Leadership changes approved by board of regents

By Zoe Hughes
Editor-in-Chief

The Amarillo College board of regents voted unanimously to appoint Michele Fortunato as vice chair during its Feb. 2 meeting, filling a leadership role previously held by regent John Betancourt.

These changes follow the board’s Jan. 14 decision to suspend Betancourt from serving as an AC representative on committees and from any AC-related travel after he was arrested Jan. 2 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Regents also reassigned other committee roles previously held by Betancourt, appointing Irene Hughes as chair of the AC legislative committee and Peggy Thomas to serve as chair of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees. Betancourt attended the Feb. 2 meeting and voted in favor.

In addition to board reappointments, regents received updates on enrollment, student engagement and financial performance. Regents also approved faculty tenure recommendations, effective Sept. 1, 2026.

President Jamelle Conner reported an increase in spring 2026 enrollment, bringing the college’s headcount to more than 8,700 students. Dual credit enrollment rose 33% above the five-year average, with hundreds of high school students earning at least 15 college credit hours.

Conner also highlighted a record-breaking 80% fall-to-spring retention rate and a graduation rate of 31.33% for the 2022 cohort, both significantly higher than in previous years.

Chief Financial Officer Tiffany Crossley presented budget and investment reports, citing increased state appropriations, higher tuition revenue and improved financial ratios. Operating cash stood at $4.88 million at the end of November, with net assets continuing to grow.

Regents also discussed strategic planning, focusing on current goals related to student success, workforce alignment, financial sustainability and campus culture. They emphasized the importance of preparing students for meaningful employment while maintaining a holistic educational mission.

These priorities will guide the development of the college’s next strategic plan, with ongoing input from faculty, staff and students throughout the process.