Tyler Junior College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tyler Junior College has 9 executives leading key functions including technology, human resources, finance, operations, and academic leadership.

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

Leadership Roles at Tyler Junior College

  • Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Van Cleef
  • President - Jill Johnson
  • President - Susie Grona
  • President - L. Metke
  • Chief Technology Officer - Richard Besch
  • Chief Information Officer - Kristi Cuellar
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Stephanie Cecil
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso - Kaytee Hassell
  • Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer - Kimberly Lessner
  • 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 strategy and administrative operations. Van Cleef oversees budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This leadership role involves managing the college's financial health, optimizing revenue streams, and controlling expenditures to support academic programs and institutional development. By providing sound financial guidance, Sarah Van Cleef ensures the efficient allocation of resources and supports the long-term viability of Tyler Junior College. Van Cleef's expertise drives financial stability, enabling the college to pursue its educational mission effectively.

    Jill Johnson - President

    Jill Johnson, the President at Tyler Junior College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Johnson is responsible for advancing the college's mission, vision, and values, ensuring academic excellence and operational effectiveness. This role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and the wider community, to promote institutional growth and development. By championing innovation and student success, Jill Johnson guides Tyler Junior College in meeting the evolving educational needs of the region. Johnson's leadership cultivates a culture of collaboration and achievement, positioning the college for continued impact and recognition in higher education.

    Susie Grona - President

    Susie Grona, the President at Tyler Junior College, provides overarching leadership and strategic vision for the institution's academic and operational endeavors. Grona is dedicated to enhancing the student experience and ensuring the delivery of high-quality educational programs that align with community needs. This position involves fostering a collaborative environment, driving institutional advancement, and advocating for the college's resources and initiatives. By promoting educational access and student achievement, Susie Grona strengthens the impact of Tyler Junior College. Grona's commitment to excellence guides the college in its pursuit of innovation and its role as a vital educational resource for the region.

    L. Metke - President

    L. Metke, the President at Tyler Junior College, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution's comprehensive educational mission. Metke is responsible for guiding the college's growth, fostering academic innovation, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional student services. This pivotal role involves cultivating partnerships, managing institutional resources, and championing initiatives that enhance the college's standing in higher education. By advancing the strategic objectives of Tyler Junior College, L. Metke ensures its continued relevance and impact. Metke's leadership promotes a culture of excellence and commitment to serving the educational needs of the community.

    Richard Besch - Chief Technology Officer

    Richard Besch, the Chief Technology Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the institution's technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all aspects of IT operations, Besch ensures the seamless integration of advanced technologies to support academic and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing network security, data management systems, and the implementation of innovative educational technology solutions. By optimizing the college's digital environment, Richard Besch directly enhances the learning experience for students and supports the operational efficiency of faculty and staff. Besch's strategic vision drives the college's technological advancement, ensuring readiness for future educational demands and maintaining a robust digital presence across all campus operations.

    Kristi Cuellar - Chief Information Officer

    Kristi Cuellar, the Chief Information Officer at Tyler Junior College, oversees the strategic planning and execution of information systems. Cuellar manages the college's data resources, ensuring their integrity, security, and accessibility to support institutional goals. This critical role involves aligning information technology initiatives with the broader mission of Tyler Junior College, facilitating effective decision-making through reliable data analytics. By championing digital transformation, Kristi Cuellar enhances operational workflows and supports the delivery of educational services. Cuellar's leadership ensures that information systems are robust, scalable, and responsive to the evolving needs of the academic community, directly contributing to the college's commitment to excellence.

    Stephanie Cecil - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Stephanie Cecil, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Tyler Junior College, leads all human capital management initiatives. Cecil is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive HR strategies that support the college's mission and values. This includes talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and professional development programs designed to foster a productive and engaging work environment. By cultivating a strong organizational culture, Stephanie Cecil ensures that Tyler Junior College attracts and retains top talent. Cecil's strategic oversight of HR functions directly contributes to the institution's ability to achieve its educational and operational objectives, promoting employee well-being and institutional growth.

    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. Hassell plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This position involves implementing robust security protocols, managing risk assessments, and responding to potential security threats to protect the college's digital assets. By enhancing cybersecurity measures, Kaytee Hassell directly contributes to the integrity and reliability of Tyler Junior College's information systems. Hassell's dedication to information assurance strengthens the college's operational resilience and maintains stakeholder trust in its data protection capabilities.

    Kimberly Lessner - Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer

    Kimberly Lessner, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the college's operational functions and infrastructure. Lessner oversees facilities management, campus services, and logistical operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for students and staff. This role involves implementing strategic initiatives to enhance operational performance, manage resources effectively, and maintain the physical campus. By optimizing daily operations, Kimberly Lessner directly contributes to the smooth functioning of Tyler Junior College. Lessner's leadership ensures that the college's physical and operational resources are aligned with its educational mission, supporting academic success and institutional growth.
    Kimberly Lessner

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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 Jill Johnson (President) and Susie Grona (President).
    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), Jill Johnson (President), Susie Grona (President) 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, President, President, President, Chief Technology Officer.