Austin Community College District’s (ACC) nationally recognized semiconductor workforce programs will play a key role in a new 10-state semiconductor alliance announced June 9 at the University of Texas at Austin. ACC was selected for its advanced, scalable training model, which will help prepare more students for careers in the semiconductor industry.

The new National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) South Node is one of the nation’s first regional hubs of its kind, designed to establish a national strategy to expand the semiconductor workforce.

“This work reflects what ACC does best. We listen to industry, work alongside our partners, and build pathways that help students be ready for what’s next,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “The semiconductor industry is changing rapidly, and our responsibility is to make sure students and employers aren’t trying to keep up alone. When education and industry come together around a shared goal, we can move faster, respond to workforce needs in real time, and create opportunities that change lives.”

The launch comes as the semiconductor industry faces growing workforce demands nationwide. Industry projections estimate the United States could face a shortage of more than 100,000 semiconductor workers by the end of the decade as domestic manufacturing capacity continues to expand. The alliance was created to help address that challenge by connecting universities, community colleges, employers, and workforce organizations across the South.

“No single institution can meet the semiconductor workforce demand alone. This alliance brings together universities, community colleges, employers, and workforce partners to build talent at the scale the industry requires. ACC is proud to lead that effort — creating stronger connections and gluing our work together to build a workforce ecosystem that’s ready for what’s next and supports growth across the region,” says Garrett Groves, ACC vice chancellor of Strategic Initiatives.

ACC was selected for two distinct roles: 

• Expanding its U-STARS semiconductor training program to serve university engineering and STEM students across the region. 
• Serving as the inaugural lead for the alliance’s earn-and-learn workforce development efforts.

The selection builds on ACC’s growing national reputation in semiconductor workforce development. The College’s STARS (Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start) curriculum has been published as an open educational resource and is being adopted by institutions and employers seeking to expand semiconductor training capacity. The U-STARS program is an adaptation created specifically by ACC to provide university bachelor’s degree students with direct technical experience and knowledge that is not available in traditional university courses. 

Expanding ACC’s Semiconductor Training for University Students

Through its U-STARS program, created in partnership with the Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE) at The University of Texas at Austin, ACC provides hands-on semiconductor technician training that complements traditional engineering and STEM education. The program gives students practical experience working with the equipment, processes, and technologies used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Students from The University of Texas at Austin were the first participants in the program in May 2025, with four additional cohorts returning in 2026. This summer, engineering students from Texas A&M University will participate in training at ACC’s Round Rock Campus.

“What makes ACC’s semiconductor training model successful is that students learn by doing. We built curriculum designed for the future. We combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience where students use the tools, equipment, and processes they’ll encounter in the industry,” says Dr. Laura Marmolejo, ACC associate dean of Advanced Manufacturing. “Through this alliance, we’re excited to expand our program and bring it to more university students.” 

Through the alliance, ACC will receive support to expand U-STARS to additional university partners across the region.

Leading Earn-and-Learn Workforce Pathways

ACC will also serve as the inaugural lead for the alliance’s earn-and-learn workstream, helping coordinate efforts to expand customized training, employer-connected learning opportunities, and apprenticeship pathways across the 10-state region.

Working alongside alliance partners, ACC will help identify opportunities to scale workforce models that connect students directly to industry needs while supporting employers facing growing talent demands.

About the Alliance

Led by the Texas Institute for Electronics, the Alliance was established through the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), a national effort supported by the National Science Foundation and SEMI Foundation to strengthen America’s semiconductor workforce pipeline.

“We are building a workforce that is not only skilled but adaptable, one that can grow with the demands of the industry and create real economic opportunity across the region,” says Alyssa Reinhart, director of workforce development at TIE and the NNME South Node Lead. “That is what this coalition has been working toward and what the NNME South will deliver.”

The alliance is one of the first four regional networks established through the National Science Foundation-supported initiative and is eligible for up to $20 million over five years. The South Node expands across Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Other partners in the Alliance include 32 industry employers and 35 academic institutions, such as: 

• AMD
• Arm
• Cadence
• NXP Semiconductor
• Samsung Austin Semiconductor
• Synopsys
• Texas Instruments
• The Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute
• The University of Florida and Florida Semiconductor Institute
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• The University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Arkansas

A list of all industry and academic partners can be found on the NNME South website.

