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Austin Community College\u2019s (ACC) Computer Science & Information Technology (CS&IT) Division is entering a new chapter\u2014one shaped by collaboration, shared leadership, and the collective work of faculty who have helped build a more responsive and student-centered structure for the years ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n Over the past year, faculty, staff, and division leaders have worked closely to reimagine how ACC supports programs in rapidly evolving technology fields. This work culminated in the establishment of two new departments\u2014<\/span>Software Development & Computer Science<\/b> and <\/span>Information Technology & Cybersecurity<\/b>\u2014each aligned to better meet the needs of students, industry partners, and faculty expertise.<\/span><\/p>\n This shift represents more than a structural update. It reflects a new paradigm for CS&IT: one that is faculty-led, intentionally collaborative, and grounded in distributed leadership.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis restructuring reflects the very best of ACC\u2014faculty and staff coming together to build something stronger for our students and for Central Texas,\u201d said Brandon Whatley, Associate Vice Chancellor of Workforce Education. \u201cOur CS&IT programs have always been closely connected, and this new structure allows us to lean into that strength. By empowering faculty leadership, we\u2019re building programs that are more aligned, more responsive, and better positioned to meet the needs of a rapidly changing skilled technical workforce.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n From the beginning, this restructuring effort was rooted in deep faculty engagement. CS&IT faculty helped determine program alignment, create guiding processes, and assess what students need to succeed in high-demand tech pathways.<\/span><\/p>\n Working together, faculty established:<\/span><\/p>\n This collective work demonstrates distributed leadership at its best: a model where faculty expertise drives decision-making, peer collaboration supports continuous improvement, and students remain at the center of every step.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe CS&IT reorganization was a true example of distributed leadership in action. Brandon Whatley and Venancio Ybarra\u2019s trust and support created the space for faculty, staff, and students to meaningfully shape the direction of the division. I\u2019m deeply grateful for the collaborative spirit everyone brought to this process, and the final structure truly reflects the collective wisdom of our entire division.\u201d <\/span><\/i>-Karina Hernandez, Associate Dean, Office of Distance & Alternative Education<\/span><\/p>\n ACC is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Department Chairs to lead the recently established CS&IT departments.<\/span><\/p>\n Manuel V. Duran<\/b>, Department Chair<\/span> “Stepping into this role has reaffirmed my belief that leadership has the greatest impact when it is shared. The reorganization process brought faculty and staff together in a way that honored every voice, every contribution, and the collective purpose we serve. Serving as the Software Development & Computer Science Department Chair is an honor rooted in trust, shared vision, shared effort, and the understanding that our progress is built through collaboration. I am humbled by the confidence placed in me, and I look forward to continuing this work side by side with a team guided by integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to student success. My approach is simple: results matter, but people matter more. When faculty feel valued, when staff are supported, and when students remain at the center of our decisions, meaningful outcomes follow. Together we will build a department that reflects who we are at our best and what we aspire to create for our students and community.” -Manuel Duran<\/em><\/p>\n Fred Lover<\/b>, Department Chair<\/span> Both chairs will begin their two-year appointments at the start of the spring semester, with onboarding already underway.<\/span><\/p>\n As the division looks to the future, it also honors an extraordinary legacy. CS&IT recently celebrated <\/span>Mary Kohls\u2019 more than 50 years of service<\/b>, including her transformational leadership as Department Chair, her role in shaping ACC\u2019s bachelor\u2019s degrees in Cybersecurity and Software Development, her guidance through major program expansions, and her unwavering dedication to student success.<\/span><\/p>\n Her impact, spanning curriculum innovation, workforce partnerships, the launch of the Software Factory, and decades of student engagement through Phi Theta Kappa, will continue to shape ACC for years to come. Please join us in celebrating Mary on Friday, December 5, at Highland Campus (HLC), Building 4000, Lower Atrium, from 12 to 2 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n This period of change also marks an important transition in leadership. <\/span>Dean Venancio Ybarra Jr.<\/b> has announced his retirement after many years of service to the CS&IT Division and to ACC.<\/span><\/p>\n Dean Ybarra has been instrumental in guiding CS&IT through this restructuring, supporting faculty collaboration, and ensuring continuity during a complex transition. His leadership has left a lasting impact on the division\u2019s culture, structure, and future direction.<\/span><\/p>\n ACC will be posting the Dean of Computer Science & IT position soon, with the intent to fill it as quickly as possible while prioritizing the right fit. An interim dean will be named in the coming weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n We extend our deepest appreciation to Dean Ybarra for his service, vision, and commitment to our faculty and students.<\/span><\/p>\n As CS&IT steps into this new chapter, one thing is clear: the strength of the division lies in its people. The work ahead, learning together, solving challenges together, and shaping programs together, will be a continuation of what faculty have already demonstrated throughout this restructuring process.<\/span><\/p>\nBuilt by Faculty, for Faculty and Students<\/b><\/h2>\n
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\n<\/span><\/li>\nWelcoming Our New Department Chairs<\/b><\/h2>\n
Software Development & Computer Science<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Manuel brings more than 15 years of higher education experience, along with a leadership style grounded in collaboration, continuous improvement, and student advocacy. At ACC, he has guided innovative teaching practices, strengthened assessment and program development, and championed a faculty-driven culture of service and integrity.<\/span><\/p>\nInformation Technology & Cybersecurity<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Fred is a Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology known nationally for his expertise in cybersecurity education. His leadership in developing ACC\u2019s Cybersecurity Training Center and the Army Software Factory has shaped high-impact learning experiences for both students and service members. His extensive industry background, community service, and advisory work demonstrate his commitment to building strong, future-ready programs.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/instruction.austincc.edu\/tledupdates\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/unnamed.png?resize=1080%2C1080&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nCelebrating the Extraordinary Leadership of Mary Kohls (50+ Years)<\/b><\/h2>\n
Honoring Dean Venancio Ybarra Jr. as He Retires<\/b><\/h2>\n
Moving Forward\u2014Together<\/b><\/h2>\n