Amarillo College Executive and Leadership Team

Christy Hays, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer at Amarillo College, directs the overarching strategic vision and administrative functions of the institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic offerings with regional workforce demands, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer ensures the college maintains high standards of public education. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional budgets and fostering partnerships across the Texas landscape to expand student opportunities. By optimizing resource allocation, Christy Hays directly impacts the long-term sustainability of the college. Ultimately, the General Manager & Chief Executive Officer secures the institutional mission by driving growth in enrollment and improving student retention rates through data-driven decision-making processes that prioritize academic quality and community engagement across all campus departments.

Tracy Dougherty, the Chief Operating Officer at Amarillo College, manages the daily administrative and logistical functions required to support a public community college environment. Overseeing campus facilities and operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all physical and digital infrastructure supports the academic mission. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline internal processes and enhance service delivery for students and faculty. By implementing efficient management systems, Tracy Dougherty directly impacts the operational capacity of the institution. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the campus environment, ensuring that all administrative functions align with the broader goals of providing high-quality university courses and fostering a productive learning atmosphere throughout the entire regional network.

Denese Skinner, the Interim President at Amarillo College, provides temporary leadership and guidance to the institution during periods of transition. Overseeing the continuity of academic programs and administrative stability, the Interim President ensures that the college continues to deliver high-quality university courses to the community. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Regents and external stakeholders to uphold the institutional reputation. By fostering a collaborative environment among faculty and staff, Denese Skinner directly impacts the morale and productivity of the college. Ultimately, the Interim President manages the strategic direction of the institution, ensuring that all academic and operational goals remain on track while preparing the college for future leadership and long-term success in the Texas higher education sector.

Jamelle Conner, the President at Amarillo College, directs the comprehensive academic and community-focused mission of the institution. Overseeing the development of curriculum and the expansion of student support services, the President ensures that the college meets the evolving needs of the regional workforce. This leadership role involves engaging with community leaders and educational partners to promote the value of public community college education. By championing initiatives that increase student access and success, Jamelle Conner directly impacts the educational outcomes of the student population. Ultimately, the President shapes the strategic future of the institution, driving innovation in teaching and learning while maintaining the core values of accessibility and excellence that define the college experience for all students.

Russell Lowery-Hart, the President at Amarillo College, leads the institutional efforts to improve student completion rates and foster a culture of academic achievement. Overseeing the implementation of student-centered policies and the refinement of academic pathways, the President ensures that the college provides a supportive environment for all learners. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to integrate innovative teaching methods that address the specific challenges of the student body. By prioritizing equity and student success, Russell Lowery-Hart directly impacts the graduation and transfer rates of the institution. Ultimately, the President drives the long-term vision of the college, ensuring that the institution remains a vital resource for higher education and professional development within the broader regional community.

Shane Hepler, the Chief Information Officer at Amarillo College, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework necessary for modern higher education. Overseeing the security of student data and the implementation of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the college remains at the forefront of educational technology. This leadership role involves managing enterprise-wide software deployments and supporting the digital needs of faculty and staff. By optimizing network reliability and cybersecurity protocols, Shane Hepler directly impacts the academic experience of the student body. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation initiatives that enhance accessibility and connectivity, ensuring that the technological foundation of the institution supports the diverse needs of the community across all academic programs.

Ellen Patterson, the Executive Secretary To Chief Information Officer of ITS at Amarillo College, coordinates the administrative workflows and communication channels within the information technology department. Overseeing scheduling, documentation, and inter-departmental correspondence, the Executive Secretary To Chief Information Officer of ITS ensures that the technology leadership team maintains focus on critical infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves managing complex administrative tasks that facilitate the smooth operation of IT services across the campus. By streamlining internal processes and maintaining accurate records, Ellen Patterson directly impacts the efficiency of the technology division. Ultimately, the Executive Secretary To Chief Information Officer of ITS supports the strategic goals of the department by ensuring that all administrative functions remain organized and aligned with the broader mission of the college.