Virtual Employee Town Hall

Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 9 a.m.
Virtual: Join via Zoom

The Chancellor and cabinet members will be on hand to provide updates and answer questions in the virtual chat box. Key topics include:

• St. Edward’s University Partnership 
• Theory of Change Update: Transfer
• ACC Budget Update

American Sign Language interpreters will be available for accessibility. Please note that mobile viewing is not compatible with this format. ACC recommends logging in through a desktop or laptop for the best experience.

A recording of the conversation and the Q&A transcript will be posted on the Employee Town Hall web page after the conversation.

Big Ideas Are Not Just for Rich Kids

David Brooks’ recent essay in The Atlantic spotlighted educators across the country who are helping students engage with life’s biggest questions through humanistic education, civic thought, and character formation—including Hadzi-Antich Jr. 

Brooks writes: “Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr., who teaches at Austin Community College, decided that big ideas shouldn’t be just for rich kids, and began teaching a seminar called ‘The Great Questions.’ He then formed the Great Questions Foundation, which has trained more than 140 faculty at community colleges across the nation on the art of leading big-ideas seminars.”

Hadzi-Antich’s work continues to align with ACC’s belief that education is about more than preparing students for a career. It’s about helping students discover purpose, think critically, engage with their communities, and build meaningful lives.

Read the full story in The Atlantic here. 

ACC as a Model for Discussion-Based Learning

A new feature in The Chronicle of Higher Education spotlights the growing national movement around discussion-based learning, and includes ACC as part of the conversation.

The article also highlights Hadzi-Antich Jr. and the College’s Great Questions initiative as a model for helping students engage more deeply with learning through conversation, critical thinking, and big ideas.

Key highlights:

• ACC’s Great Questions seminars have reached thousands of students.
• About 160 ACC faculty have completed training to teach discussion-based courses.
• The model has expanded to 70 community college campuses nationwide.
• Students explore transformational texts and ideas through dialogue, not lectures or memorization.

The article explores how colleges across the country are rethinking education in an AI-driven, transactional era with more focus on human connection, curiosity, and meaningful discussion.

ACC’s work is helping lead that conversation nationally.

Read the full Chronicle feature for a deeper look at the movement and why programs like ACC’s Great Questions initiative are gaining attention.

Austin Community College District (ACC) has selected 16 faculty members for its inaugural Character Education Communities of Inquiry. The program seeks to integrate the cultivation of intellectual, civic, and moral virtues into teaching and learning at ACC, beginning with the general education curriculum. It launches in fall 2026. 

More than 65 faculty members representing disciplines across ACC’s general education curriculum applied for the opportunity. 

“The strength of this year’s applicant pool confirms broad and deep faculty interest in this kind of professional and intellectual community,” says Arun John, ACC Character Education Initiative co-lead. “While the current cohort is intentionally limited to ensure a focused experience, the initiative is designed to grow. ACC’s LEAD [Liberal Education Advancement and Development] program has already established communities of practice across the College, and as these two efforts converge, we expect to open participation to more faculty in the years ahead.”

Meet the Cohort

The Communities of Inquiry build on the work of the Character Education Faculty Institute, which has been meeting throughout spring 2026. The eight original Institute faculty will serve as facilitators within four communities, each meeting regularly over the course of the academic year through a combination of monthly gatherings, biweekly virtual check-ins, and peer classroom observations. Selected faculty will prepare over the summer with a reading of Jason Baehr’s “Deep in Thought.”

Communities of Inquiry Faculty
Lexi Allison | Humanities
Andrew Costigan | Student Development
Amy Cunningham | Composition & Literary Studies
Ping Chu | Psychology
Chelsey Dankenbring | Biology
Kristina Elizondo | Art History
Parichehr Fariborz | Mathematics
Aran Gharibpour | Philosophy
Tao Huang | Government
Carrie Kaplan | Drama
Jack McDonald | Government
Susan Meigs | Composition & Literary Studies
Rebel Sanders | Biology
Andrea Dawn Tawwater | Sociology
Ariel Taylor | Mathematics
Marcel Pons Ventura | Spanish-World Languages

Institute Faculty
Jamie Cantu | Biology
Laura Cortes-Franco | Student Development
Dania Dwyer | Composition & Literary Studies
Melissa Foote | Philosophy
Kathy Frost | Psychology
Bryan Port | History
Eli Ryder | Creative Writing
Marilyn Wells | Physics

ACC’s Character Education Initiative is co-led by:

• Kelly Greenwood, Mathematics Faculty;
• Ted Hadzi-Antich Jr., Government Faculty; and 
• Arun John, English Faculty; with 
• Grant Potts, Dean of Curriculum Management, serving as project advisor. 

