Austin Community College: A Beacon of Opportunity for Local Students
Austin, Texas – Austin Community College (ACC) has long been a vital part of the community, offering affordable education to a diverse group of students. With 11 campuses and a student body of about 70,000, ACC has transformed the lives of many, including Cole Wilson, who credits the college for his success.
A Life-Changing Decision
Cole Wilson had just finished high school when he received a call from his brother urging him to move to Austin and test the waters of college life. “I was making what my mother called ‘questionable decisions,’” Wilson said. He took the plunge, enrolling at ACC in 2012. “It changed my life,” he added.
High-Quality, Affordable Education
ACC stands out for its high-quality instruction provided by experienced professors, often those who have taught at the University of Texas. The cost is significantly lower than UT, and thanks to recent programs, education is free for graduates of Central Texas high schools. This accessibility enables a wide range of students to pursue their academic and career goals.
Continued Growth and Expansion
The college is currently undergoing another round of growth following a $770 million bond approved by voters in 2022. This funding will help ACC continue to serve its growing student population effectively. The institution has a storied history of supporting students from all walks of life, ranging from teenage mothers to older adults seeking a new degree.
Success Beyond Graduation
Statistics show that nearly 80% of ACC graduates stay in Texas and find jobs, with many continuing their education at four-year universities. Wilson, for example, advanced from ACC to complete his degree at UT and later earned a master’s degree from Harvard. Now, he holds the role of legislative director for State Representative Vicki Goodwin and is running for a position on ACC’s board of trustees, focusing on improving student housing.
Fighting for Housing Affordability
If elected, Wilson aims to tackle the issue of housing costs for students. “It’s gonna have to be 101 different ways of attacking this issue,” he stated, highlighting the need to construct more on-campus housing during ACC’s expansions. He believes that a model of mixed-use, affordable multifamily housing, similar to the setup at the Highland campus, should be considered.
Supporting Vulnerable Students
Julie Ann Nitsch, who is seeking re-election for Place 9, also emphasizes the importance of housing. Nitsch, who experienced homelessness while attending ACC in her early 20s, knows firsthand the struggles many students face. According to a survey from the 2021-2022 academic year, more than one in ten students reported being homeless.
“Housing insecurity means that you’re staying with somebody, you’re crashing on somebody’s couch, or you’re living in an environment that doesn’t feel safe,” Nitsch explained. Understanding these challenges, she has been a strong proponent of programs that eliminate tuition fees, which are currently set to expire with the class of 2028.
Expanding Support Services
Nitsch has been in office since 2016 and has played a pivotal role in initiatives such as raising the minimum wage for ACC employees and improving access to child care and food for students. Her vision is to make tuition assistance a permanent fixture for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Future Candidates and Their Visions
Former ACC Chief Information Officer Joseph Sefton is also running for a trustee position. He shares similar priorities with Nitsch and Wilson but is focused on making operations more efficient to save taxpayer money. “I’m different than everybody else running,” Sefton stated. “The idea is, I’m here to save the taxpayer money by repurposing those dollars rapidly and then providing them back to the students.”
Uncontested Race for Place 8
Current trustee Stephanie Gharakhanian is running uncontested for Place 8. This election cycle is crucial for the future direction of ACC, as candidates outline their plans to address housing, affordability, and student support services.
As the election approaches, members of the Austin community are paying close attention to the candidates, their visions for the college’s future, and how they can improve the lives of the students who depend on ACC.
