Regents invite presidential finalists to share their visions at public forums

The Board of Regents on Tuesday, Nov. 19 invited the two finalists for the presidency of Amarillo College to present their visions for the College during separate on-campus public forums and interviews tentatively set for Dec. 9th and 10th, but subject to the candidates’ availability.

The two finalists are Dr. Jamelle J. Conner, vice present of student affairs at St. Petersburg College, a four-year public college in Pinellas County, Fla.; and Dr. Frank Sobey, vice president of academic affairs, at Amarillo College. See their biographical information at actx.edu/president.

Over the past week, both finalists were interviewed in closed sessions by the Board. After the Regents assess stakeholder feedback stemming from the upcoming public forums, a sole finalist is likely to emerge and be put to a vote.

“We have two outstanding candidates and we have our work cut out for us, but it’s an excellent problem to have,” said Dr. Paul Proffer, AC Regent and chair of the presidential search committee.

Amarillo College, which in April of 2023 won the nation’s highest community college accolade, the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, began its presidential search that summer – after then-AC President Russell Lowery-Hart was tabbed for the chancellorship of Austin Community College.

Until the installation of a new president, Denese Skinner, vice president of student affairs, will continue to serve as AC’s interim president.