The program is supported by an ECI 2025 Institutional Impact Grant of $781,200 from Wake Forest University’s Program for Leadership and Character. ACC is one of only two community colleges in the nation to receive the award.

Whether you’re a manager preparing evaluations or an employee wondering what to expect, now is a great time to refresh your understanding of the process. Questions about eligibility, evaluation responsibilities, rating definitions, and other common topics will be covered during a special webinar hosted by HR called “Say YES! to Excellence.”

Say YES! to Excellence Performance Excellence Program Webinar
Date: Wednesday, June 10
Time: 10–11 a.m.
Join via Zoom

Managers should also watch for upcoming invitations to required training sessions focused on understanding and using Upward Evaluation results. These workshops will provide tools for analyzing feedback, identifying strengths and growth opportunities, and developing action plans that support both individual and institutional success.

Mark your calendar now and take advantage of the extra time this year’s schedule provides to prepare for a successful PEP season. The season ends August 31.

Beck brings more than 30 years of deep public safety and leadership experience to ACC. Throughout his career, he led a wide range of divisions and spearheaded crucial community outreach programs.

“Beck was selected for his exceptional leadership and diverse professional background, which includes patrol operations, training, special events coordination, emergency management, policy development, accreditation, and community outreach programs. Chief Beck’s extensive experience reflects a strong commitment to public service, community engagement, and public safety,” says Disher.

His extensive administrative and operational expertise is backed by a proven track record of collaborative leadership. Throughout his career, Beck has worked seamlessly alongside local, state, federal, and nonprofit organizations to advance and strengthen regional public safety initiatives.

His appointment strengthens a leadership team dedicated to Disher’s vision of “humanizing the badge,” prioritizing a service-oriented approach where officers are visible, supportive, and active partners in student success.

“As assistant chief, Chief Beck will continue the outstanding work being done at ACC by collaborating closely with the ACC community and strengthening public safety initiatives across the College. His progressive approach and dedication to building meaningful partnerships will further enhance the safety, security, and well-being of the ACC community,” says Disher. “I look forward to working with Chief Beck and building a strong partnership together.”

Beck’s professional journey comes full circle with his return to the College. A fifth-generation Austinite, he holds deep roots in the local community and takes immense pride in his connection to ACC as an alumnus. Beck earned his bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University and went on to achieve a Master of Public Administration from Texas State University.

“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the institution that helped shape my educational journey while contributing to my continued growth and success,” says Beck.

In his new role, he plans to spend his first months listening, learning, and building relationships across the College community to better understand the needs and priorities of students, faculty, staff, stakeholders, and the officers of the police department.

“I am committed to supporting Chief Disher’s vision of a service-oriented police department by enhancing community engagement, strengthening emergency preparedness efforts, and fostering collaborative partnerships that promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all who learn and work at ACC,” says Beck.   

Beck was sworn in as assistant police chief on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Bell returns to the College where she began her higher education career, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience across both community college and top-tier research university environments. She steps into the role previously held by Linda Terry, who retired in February 2026.

In her new position, Bell will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, Dr. Dorado M. Kinney. She will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Enrollment & Records Directors, Enrollment & Records Compliance & Operations, Graduation and Degree Audit Services, and Transcript Evaluations.

“Bethany brings deep expertise in academic operations—including registration, curriculum management, student records, and enrollment services—with a strong focus on improving systems to better support student success and institutional effectiveness,” says Kinney. “Her experience across both two-year and four-year institutions brings a valuable perspective to advancing work that supports the full student path and aligns with our institutional priorities. Her work is focused on improving access, clarity, and coordination so students can navigate a more seamless path from entry through completion.”

