Over the course of a multi-faceted 43-year career as a first responder and public-safety educator, Stephen Malley seems to have checked off every major item on his professional bucket list save one – the one that drew him to Amarillo College.

Malley, who since 2021 has served as coordinator of AC’s Fire Protection Technology program, will cross that last item off his list sometime this summer, when AC opens its new and long-awaited First Responders Academy.

Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart resigned today after nine highly successful years as president of Amarillo College. His letter of resignation is effective Sept. 30, after which he plans to move into a new role as chancellor of the Austin Community College District.

“Leading Amarillo College these many years has been my greatest personal honor,” an emotional Lowery-Hart said. “AC will be forever locked in my heart.”