Texas Association of Community Colleges Announces New Vice President and Executive Director for Texas Success Center

K. Lowry

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimberly Lowry as the new Vice President of TACC and Executive Director for the Texas Success Center (TSC) effective June 17, 2024. Dr. Lowry brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in higher education, with a focus on community college excellence and student success.

Dr. Lowry joins TACC from The Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, where she serves as the Director of Leadership and Impact. In her role, she is instrumental in developing strategies and executing initiatives that advanced student success and community college leadership nationwide. Her leadership significantly contributed to the professional growth of numerous community college presidents and the overall enhancement of community college education standards.

“Dr. Lowry’s vision and leadership capacity will build on our existing strengths to advance the mission of the Texas Success Center,” said TACC Board Chair, Dr. Brenda Kays, President of Kilgore College. “Her proven commitment to student success and her innovative strategies will undoubtedly drive forward our mission and create lasting positive impacts for our community colleges and students.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Lowry to our team,” said Ray Martinez III, President and CEO of TACC. “Her extensive experience and forward-thinking approach to educational development align perfectly with our mission to support and elevate community colleges across Texas. We are confident that Dr. Lowry will be a tremendous asset to our association and to the community colleges we serve.”

Dr. Lowry's career is distinguished by her dedication to fostering educational excellence and her ability to lead impactful programs. A nationally recognized expert on community college student success and a published author, Dr. Lowry has significantly contributed to the field through her research and thought leadership. Prior to her tenure at The Aspen Institute, she held several key positions, including Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Lone Star College-Houston North and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Engagement and Success at Houston Community College. Her efforts have consistently led to significant improvements in student retention, graduation rates, and overall student engagement.

“I am honored to join TACC and the Texas Success Center. I look forward to working with a dynamic team committed to advancing educational opportunities for community college students across Texas,” said Dr. Lowry. “Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation of excellence and elevate the Center's impact on student outcomes and institutional effectiveness across Texas community colleges."

Dr. Lowry holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas, an M.S. in Counseling, and a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. She is also a Certified Executive Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), with extensive experience in leadership development and organizational effectiveness.

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