Austin Community College District (ACC) names Dr. Monique Umphrey as the college’s new Provost/Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs. In her role, Dr. Umphrey leads strategic planning for ACC’s academic mission. 

“I believe in the transformative power of education to effect profound social change,” says Dr. Umphrey. “I’m honored to join Austin Community College and continue the incredible work happening here — especially when it comes to ensuring student success and equity for everyone who comes through our doors. My freshman year was one of isolation and constantly reinforced that I was not of the correct race, gender, or class. My eight years as an adjunct professor taught me the importance of engagement in the classroom and the critical role a faculty member plays in guiding a student toward their academic goals. As a faculty member, my goal was to empower the students to tap into their brilliance to evolve into their highest future potential. I believe we should make students the hero of their stories. This continues to be my motivation today.”

Dr. Umphrey has been recognized as an inaugural Aspen Presidential Fellow for Community College Excellence and holds numerous professional certifications that include Project Management Professional and Certified Scrum Master.

“Dr. Umphrey brings immense higher education experience and workforce expertise, and believes deeply in the ACC mission of equitable student success,” said Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC Chancellor. “We’re welcoming a new provost at a critical time in higher education. Our faculty and staff have worked hard to establish a college where everyone is welcomed and all students have access to learning that is relevant to their academic and career goals. The ways we teach and learn are evolving. We’re doing more to connect with our community and our business and industry partners to build meaningful pathways for students, and Dr. Umphrey will help us carry that momentum forward.”

Dr. Umphrey offers a background in supply chain, higher education expertise, and experience building and sustaining strong collaborations with employers and education partners to help close equity and workforce gaps in our community.

In her previous roles as President at Houston Community College (HCC) Northeast and Vice President of Workforce Innovation at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Umphrey led academic policy, educational planning, and new program development for three Centers of Excellence and established innovative programs and workforce partnerships, respectively. She also offers more than 20 years of experience in corporate America at companies including Bridgestone/Firestone and ACS (Xerox) prior to transitioning to higher education leadership.

Dr. Umphrey holds a B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Science in Accounting/Information Systems from Middle Tennessee State University and a doctoral degree in Management from the University of Maryland with a focus in community college policy and administration.

Dr. Umphrey was selected following a thorough and inclusive nationwide search led by a diverse team of search committee members from across the institution and supported by a national hiring firm.

Dr. Umphrey’s first day as ACC’s chief academic officer will be Monday, December 13, 2021.