Her appointment marks a meaningful homecoming. Bell began her career at ACC, where she established a foundational understanding of the student experience through roles in advising, recruitment, and admissions and records. She later transitioned to leadership roles at The University of Texas at Austin, most recently serving as Associate Registrar. In that role, she led core academic functions and collaborated across campus divisions to improve operational efficiency and elevate the student experience.

Bell is known for her collaborative leadership style, strong policy acumen, and ability to lead complex operational areas with clarity, consistency, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“I am thrilled to be part of ACC and a community that is deeply committed to student success,” says Bell. “My initial focus is on listening, learning, and building relationships with staff, faculty, and campus partners across the district while gaining a deeper understanding of the important work already underway. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to strengthen consistency in our processes, enhance the student experience, and support student success across the district.”

Bell is also currently expanding her impact on the field of higher education as a Ph.D. student in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin. Her academic research focuses directly on administrative processes and how they impact student persistence.

Since starting May 18, Bell has been connecting with teams across Enrollment Management to learn about ongoing projects, priorities, and frontline operations.

While our Financial Aid and IT teams are working hard behind the scenes to manage these updates, here is a high-level look at what is changing, how it impacts our students, and what you can do to help.

Financial Aid Offer Delays

ACC typically begins sending financial aid offers in April. This year, we are experiencing a significant delay due to a required software update needed to implement the new federal rules.

Offers are expected to be delivered well before the August fall tuition payment deadline. Students will not be dropped for non-payment while their financial aid applications are being processed. They will receive their official offer directly in their ACC email as soon as it is finalized.

New Federal Student Loan Rules

Starting July 1, 2026, federal student loan amounts will be directly tied to a student’s enrollment level. Previously, students could often qualify for a standard loan limit, but the new rules require institutions to prorate loans based on the exact number of credit hours a student is taking.

• Part-Time Impact: Students taking fewer than 12 credit hours will likely see reduced loan eligibility. Because a majority of ACC students enroll part-time, keeping them informed about this change is critical to helping them maintain affordability and momentum toward graduation.
• Mid-Semester Changes: If a student drops below the enrollment level used to calculate their loan after disbursement, it won’t change what they already received, but it can reduce what they are eligible for in later semesters of the same school year.

Other Key Policy Shifts

• Pell Grants: While most ACC students will not be affected, those with a Student Aid Index of $14,790 or higher, or those whose non-federal grants/scholarships already cover their full Cost of Attendance, will no longer qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.
• TASFA (Texas State Aid): Texas has updated residency requirements for students applying through TASFA. 
• Loan Repayment: Federal repayment options are changing for current and future borrowers. Federal Student Aid is currently in the process of updating its loan page with the new repayment options. In the meantime, details can be found on its updates page.

How You Can Help Students

As frontline support for our students, your reassurance and guidance make all the difference. You can help by keeping these talking points in mind:

• Encourage Early Registration: Waiting on a financial aid offer is not a reason to hold off on signing up for classes. Remind students to lock in their ideal schedules early to secure the times and campuses they prefer.
• Advise Before Dropping: Because a dropped class can instantly lower a student’s future loan payouts, strongly encourage them to talk to the Financial Aid Office before finalizing any schedule changes or dropping a course.
• Keep an Eye on ACC Email: Remind students to check their official college email regularly for updates or document requests from the financial aid team.

For more detailed guidance, student-facing resources, and updates as they happen, please visit austincc.edu/FAupdates. Specific questions can be directed to finaid@austincc.edu.

While no action is required if you wish to keep your current coverage, this two-week period is your only opportunity to make updates to your insurance and benefit elections for the year unless you experience a qualifying life event.

What to Know About The Changes

ERS announced several premium and plan changes that will take effect September 1, 2026. With rising healthcare costs, ERS says one reason some premiums are increasing is to keep benefits the same.

The rate increases won’t affect full-time employees, as ACC will continue to pay 100 percent of their health insurance premiums.

HealthSelect of Texas and Consumer Directed HealthSelect premiums for dependents, part-time employees, retirees receiving tiered state contributions, survivors, and COBRA participants will increase by 8 percent.

