Tyler Junior College Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Tyler Junior College has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, information security, operational management, financial administration, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and community development, Tyler Junior College provides accessible higher education through diverse degree programs and technical certifications designed to empower students for future career success.

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 - Jill Johnson
  • President - L. Metke
  • Chief Information Officer - Kristi Cuellar
  • 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 oversight of the institution. Overseeing budget development, financial reporting, and grant management, the Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term economic sustainability of the college. This leadership role involves managing complex funding streams and optimizing administrative expenditures to support academic programs and student services. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Sarah Van Cleef directly impacts the institution's ability to invest in new technology and facility upgrades. The Vice President - Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Board to ensure transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters. Through strategic financial planning, Van Cleef secures the resources necessary for the college to thrive within the competitive landscape of public higher education.

    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 logistical functions and physical infrastructure of the campus. Overseeing facility maintenance, campus safety, and auxiliary services, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical environment remains conducive to student learning and faculty productivity. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to maximize resource allocation and operational efficiency across all departments. By coordinating large-scale campus projects, Kimberly Lessner directly impacts the quality of the student experience and the overall functionality of the institution. The Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with executive leadership to execute long-term capital improvement plans. Through meticulous oversight of operational workflows, Lessner maintains high standards of service delivery, supporting the college's commitment to excellence in higher education.
    Kimberly Lessner

    Jill Johnson - President

    Jill Johnson, the President at Tyler Junior College, drives the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing academic growth, community partnerships, and institutional advancement, the President ensures that the college remains a leader in providing accessible and high-quality education. This leadership role involves engaging with regional stakeholders and industry partners to align curriculum with workforce demands. By fostering a culture of innovation and student success, Jill Johnson directly impacts the educational outcomes and career readiness of the student body. The President collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to implement policies that promote equity, excellence, and institutional growth. Through visionary leadership, Johnson navigates the complexities of the higher education sector, ensuring that the college continues to serve as a vital resource for the community while maintaining its reputation for academic rigor and student-centered support.

    L. Metke - President

    L. Metke, the President at Tyler Junior College, manages the external relations and long-term development initiatives that expand the college's reach and influence. Overseeing the cultivation of donor relationships and the expansion of academic programs, the President ensures that the institution remains responsive to the evolving needs of the regional economy. This leadership role involves representing the college in state-level educational forums and advocating for policies that enhance student access and success. By championing initiatives that bridge the gap between education and industry, L. Metke directly impacts the economic development of the region. The President works with the executive team to refine the institutional mission and ensure that all programs meet the highest standards of quality. Through strategic advocacy and community engagement, Metke strengthens the college's position as a premier provider of associate degrees and technical training, fostering a legacy of academic achievement.

    Kristi Cuellar - Chief Information Officer

    Kristi Cuellar, the Chief Information Officer at Tyler Junior College, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the entire campus ecosystem. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across all academic departments. This leadership role involves architecting robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while facilitating digital transformation initiatives. By optimizing network performance and hardware resources, Kristi Cuellar directly impacts the efficiency of educational delivery. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with administrative leadership to align technology investments with the long-term strategic goals of the institution. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Cuellar maintains a competitive edge in the regional education market, ensuring that all digital assets remain secure, reliable, and accessible for the entire college community.

    Kaytee Hassell - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso

    Kaytee Hassell, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso at Tyler Junior College, manages the comprehensive information security operations and risk mitigation strategies for the institution. Overseeing the protection of digital assets, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso ensures compliance with federal and state data privacy regulations across all academic and administrative platforms. This leadership role involves conducting regular vulnerability assessments and implementing proactive defense mechanisms against emerging cyber threats. By strengthening the security posture of the college, Kaytee Hassell directly supports the integrity of student records and institutional research. The Deputy Chief Information Officer, Iso coordinates with the broader IT department to foster a culture of security awareness among staff and faculty. Through rigorous monitoring and incident response planning, Hassell secures the technological environment, enabling the college to focus on its core mission of providing high-quality education.

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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 Jill Johnson (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), Kimberly Lessner (Vice President, Operations & Chief Operations Officer & Chief Operating Officer), Jill Johnson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Tyler Junior College have?
    Tyler Junior College has 6 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, President, Chief Information Officer.