Individuals interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement have until Aug. 7 to apply for Amarillo College's 134th Basic Peace Officer Academy. Applicants must complete the full application process by the deadline, so those interested are encouraged to begin as soon as possible.The Academy begins Sept. 29 and follows all standards established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), ensuring every recruit gains the knowledge, skills and discipline required to meet the real challenges of a peace officer's career. In Texas, anyone seeking to become a licensed peace officer must complete a Basic Peace Officer Course, and AC provides this essential pathway.

Amarillo College has selected Ramon Suarez Jr., a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in finance, operations, and strategic planning, to serve as its new Vice President of Administrative Services. He will begin his role on August 10th.As Vice President of Administrative Services, Suarez will lead the College’s financial and administrative operations, including finance, budgeting, procurement, facilities, risk management, information technology, and the bookstore and cafe. He will also oversee long-range financial planning, capital investments, and operational initiatives that support the College’s strategic priorities and student success. 

Amarillo College, Panhandle PBS and FM90 are inviting artists of all ages to unleash their creativity at the annual Chalk It Up sidewalk art contest on Saturday, July 25 at AC’s Washington Street Campus.The free community event, now in its eighth year, will transform the Oeschger Family Mall into a colorful outdoor gallery as individual artists and teams create original chalk masterpieces on designated 8-foot squares.

Amarillo College will administer physical ability testing for individuals seeking admission to the AC Fire Academy at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 11, and Saturday, July 18, at the First Responders Academy (FRA).Completing the physical ability test, which consists of simulated fire-scene activities, is among the requirements for admission to the Fire Academy.

Amarillo College is pleased to announce that a total of 985 full-time students attained academic excellence worthy of inclusion on the Spring 2026 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. 

Four Amarillo College students were recognized last week as recipients of the West Texas A&M University Community College Scholars award during a special presentation led by Dr. Jamelle Conner, president of Amarillo College.Students honored with the recognition include:During the presentation, Dr. Conner awarded each student an honor cord and an official certificate recognizing their achievement. Students were invited to wear their cords during last Friday's graduation ceremonies.

Amarillo College’s Kids’ College is bringing a full lineup of engaging summer camps designed to spark curiosity and creativity through hands-on learning. With programs offered in Amarillo, Dumas and Hereford, students in grades K–12 can explore science, technology, engineering and math in ways that are both educational and fun.

Amarillo College invites the community to enjoy an evening of live music, local talent and summer tradition during the 2026 Jim Laughlin AC June Jazz Series. The annual concert series brings together accomplished regional musicians and jazz enthusiasts for free weekly performances throughout June.“All of these groups bring something unique to the stage, from classic big band sounds to contemporary jazz influences,” said Jim Laughlin, AC professor of music. “The June Jazz Series has always been about creating a welcoming space where the community can come together to enjoy great music and celebrate the art of jazz.”

The Vocational Nursing (LVN) program at Amarillo College will celebrate 75 years of preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurses during its Spring 2026 pinning ceremonies on May 14.The milestone will be honored as part of a dual ceremony recognizing both Vocational Nursing (VN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates at The Church at Quail Creek. The VN pinning ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m., followed by the ADN ceremony at 6 p.m. A reception for LVN graduates, alumni and community partners will follow the evening ceremony in the Fellowship Hall at the same location. Guests are asked to RSVP to the ceremony in advance.

The 7 p.m. ceremony will feature student commencement speaker Mallory Moore, the first student-athlete in Amarillo College history to be selected for the honor.Moore, a Badger cross country runner who competed at the national level both years she attended Amarillo College, said she was surprised and humbled to be chosen.

Amarillo College has selected Racheal Garcia, a graduate of its Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program, as the student commencement speaker for the 3 p.m. graduation ceremony Friday, May 15.Garcia, a nontraditional student who returned to college while raising her granddaughters and supporting her family through illness, will address fellow graduates with a message centered on perseverance, purpose and the value of hard work.

Amarillo College’s Communications and Marketing has earned national recognition in the Collegiate Advertising Awards program, receiving a bronze, two golds, and three silver awards across multiple categories in competition with peer institutions in the 5,001–10,000 student group.The College earned two Gold Awards for the Kids’ College Summer Course Guide and the Creative Mind Lecture Series: Bob Dylan. It also received three Silver Awards for Teaching for Transformation Magazine, the Keep Us Live invitation campaign, and the {Grow / Secure / Drive / Protect / Build} Your Future TV/PSA video series. Additionally, the College was recognized with a Bronze Award for its {Grow / Secure / Drive / Protect / Build} Your Future billboard series.

Amarillo College invites the community to experience the intensity and teamwork of real-world firefighting during a special Night Live Burn Training event on Thursday, April 30 at the First Responders Academy. Open to the public, this rare, after-dark training offers a front-row seat to watch fire academy cadets in action as they battle controlled live fires.

Amarillo College students delivered an outstanding performance at the annual Pantex Innovation Challenge, earning top team finishes, multiple MVP honors, and advancing to the next round of competition.Held March 26–27 at Amarillo College’s Innovation Outpost campus, the event brought together some of the region’s brightest emerging talent to tackle complex, real-world challenges.

Amarillo College will host “Heart & Mind: Discover Your Path in Teaching and the Liberal Arts,” an engaging showcase designed to help high school students explore future careers in education and liberal arts fields.The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 27 in Dutton Hall on the Washington Street Campus.

The University of Texas Permian Basin and Amarillo College will sign an agreement to establish a new partnership at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16 in the second-floor lobby of the College Union Building on AC’s Washington Street Campus.UTPB President Dr. Sandra Woodley and Amarillo College President Dr. Jamelle Conner will attend the event to sign the agreement, which is designed to make it easier than ever for Amarillo College students to continue their academic journey and complete their four-year degree as a Falcon.

Amarillo College is inviting community members to join an upcoming strategic planning forum and help shape the institution’s future.The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16 in the Student Life & Conference Center on the Washington Street Campus.Led by Amarillo College President Dr. Jamelle Conner, the forum is designed to be an open, welcoming space where attendees can share ideas, offer input, and engage in meaningful conversations about the college’s direction and priorities.

When Salvador Gonzalez told his father he had earned a scholarship that could pay for his entire associate degree, the moment was emotional. His father, who completed only the third grade while growing up in Mexico, was moved to tears.Just months earlier, Gonzalez had moved from Houston to Bovina, unsure what to expect in a new town and a new school.

The Future Billionaires Club at Amarillo College is hosting its second annual business expo, Innovate U!, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the Oeschger Family Mall on the AC Washington Street campus.Designed to spotlight entrepreneurship across campus, Innovate U! gives Amarillo College students and employees the chance to showcase their businesses or business ideas, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and build valuable professional relationships.

Individuals interested in exploring rewarding careers in healthcare are invited to attend the upcoming Men in Healthcare event from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 2 at Amarillo College’s West Campus.Designed to introduce participants to the wide range of opportunities available in the healthcare field, the event will highlight careers that offer strong job security, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Attendees will gain insight into working in fast-paced medical environments and learn how their interests and skills can translate into in-demand healthcare professions.