedback on candidates—similar to the initial search.
Dr. Jamelle J. Conner, Ph.D.
Dr. Frank Sobey, Ed.D.
Timeline
7/29/2024
Application period opens.
9/8/2024
Closing date for applications to ensure full consideration.
9/16 - 20/2024
Committee receives and evaluates a short list of applications from Gold Hill Associates.
9/23 - 27/2024
Committee narrows field to semi-finalists recommendation.
9/30 - 10/7/2024
Committee interviews semi-finalists and narrows to a group of finalists.
10/14 - 25/2024
Board of Regents selects finalists for on-campus visits.
11/12 & 11/18/2024
Finalists interview with the AC Board of Regents
12/9/2024
Presidential Finalist Open Forum featuring Dr. Frank Sobey at Ordway Hall
12/10/2024
Presidential Finalist Open Forum featuring Dr. Jamelle J. Conner at Ordway Hall
12/17/2024
Board of Regents Special Meeting to select new president.
Position Description & Application Process
View Position Description & Application Process
Questions about the search can be submitted to regents@actx.edu.
Initial Search Process
