Tyler Junior College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tyler Junior College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, information systems, finance, operations, human resources, and faculty governance.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Tyler Junior College provides Associate degrees and certificate programs, shaping future careers and fostering community growth through dedicated leadership.

Leadership Roles at Tyler Junior College

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Juan Mejia
  • Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Van Cleef
  • Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Kimberly Lessner
  • President - Jill Johnson
  • President, Faculty Senate - Jan McCauley
  • President - L. Metke
  • Chief Technology Officer - Richard Besch
  • Chief Information Officer - Kristi Cuellar
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso - Kaytee Hassell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Stephanie Cecil
  • Juan Mejia - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Juan Mejia, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the institution's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing all academic and administrative functions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the college's mission to provide accessible Associate degrees and certificate programs. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships within the Tyler, Texas community and driving initiatives that enhance student success and institutional growth. By championing innovation in educational delivery, Juan Mejia directly impacts the college's market position in the higher education sector. Ultimately, Mejia secures the long-term viability and strategic direction of Tyler Junior College.

    Sarah Van Cleef - Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Van Cleef, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the fiscal health and administrative operations of the institution. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainable financial footing necessary for delivering Associate degrees and certificate programs. This critical leadership function involves managing all financial reporting and compliance with regulatory standards across the United States. By maintaining fiscal discipline and optimizing administrative processes, Sarah Van Cleef directly supports the college's strategic objectives and long-term stability. Ultimately, Van Cleef ensures the efficient and responsible management of all institutional assets.

    Kimberly Lessner - Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Kimberly Lessner, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Tyler Junior College, oversees the comprehensive operational framework of the institution. Directing daily activities across various departments, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer ensures the efficient delivery of services that support student learning and campus functions. This leadership position involves managing facilities, logistics, and resource utilization to optimize institutional performance. By streamlining operational processes and enhancing service delivery, Kimberly Lessner directly contributes to the seamless execution of Tyler Junior College's educational mission. Ultimately, Lessner drives operational excellence across the Tyler, Texas campus.
    Kimberly Lessner

    Jill Johnson - President

    Jill Johnson, the President at Tyler Junior College, provides dedicated leadership focused on specific institutional priorities. Overseeing key initiatives related to academic advancement and student support services, the President ensures progress aligns with the college's overarching mission. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to enhance the educational experience and operational efficiency. By driving targeted projects and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Jill Johnson directly contributes to the strategic development of Tyler Junior College. Ultimately, Johnson's focus ensures the effective execution of critical campus objectives.

    Jan McCauley - President, Faculty Senate

    Jan McCauley, the President, Faculty Senate at Tyler Junior College, represents the collective voice and interests of the faculty. Overseeing faculty governance and academic policy discussions, the President, Faculty Senate ensures that faculty perspectives inform institutional decision-making. This vital role facilitates communication between the faculty body and the college's administrative leadership, promoting collaboration on educational strategies and student success initiatives. By advocating for faculty needs and academic standards, Jan McCauley directly contributes to the quality of education offered at Tyler Junior College. Ultimately, McCauley fosters an environment where faculty expertise drives academic excellence.

    L. Metke - President

    L. Metke, the President at Tyler Junior College, directs strategic efforts focused on specific areas of institutional development. Overseeing critical projects and departmental advancements, the President ensures that operational activities align with the college's commitment to providing Associate degrees and technical training. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration across academic and administrative units to enhance student outcomes and institutional effectiveness. By championing key initiatives and driving progress in designated sectors, L. Metke directly supports the ongoing mission of Tyler Junior College. Ultimately, Metke's leadership ensures the successful implementation of vital college programs.

    Richard Besch - Chief Technology Officer

    Richard Besch, the Chief Technology Officer at Tyler Junior College, architects the institution's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all aspects of technology deployment and maintenance, the Chief Technology Officer ensures robust and scalable systems support the college's educational and administrative needs. This leadership position involves evaluating emerging technologies to enhance learning environments and operational efficiency across the Tyler, Texas campus. By driving technological advancements, Richard Besch directly contributes to the college's ability to offer modern educational programs and certificate options. Ultimately, Besch ensures Tyler Junior College remains at the forefront of technological integration in education.

    Kristi Cuellar - Chief Information Officer

    Kristi Cuellar, the Chief Information Officer at Tyler Junior College, manages the strategic direction and implementation of information systems. Overseeing data management, cybersecurity, and IT governance, the Chief Information Officer ensures the integrity and accessibility of critical institutional information. This role involves aligning technology solutions with the college's mission to deliver Associate degrees and technical programs effectively. By optimizing information flow and security protocols, Kristi Cuellar directly supports the operational backbone of Tyler Junior College. Ultimately, Cuellar safeguards sensitive data and enhances the digital experience for students and staff across the United States.

    Kaytee Hassell - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso

    Kaytee Hassell, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso at Tyler Junior College, supports the Chief Information Officer in managing the institution's information security and IT operations. Overseeing the implementation of security policies and procedures, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso ensures the protection of sensitive data and the integrity of information systems. This role is vital for maintaining compliance and safeguarding the digital environment that supports educational delivery and administrative functions. By reinforcing security protocols, Kaytee Hassell directly contributes to the overall resilience and trustworthiness of Tyler Junior College's technological infrastructure. Ultimately, Hassell plays a key part in securing the college's digital assets against evolving threats.

    Stephanie Cecil - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Stephanie Cecil, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Tyler Junior College, leads the strategic management of the institution's workforce. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a supportive and productive environment for all faculty and staff. This role is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled professionals who contribute to delivering high-quality Associate degrees and certificate programs. By fostering a positive organizational culture and implementing effective HR policies, Stephanie Cecil directly impacts employee engagement and institutional effectiveness. Ultimately, Cecil champions the development and well-being of the human capital essential to Tyler Junior College's success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tyler Junior College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Tyler Junior College?
    Tyler Junior College is led by Juan Mejia (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sarah Van Cleef (Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer) and Kimberly Lessner (Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Tyler Junior College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tyler Junior College includes leaders such as Juan Mejia (President & Chief Executive Officer), Sarah Van Cleef (Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), Kimberly Lessner (Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tyler Junior College have?
    Tyler Junior College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Tyler Junior College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Tyler Junior College includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Faculty Senate.