Additional changes include:

• State of Texas Dental Choice Plan premiums will increase by 12.5 percent as ERS expands the plan’s provider network.
• State of Texas Vision premiums will increase by 7.5 percent due to increased use and rising vision care costs.
• Dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) premiums will decrease by 2 percent.
• Texas Income Protection Plan (TIPP) long-term disability rates will decrease slightly.
• Short-term disability rates and DeltaCare USA DHMO premiums will remain unchanged.

Additionally, Humana will become the new administrator for the state’s dental plans.

Learn About Your Benefits

To help you navigate these updates, ACC Human Resources and the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) are hosting a series of upcoming virtual and in-person informational events.

Employees can attend a session to explore their benefit options and get answers to their questions.

ERS Summer Enrollment Fair

Wednesday, June 17 | 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
The ERS presentation will be livestreamed at 11 a.m.
Highland Campus, Building 2000, Room 1550

Register for the Enrollment Fair here.

Virtual Q&A Sessions

Monday, June 29 | 1–2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9 | 10–11 a.m.

Register for a virtual Q&A session here.

In-Person Q&A Sessions

Tuesday, June 30 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Round Rock Campus, Room 8211

Wednesday, July 1 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Eastview Campus, Room 9209

Wednesday, July 8 | 10 a.m.–Noon
Hays Campus, Room 1301

Thursday, July 9 | 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Highland Campus, Building 2000, Room 1233

Register for an in-person Q&A session here.

Employees are encouraged to review their current elections, learn about upcoming plan changes, and take advantage of these resources before Open Enrollment closes on Friday, July 10.

Austin Community College District (ACC) invites students and employees to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW), June 15–19. Throughout the week, the College will conduct campus safety drills, test its Emergency Alert System, and share resources to help everyone understand what to do if an emergency occurs on campus.

Whether you’re attending class, working on campus, or visiting one of ACC’s locations, knowing how to respond during an emergency can make a critical difference.

“Emergencies can happen anywhere, but when people understand their role, know where to find information, and take a few simple steps to prepare ahead of time, they’re better equipped to protect themselves and support others,” says Chief Gizette Disher, ACC Police Department. “Emergency Preparedness Week happens every semester. It’s an opportunity for all of us to learn, practice, and strengthen our commitment to keeping our ACC community safe.”

What to Expect: Drills & Tests

Drills are scheduled at campuses throughout the week. Before participating, take a few minutes to review your campus Emergency Egress Plan. They’re posted on every campus and in classrooms and identify:

• Building exits and alternate routes
• Evacuation rally points
• Areas of Rescue Assistance
• Shelter locations
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Knowing where to go before an emergency occurs can help you respond quickly and confidently when it matters most.

On Wednesday, June 17, ACC will test its Emergency Alert System. Now is the time to make sure your emergency contact information is up to date. During the test, you’ll receive warning messages through text and email. To get ready, verify or update your contact information.

Things to Do Now

Below are steps you can take to get ready for the semester ahead. 

• View the ACC Emergency website for detailed information about various types of emergencies. 
• Get connected to ACC on social media. Most emergency alerts that are distributed through our Emergency Alert System also are posted to the College’s homepage and its Facebook and X pages.
• Know who to call when there’s an emergency on campus. 911 is always an option, but when you’re on campus, you can call ACC Police directly for even faster support. Save the number on your phone: 512-223-1231. 
• Learn ACC’s 5 Safety Actions. These actions are uniquely designed to address specific emergency scenarios. Resource guides with details about each step are available in every classroom and office suite. Each guide offers details for every action step, including: 

1. Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | During a Hold, individuals are instructed to remain in their current room or area until further notice, ensuring that hallways are free for emergency responders or to isolate a specific area.
2. Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | The Secure protocol directs everyone to get inside and lock exterior doors to prevent potential threats from entering the building while maintaining a safe environment inside.
3. Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lockdown protocol asks occupants to lock their doors, turn off lights, and remain out of sight, making it difficult for intruders to find them.
4. Evacuate: “Get Out” | The Evacuate directive, which may be followed by a specified location, is used to move people from one area to another, either within the building or outside, for swift and orderly evacuation in case of fires, chemical spills, or other emergencies.
5. Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | For situations like severe weather or hazardous material incidents, the Shelter protocol is activated. The specific hazard and corresponding safety strategy are clearly communicated to ensure appropriate protective measures are taken.

For more information on ACC’s emergency response and procedures, visit austincc.edu/emergency.