Tyler Junior College Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tyler Junior College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to accessible education, Tyler Junior College provides Associate degrees and certificate programs, fostering student success and community development through comprehensive academic and vocational pathways.

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 - L. Metke
  • President, Faculty Senate - Jan McCauley
  • 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. Mejia guides the college's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education, ensuring alignment with community needs and industry demands. This leadership role involves fostering academic excellence, driving innovation in program development, and cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders across Texas. Overseeing all major institutional initiatives, Juan Mejia ensures the college remains a vital resource for student advancement and economic development within the region. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses financial health, campus development, and the cultivation of a supportive learning environment for students and faculty alike.

    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 institution's financial operations and administrative functions. Van Cleef oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure the fiscal health and sustainability of the college. This leadership position is critical for managing assets, optimizing expenditures, and supporting the college's mission through sound financial stewardship. By leading financial strategy, Sarah Van Cleef ensures that resources are effectively deployed to advance educational programs and campus development. The Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities encompass accounting, procurement, and the management of all financial reporting to stakeholders.

    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. Lessner directs campus facilities, auxiliary services, and logistical operations, ensuring a conducive environment for learning and administrative functions. This role is vital for maintaining campus infrastructure, managing daily operations, and implementing efficiencies across various departments. By leading operational initiatives, Kimberly Lessner supports the college's strategic objectives and enhances the overall student and staff experience. The Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer's purview includes safety, security, and the effective management of physical resources to support the college's educational mission.
    Kimberly Lessner

    Jill Johnson - President

    Jill Johnson, the President at Tyler Junior College, provides leadership and strategic direction for the institution's academic and administrative functions. Johnson guides the college's commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality education and fostering student success. This role involves overseeing program development, ensuring educational standards, and cultivating a positive campus culture. By leading key initiatives, Jill Johnson supports the college's mission to serve the community and prepare students for future endeavors. The President's focus extends to enhancing institutional effectiveness and promoting innovation in educational delivery across all departments.

    L. Metke - President

    L. Metke, the President at Tyler Junior College, directs the institution's strategic operations and academic programming. Metke is responsible for advancing the college's mission of providing comprehensive educational opportunities and fostering student achievement. This leadership position involves overseeing institutional planning, resource management, and the cultivation of a dynamic learning environment. By guiding strategic initiatives, L. Metke ensures the college remains responsive to the evolving needs of students and the broader community. The President's role encompasses driving institutional growth and maintaining high standards of academic excellence and operational efficiency.

    Jan McCauley - President, Faculty Senate

    Jan McCauley, the President, Faculty Senate at Tyler Junior College, represents the faculty's collective voice and advocates for academic interests within the institution. McCauley facilitates communication between the faculty and the college administration, ensuring that pedagogical perspectives inform institutional decision-making. This role is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and fostering a collaborative environment that supports teaching and learning excellence. By leading the Faculty Senate, Jan McCauley champions faculty development and promotes policies that enhance the educational experience for students. The President, Faculty Senate's responsibilities include organizing faculty meetings and contributing to the strategic planning processes of the college.

    Richard Besch - Chief Technology Officer

    Richard Besch, the Chief Technology Officer at Tyler Junior College, architects and oversees the institution's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Besch drives the implementation of innovative technology solutions that enhance the learning experience and streamline administrative processes across campus operations. This critical role involves managing IT resources, ensuring cybersecurity, and exploring emerging technologies to support the college's educational mission. By leading technology initiatives, Richard Besch empowers faculty and students with the tools necessary for academic success and efficient operations. The Chief Technology Officer's focus extends to maintaining robust network systems and supporting digital learning platforms, directly impacting the college's ability to adapt to evolving educational landscapes.

    Kristi Cuellar - Chief Information Officer

    Kristi Cuellar, the Chief Information Officer at Tyler Junior College, manages the strategic direction and integration of information systems to support institutional goals. Cuellar oversees the development and maintenance of comprehensive IT services, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for all college operations. This position is pivotal in aligning technology investments with the college's mission of providing accessible education and fostering student success. By leading information technology efforts, Kristi Cuellar enhances operational efficiency and supports academic innovation across departments. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include data governance, system security, and the deployment of enterprise-wide software solutions that facilitate effective teaching and learning.

    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 executing the institution's information technology strategy and operational oversight. Hassell plays a key part in managing information security protocols and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, safeguarding sensitive college data. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of IT systems that underpin academic and administrative functions. By contributing to technology planning and implementation, Kaytee Hassell aids in the delivery of secure and efficient digital services. The Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso's focus includes enhancing system resilience and supporting the college's commitment to technological advancement in education.

    Stephanie Cecil - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Stephanie Cecil, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Tyler Junior College, leads the strategic management of human capital and organizational development. Cecil oversees all aspects of employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation, and benefits to foster a supportive and productive work environment. This position is essential for attracting, retaining, and developing a high-caliber workforce dedicated to the college's mission. By championing HR initiatives, Stephanie Cecil ensures compliance with labor laws and promotes a culture of fairness and professional growth. The Chief Human Resources Officer's responsibilities include developing policies, managing performance, and supporting employee well-being to align human resources with institutional objectives.

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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.