Amarillo College President Honored with Career Achievement Award

Dr. Jamelle Conner, President of Amarillo College, was honored last week with the Career Achievement Award from the Amarillo Women’s Network during its annual Night of Celebration and Inspiration.

The event, held Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Amarillo National Bank’s Skyline Room, brought together community members to recognize women leaders who have made significant professional contributions.

Introducing Conner, Beth Duke, director of Center City Amarillo and a founding member of the Amarillo Women’s Network, reflected on the group’s beginnings in her introduction.

“When we said we didn’t have a seat at the table, the first table we gathered around was at a restaurant called Adam’s Rib — and you can’t make that up,” Duke said. “This program was created to honor career achievement, and today I couldn’t be more proud to introduce my friend, Dr. Jamelle Conner, the first woman to serve as president of Amarillo College since its founding in 1929.”

Dr. Conner, who became Amarillo College’s 15th president earlier this year, shared her gratitude in her remarks. 

“When I look around, I don’t just see professionals — I see leaders, trailblazers, mentors and role models. To be recognized by you, by women who are out there making a real difference every day, means more than I can fully express,” Conner said. 

She went on to reflect on her career path, from early roles in the U.S. Department of Defense and private industry to her calling in higher education.

“I didn’t set out chasing titles,” Conner said. “I chased purpose. If I’ve achieved anything worth honoring, it’s because I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people who inspire me daily with their resilience, their drive and their heart.”

Dr. Conner, a first-generation college graduate, holds a Ph.D. in leadership and education, an MBA, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and computer information systems. Before joining Amarillo College, she served as Vice President of Student Affairs at St. Petersburg College in Florida.

The Amarillo Women’s Network, founded in 1983, continues its mission to celebrate and connect women across the Panhandle community.