Tyler Junior College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tyler Junior College has 9 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial administration, and academic operations.

Committed to academic excellence and community advancement, Tyler Junior College provides accessible degree programs and certificate training to empower students through high-quality education and workforce development initiatives.

Leadership Roles at Tyler Junior College

  • 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 of TJC - Juan Mejia
  • President - L. Metke
  • President, Faculty Senate - Jan McCauley
  • President - Jill Johnson
  • Chief Information Officer - Kristi Cuellar
  • Chief Technology Officer - Richard Besch
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso - Kaytee Hassell
  • 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 strategy and administrative operations of the institution. Van Cleef manages the annual budget, financial reporting, and resource allocation to support the college's diverse academic programs. By overseeing procurement and facilities management, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer ensures that institutional resources align with long-term strategic goals. Sarah Van Cleef collaborates with the board and executive leadership to maintain financial health and transparency. This role involves optimizing administrative processes to improve operational efficiency across all departments. Through the management of endowment funds and grant administration, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for institutional growth. Van Cleef drives fiscal accountability, ensuring that the college continues to provide affordable, high-quality education to the community.

    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, manages the daily operational workflows and cross-departmental initiatives that sustain the institution. Lessner coordinates the alignment of academic support services with the college's strategic objectives. By streamlining internal processes, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer improves the delivery of student services and administrative functions. Kimberly Lessner oversees campus-wide projects, ensuring that operational goals support the mission of providing accessible degree and certificate programs. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between faculty and administrative staff to enhance institutional performance. Through the optimization of operational resources, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency and service quality. Lessner manages the implementation of institutional policies, ensuring that all operations remain consistent with the college's values. By focusing on operational excellence, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer supports the college's impact on student success.
    Kimberly Lessner

    Juan Mejia - President of TJC

    Juan Mejia, the President of TJC at Tyler Junior College, provides executive leadership and sets the strategic vision for the institution. Mejia directs the overall mission of the college, focusing on expanding access to higher education and workforce development programs. By engaging with community stakeholders and regional partners, the President of TJC fosters relationships that support the college's growth and student outcomes. Juan Mejia oversees the implementation of academic initiatives and administrative policies that define the institution's market position. This leadership role involves guiding the board and executive team toward achieving long-term institutional goals. Through the promotion of academic excellence and student-centered learning, the President of TJC ensures that the college remains a vital resource for the region. Mejia drives innovation in curriculum development and campus services, adapting to the changing needs of the workforce. By maintaining a focus on student success, the President of TJC secures the college's reputation as a leader in public community education.

    L. Metke - President

    L. Metke, the President at Tyler Junior College, leads the institution's efforts to maintain high academic standards and community engagement. Metke directs the strategic planning process, ensuring that the college's degree and certificate programs meet the needs of the regional workforce. By overseeing the development of new academic pathways, the President supports the institution's commitment to student achievement. L. Metke collaborates with faculty and administrative leaders to foster an environment conducive to learning and professional growth. This role involves representing the college in regional and state-level educational forums to advocate for resources and policy support. Through the management of institutional priorities, the President drives initiatives that enhance the college's educational impact. Metke ensures that the institution remains responsive to the evolving demands of the community. By focusing on academic quality and institutional stability, the President supports the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to all students.

    Jan McCauley - President, Faculty Senate

    Jan McCauley, the President, Faculty Senate at Tyler Junior College, represents the interests of the teaching staff and facilitates communication between faculty and the administration. McCauley directs the activities of the Faculty Senate, ensuring that academic perspectives inform institutional decision-making. By advocating for faculty development and improved teaching resources, the President, Faculty Senate supports the college's commitment to academic excellence. Jan McCauley coordinates with department heads to address curriculum concerns and promote pedagogical innovation. This leadership role involves participating in governance committees to ensure that faculty input shapes the college's strategic direction. Through the promotion of collaborative dialogue, the President, Faculty Senate fosters a positive environment for both educators and students. McCauley drives initiatives that enhance the quality of instruction across all degree and certificate programs. By focusing on faculty engagement, the President, Faculty Senate ensures that the institution remains dedicated to its core mission of providing high-quality, student-centered education.

    Jill Johnson - President

    Jill Johnson, the President at Tyler Junior College, oversees the institutional culture and the execution of the college's long-term strategic vision. Johnson directs the development of programs that align with regional economic needs, ensuring that students gain the skills required for successful careers. By fostering partnerships with local industries, the President creates opportunities for internships and workforce integration. Jill Johnson manages the allocation of institutional resources to support academic departments and student services. This leadership role involves leading the executive team in addressing challenges and identifying growth opportunities for the college. Through the promotion of inclusive and accessible education, the President drives the institution's mission to serve the diverse needs of the community. Johnson ensures that the college maintains its commitment to high-quality instruction and student support. By focusing on institutional growth and community impact, the President secures the college's position as a cornerstone of education in the region.

    Kristi Cuellar - Chief Information Officer

    Kristi Cuellar, the Chief Information Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the digital infrastructure and data management systems supporting the institution. Cuellar architects secure network environments to facilitate seamless access to educational resources for students and faculty across the Texas campus. By modernizing administrative software, the Chief Information Officer improves operational efficiency and data integrity. Kristi Cuellar manages the integration of cloud-based learning platforms, ensuring alignment with the college's mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to implement technology solutions that enhance the student experience. Through the oversight of cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data from emerging threats. Cuellar drives digital transformation initiatives that support long-term growth and institutional stability. By optimizing technical resources, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the college remains at the forefront of educational technology in the region.

    Richard Besch - Chief Technology Officer

    Richard Besch, the Chief Technology Officer at Tyler Junior College, oversees the hardware deployment and technical support services essential for daily campus operations. Besch manages the lifecycle of computing equipment and audiovisual systems used in classrooms and laboratories. By maintaining robust hardware standards, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for academic success. Richard Besch coordinates with internal departments to troubleshoot technical issues and implement hardware upgrades that support the college's diverse certificate and degree programs. This role involves managing vendor relationships to secure cost-effective technology solutions for the institution. Through the strategic planning of campus-wide connectivity, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates a reliable learning environment. Besch drives initiatives to expand technical capabilities, ensuring that the college's infrastructure meets the evolving demands of modern education. By focusing on hardware reliability, the Chief Technology Officer supports the overall mission of providing accessible, high-quality learning opportunities.

    Kaytee Hassell - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso

    Kaytee Hassell, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso at Tyler Junior College, manages information security operations and compliance frameworks across the institution. Hassell architects robust security policies to safeguard student records and institutional data against unauthorized access. By monitoring network traffic and identifying potential vulnerabilities, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso ensures the integrity of the college's digital assets. Kaytee Hassell coordinates with administrative teams to enforce data privacy standards and regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves conducting regular security audits and training staff on best practices for information protection. Through the implementation of advanced threat detection systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso maintains a secure environment for academic and administrative functions. Hassell drives initiatives to strengthen the college's resilience against cyber threats, supporting the institution's commitment to student privacy. By prioritizing security, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso enables the college to focus on its core mission of delivering exceptional educational programs.

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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 Sarah Van Cleef (Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kimberly Lessner (Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer) and Juan Mejia (President of TJC).
    Who is part of Tyler Junior College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Tyler Junior College includes leaders such as Sarah Van Cleef (Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer), Kimberly Lessner (Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer), Juan Mejia (President of TJC) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tyler Junior College have?
    Tyler Junior College has 9 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 Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer, President of TJC, President, President, Faculty Senate.