Tyler Junior College Executive and Leadership Team

Juan Mejia, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing all campus operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between educational programming and regional workforce demands. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term institutional growth through innovative curriculum development. By fostering partnerships with local industry leaders, Juan Mejia expands the reach of the college across the Texas landscape. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for student success while optimizing resource allocation to support diverse degree offerings. Through consistent engagement with the Board, Mejia secures the financial and academic health of the college, ensuring the institution remains a cornerstone of community development and professional training for all students seeking advanced technical or academic credentials.

Sarah Van Cleef, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at Tyler Junior College, manages the fiscal health and administrative integrity of the institution. Overseeing budget development, financial reporting, and resource allocation, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer ensures that all expenditures align with the college's strategic priorities. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams and optimizing cost structures to support long-term sustainability. By implementing sound financial controls, Sarah Van Cleef provides the stability necessary for academic expansion and facility improvements. The Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to ensure transparency and accountability in all financial dealings. Through meticulous fiscal planning, Van Cleef secures the resources required to maintain high-quality degree programs, ultimately supporting the institution's commitment to student success and community impact.

Kimberly Lessner, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer at Tyler Junior College, executes the daily logistical functions that sustain campus life. Overseeing facilities management and auxiliary services, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical environment remains conducive to learning and professional development. This leadership role involves coordinating large-scale operational projects and optimizing resource utilization across all departments. By streamlining internal processes, Kimberly Lessner enhances the overall efficiency of the college's service delivery. The Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align operational capacity with strategic growth objectives. Through rigorous oversight of campus infrastructure and support services, Lessner maintains a high standard of operational excellence, ensuring that the institution functions effectively to meet the needs of students and faculty alike.

Jill Johnson, the President at Tyler Junior College, leads specific academic initiatives and community outreach programs designed to enhance student engagement. Overseeing the development of specialized certificate programs, the President ensures that the curriculum remains responsive to the evolving needs of the regional workforce. This leadership role involves fostering collaborative relationships with local businesses and educational partners to create pathways for student advancement. By championing inclusive learning environments, Jill Johnson drives initiatives that increase accessibility and student retention. The President coordinates with department heads to align academic offerings with industry standards, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required for immediate professional success. Through dedicated leadership and a focus on community-centered education, Johnson strengthens the college's reputation as a vital resource for technical and academic training, consistently promoting the value of higher education across the Texas region.

Jan McCauley, the President, Faculty Senate at Tyler Junior College, represents the interests of the teaching staff and facilitates communication between faculty and administration. Overseeing the governance processes of the senate, the President, Faculty Senate ensures that academic policies reflect the expertise and concerns of the educators. This leadership role involves advocating for professional development opportunities and resources that enhance the quality of instruction. By fostering a collaborative dialogue, Jan McCauley promotes a culture of shared governance that supports the college's academic mission. The President, Faculty Senate works to align faculty initiatives with institutional goals, ensuring that the teaching staff remains empowered to deliver high-quality education. Through consistent engagement with the administration, McCauley helps shape the academic environment, ensuring that the needs of both students and faculty are addressed in the pursuit of excellence and institutional growth.

L. Metke, the President at Tyler Junior College, directs specific institutional divisions focused on student support services and campus life. Overseeing the implementation of programs that enhance the student experience, the President ensures that all support systems are accessible and effective. This leadership role involves managing student-facing departments to improve retention and graduation rates. By prioritizing student welfare, L. Metke creates an environment where learners can thrive academically and personally. The President collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate support services with academic programming, ensuring a holistic approach to student development. Through strategic oversight of campus resources, Metke maintains the quality of student life, reinforcing the college's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching educational experience that prepares students for future professional challenges and lifelong learning opportunities within the broader community.

Richard Besch, the Chief Technology Officer at Tyler Junior College, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern academic environments. Overseeing the deployment of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration of technology into the classroom experience. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and scaling network capacity to accommodate growing student populations across the Texas region. By implementing robust hardware and software solutions, Richard Besch directly impacts the efficiency of administrative and academic workflows. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with faculty to identify emerging digital tools that enhance pedagogical outcomes. Through strategic planning and continuous system upgrades, Besch maintains the technological edge required for a competitive public community college, ensuring that all digital assets remain secure, accessible, and aligned with the broader institutional goals of providing high-quality education.

Kristi Cuellar, the Chief Information Officer at Tyler Junior College, manages the data governance and information systems that underpin institutional decision-making. Overseeing the integrity of student records and administrative databases, the Chief Information Officer ensures compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing data accessibility. This leadership role involves streamlining information flow between departments to improve operational transparency and efficiency. By leveraging data analytics, Kristi Cuellar provides actionable insights that support academic planning and enrollment management. The Chief Information Officer coordinates with cross-functional teams to implement secure, scalable information platforms that serve the entire campus community. Through meticulous oversight of information architecture, Cuellar strengthens the college's ability to track student progress and institutional performance, ultimately fostering a data-driven culture that enhances the overall educational experience and supports the long-term mission of the institution.

Kaytee Hassell, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso at Tyler Junior College, directs the information security operations and risk management frameworks. Overseeing the protection of sensitive institutional data, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso ensures that all digital systems adhere to strict security protocols. This leadership role involves conducting regular vulnerability assessments and implementing defensive strategies to mitigate cyber threats. By maintaining a secure information environment, Kaytee Hassell safeguards the privacy of students and staff while ensuring the continuity of academic services. The Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso works closely with the broader IT leadership to integrate security best practices into every aspect of the college's digital infrastructure. Through proactive monitoring and policy enforcement, Hassell minimizes operational risks, allowing the institution to focus on its core mission of providing accessible education without compromising the integrity of its information assets.