Panhandle PBS is proud to have contributed to the development of PBS’s newly launched Community Engagement Learning Path, a comprehensive professional development program now available to public media stations across the country through Public Media Learns.Created by the PBS Immersive Learning Team and the PBS Programming Engagement Team in partnership with Nine PBS, the Community Engagement Learning Path and companion guidebook were designed as evergreen resources to help stations strengthen their engagement strategies, build meaningful partnerships, and better serve their communities.

Amarillo College Theatre is presenting The School for Lies, a razor-sharp comedy by acclaimed playwright David Ives, continuing through Sunday, March 8. Set in Paris in 1666, the play centers on the brilliant and beguiling young widow Célimène, whose famously biting wit has landed her in legal trouble. Surrounded by shallow suitors whom she effortlessly manipulates—but refuses to marry—Célimène has successfully avoided love since the death of her husband. That is, until the arrival of the mysterious and outspoken Frank.

Thirteen Amarillo College theatre students recently showcased their talent and dedication at the American College Theatre Festival last month in Abilene, earning multiple awards and national recognition while representing the College and its theatre program with distinction.Students competed in a variety of performance and technical theatre categories against peers from colleges and universities across the region.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company—the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance—will present a check for $100,000 grant at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3 at the Innovation Outpost at 1220 S. Polk. With this Amarillo College continues to fund the college’s Safety and Environmental Technology Program, which provides workplace safety courses for community employers, employees and the general public.

Elizabeth A. Brown, a seasoned law enforcement executive with more than 24 years of progressive leadership experience, was sworn in as Chief of Police for the Amarillo College Police Department Feb. 24 at the AC Board of Regents meeting. Brown brings a distinguished record in public safety and the private sector, including service with the Amarillo Police Department where she was a Captain for 8 years. She earned a master of arts in communication from West Texas A & M University and is an Amarillo College Alumni. 

 Amarillo College Student Media brought home top honors once again this year at the Amarillo chapter of the American Advertising Federation’s 2026 Advertising Awards on Feb. 20.  “The Current,” AC’s student-produced magazine, won a Gold ADDY award and a Special Judges Award for its fall 2024 edition.

Amarillo College will present its annual Music Department Student Honors Recital at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3 in the Concert Hall Theater. Students selected to perform on the Honors Recital are chosen based upon faculty recommendations following December juries. The recital showcases outstanding student musicians who have demonstrated exceptional performance skill and artistry.

The year was 1976. The date was March 15.On a bright spring day in the mid-1970s, precisely at noon, a brand-new voice came alive on the airwaves—one that would shape generations of music lovers, students, and community members across the Texas Panhandle.That voice was KACV-FM, Amarillo College’s FM90—a 100,000-watt, non-commercial radio station broadcasting at 89.9 FM across the Texas Panhandle.

Amarillo College will welcome internationally renowned poet, storyteller, musician and playwright Joy Harjo for a public lecture at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26 in the AC Concert Hall Theatre at AC’s Washington Street Campus, as part of the Creative Mind Lecture Series, sponsored by the Amarillo College Foundation.

Amarillo College will host a SkillsUSA competition on Friday, Feb. 13 at the Amarillo College Innovation Outpost, bringing together high school students, industry professionals and educators for a hands-on, real-world learning experience.The event will feature student competitors from area high schools and will be judged by Amarillo College faculty and staff, members of the College’s Business Leadership Councils, and professionals from the Amarillo community. AmTech Career Academy is also partnering in support of the event.

Amarillo College will host its first-ever STEM and Business Career and Transfer Fair from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the Event Center at the new Student Life and Conference Center, on the Washington Street Campus.Designed as a combined career expo and transfer fair, the event has already attracted 15 university representatives from STEM and business programs and 15 employers from related industries, with additional participants registering daily. Several employers will be recruiting for internships and job opportunities, giving students a direct pathway from the classroom to careers.

Girls across the Texas Panhandle are gaining firsthand exposure to careers in science, technology, engineering and math through Girls Who Science, a monthly speaker series hosted by the Discovery Center that connects students with women working in STEM and other nontraditional fields.In January, Amarillo College Computer Information Systems (CIS) instructor Delane McUne spoke with participants about her educational and career journey and introduced students to technology concepts through hands-on learning. 

JAM with Love, a vibrant celebration of musical collaboration and artistic expression, will be presented in two February performances showcasing the Amarillo College music faculty. The program highlights an eclectic lineup of musicians and repertoire spanning classical, jazz, popular music, and film favorites, while underscoring the depth and quality of AC’s performing faculty musicians.

Amarillo College is proud to announce four students selected as nominees to represent the college in the 2025–2026 All-USA Academic Team competition:These students will compete for the All-USA Academic Team, Coca-Cola Academic Team, and the New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship or New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship, with nearly $500,000 in scholarships awarded to outstanding college students. Nominees may also receive recognition through All-State Academic Team programs across 37states, which may include academic scholarships, stipends, media coverage, and medallions or certificates.

Area residents interested in hands-on, high-paying careers are invited to Amarillo College’s Machining the Future: A Career Built to Last, a free community event focused on machining and advanced manufacturing, set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 at the AmTech Career Academy at 3601 Plains Boulevard in Amarillo.

Amarillo College is pleased to announce that a total of 1,185 full-time students attained academic excellence worthy of inclusion on the Fall 2025 Dean’s List. To attain inclusion on the prestigious list, students must attend AC full time by completing 12 hours and earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher.

Amarillo College will host a guitar master class with internationally acclaimed guitarist JIJI from 2–3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Amarillo College Concert Hall. The event is part of a collaboration with the Amarillo Symphony and provides a unique educational opportunity for AC music students and the community.

Amarillo College has named Stephen Crandall, professor and former department chair of art, theatre, and dance at West Texas A&M University, as the Amarillo College Dean of Liberal Arts.Following a comprehensive interview process, the hiring committee—comprised of Dr. Frank Sobey, Becky Burton, Edie Carter, Dr. Chris Hudson, and Bob Austin—unanimously selected Crandall.

Amarillo College theatre students earned multiple recognitions from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for their recent production of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.The production received honors across acting, design, stage management, and ensemble work, highlighting the depth of talent and collaboration among AC students.

Amarillo College’s Panhandle Regional Law Enforcement Academy is now accepting applications for the 133rd Basic Peace Officer Academy, which begins in April. Individuals seeking a career in law enforcement are encouraged to apply. Applicants must complete the full application process by Feb. 19, so those interested are urged to begin as soon as possible.