Amarillo College’s Panhandle PBS will welcome leaders from all 10 PBS stations in Texas for a two-day statewide meeting on Aug. 6–7.In addition to station managers, the leadership team of Texas PBS will also attend. Guests will travel from Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, College Station, Lubbock, El Paso, and Midland to take part in the discussions.

Amarillo College is now accepting students for the Fall 2025 Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses, which begin Aug. 25 at AC’s First Responders Academy (FRA) — a premier facility located on Plains Boulevard in Amarillo. To accommodate a wide range of students, including those who work, the program offers morning, afternoon, and evening class options.

Amarillo College’s Aviation program continues to soar — not only in reputation, but in real-world results, supplying a critical pipeline of workforce-ready talent to regional aviation companies like Haven Aviation Services Group.“Our Aviation Maintenance program is widely recognized for its strong partnership with Bell, which reflects the high standards we uphold in technical training,” said David Hall, dean of Amarillo College’s East Campus. “What’s equally exciting is the growing demand for our graduates across a broad spectrum of aviation employers. This program offers a direct route to a rewarding career for students with the aptitude and drive to excel in aviation repair and mechanics.”

Leila Daraei Ahwaz, originally from Iran, now proudly calls Amarillo home—a place where she rebuilt her life, raised her family, and found her calling.Her journey to the Texas Panhandle was anything but simple. In 2006, Leila left Iran with her husband and two children, pregnant with her third. The family spent eight months in Austria while awaiting legal entry into the United States. Her youngest son was born there.

Beginning this fall Amarillo College will offer fire protection technology courses with more flexibility. The courses, designed to earn an associate degree in applied science, are set up in an 8-week online format and tuition-free options. “These courses are more flexible than ever and provide great long-term career value for firefighters,” said Steve Malley, coordinator of the AC Regional Fire Academy. “We are continuing to make this program more accessible.” 

Amarillo College will host Dual Credit Days in Dumas and Hereford this month, inviting students and their families to learn more about dual credit opportunities.“There are so many questions students, and their families have about dual credit,” said Sandra De La Rosa, AC’s director of secondary partnerships and dual credit. “We want to help them navigate this excellent option for high school students by providing everything they need to enroll and take full advantage of the opportunity.” 

Dr. Fred Napp, an Amarillo College graduate and adjunct faculty member, will share some details about his career and sign copies of his book, Tales from the Ashes, at a book signing from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at AC’s First Responders Academy at 3891 Plains Boulevard in Amarillo.Napp’s career began as a volunteer firefighter in high school. The book draws on his experiences growing up in Dumas and on his 30 years of experience in fire and arson investigations across Texas.

Two locally produced documentaries from Panhandle PBS have been selected to air across Texas after being chosen by a panel of PBS staff representing the 10 public television stations in the state.The selected films— “The Rain We Keep” and “Broken Bread: Examining Senior Food Insecurity in the Texas Panhandle”—were chosen from 15 submissions for broadcast. 

Amarillo College will administer physical ability testing for anyone seeking admission to the AC Fire Academy at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, Aug. 2 at the First Responders Academy (FRA) at Plains Boulevard. Passing the physical ability test, which consists of simulated fire-scene activities, is among the requirements for admission to the Fire Academy.

Cash prizes will be up for grabs once again at Chalk It Up, the summertime sidewalk art contest at Amarillo College that has attracted crazy-good creations every year since its inception in 2017. Online registration is now open for the popular annual event, which takes place Saturday, July 26 on AC’s Washington Street Campus.

Amarillo College will be one of few community colleges in Texas to earn alliance status with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor.AC President Jamelle J. Conner will formalize the alliance status at a signing set for 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26 at the Innovation Outpost at 1220 S. Polk Street in Amarillo. 

The De La Rosa family from Sunray gathered earlier this month to celebrate their son, Ivan De La Rosa, who earned his Amarillo College associate’s degree and Sunray High School diploma. He also earned distinction as the 2025 class salutatorian. Ivan was one of 67 area high school students who earned a diploma and an Amarillo College degree this graduation season. 

 Amarillo College is pleased to announce that a total of 859 full-time students attained academic excellence worthy of inclusion on the Spring 2025 Dean’s List. To attain inclusion on the prestigious list, students must attend AC full time and earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher.Full-time students who achieved Dean’s-List status for academic excellence in the spring of 2025 are listed alphabetically.

A photo of Rafael Aguirre, an 83-year-old lifelong learner, at Amarillo College’s graduation May 9 has captured the hearts of more than 7 million people across multiple social and news media platforms. “It’s evident that his story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and positively impact others,” said Dr. Jamelle J. Conner, president of Amarillo College. “At AC, students can quickly earn meaningful certificates and degrees that lead to rewarding careers and help meet the growing demand for skilled workers in our region and beyond.  We are so proud of Rafael and all of our graduates who walked across the stage!” 

Teresa Herrera who served as AC’s assistant director of associate nursing, was awarded the prestigious 2024-2025 John F. Mead Faculty Excellence Award.She received AC’s foremost faculty accolade during commencement exercises May 9 at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium. “I was shock and thrilled,” Herrera said. “There is a lot of hard work in making a difference, so this was really a special reward coming from students and colleagues.” 

Rashmi Pillai, AC’s program coordinator for business technology, was awarded the prestigious 2024-2025 John F. Mead Faculty Excellence Award. She received AC’s foremost faculty accolade during commencement exercises May 9 at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium. “I was so shocked and almost tripped walking to the stage,” Pillai said. “You don’t do this work for awards, but it was such a nice sentiment from students and colleagues. Thank you to all who nominated me.” 

Celebrating 30 years of Tuesday night concerts in June, Amarillo College is gearing up for a favorite community tradition: Jim Laughlin June Jazz. This is 30th year for June Jazz, which commonly draws an audience of hundreds to the College and is named in honor of its founder and continuous organizer, Dr. Jim Laughlin, professor of music.

Culture, technology, and religion will be center stage during Amarillo College’s Chautauqua this fall. The Chautauqua series is a follow-up to AC’s Two Cultures series from last year.“There are so many questions in today’s world about being human as it relates to those around us and the technology we use,” said Dr. Robert Fulton, AC Chautauqua coordinator and associate professor of humanities. “This forum we started with last fall’s lecture series gave our community an ideal opportunity for learning and discussion, much like the original Chautauqua more than 100 years ago.”

The newest cadets, who have completed months of intensive training in preparation for careers in firefighting and emergency response, will graduate from Amarillo College’s Regional Fire Academy this weekend.The graduation ceremony will take place at noon Saturday, May 10 the AmTech Career Academy at 3601 Plains Blvd., in Amarillo. Family, friends, and community members are invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of these future first responders.

Samantha Wilhelm knew Amarillo College would be a good place to start but only intended to stay a year. Two years later, Wilhelm earned her associate’s degree and will join Amarillo College’s Class of 2025 graduates at Commencement Friday, May 9 at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum."Since I was homeschooled, I thought the size and atmosphere at AC would make it a good place to start,” she said. “I have loved the environment here.”