HCC swears in new trustee & elects officers, acting chancellor appointed

In November, Houston-area residents demonstrated their support for Houston Community College by passing a $425 million bond referendum. Houston voters have charged HCC with improving, building and equipping its academic and training facilities to meet the educational and workforce needs of Houston now and in the future. With this vote of confidence, HCC’s strong leadership is in a position to transition new leaders to not only the board, but in the administration as well.  

On January 4, the HCC Board of Trustees elected Bruce A. Austin, District II, as board chairman for 2013 and selected Trustee Sandie Mullins, District VI, as vice chair, and Trustee Eva Loredo, District VIII, as secretary. Former HCC Trustee Herlinda Garcia was appointed to represent District III. The seat was vacated by Mary Ann Perez, who was elected State Representative for District 144 in November.

Garcia, principal of Houston Independent School District’s J.P. Henderson Elementary School, served as trustee of District III from 1989 to 2003, and will continue in that role until the constituency of District III has the opportunity to vote on a permanent official in November 2013. The new officers and trustee were sworn in Thursday, January 17. At that time, the Board also reluctantly accepted the resignation Trustee Richard Schechter, District V.

HCC’s chancellor, Dr. Mary S. Spangler, who has been a strong and visible leader for the institution for more than six years, has taken time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act. The duties and responsibilities of the daily operation of the college will continue under the leadership of Acting Chancellor Renee Smith Byas, Byas has served as Houston Community College’s general counsel since 2008.