Reflections on 2024 CCATT Annual Conference

This year, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Community College Association of Texas Trustees (CCATT) Annual Conference in Amarillo, Texas, from September 12-14. Themed "Collaborative Connections: Community College Governance & K-12 Partnerships," the conference offered an invaluable opportunity for trustees to engage with key issues facing our colleges, particularly in the context of partnerships with K-12 education.

Early Start and Building Connections

My trip to Amarillo began bright and early, catching a 5 a.m. flight from Waco with Mark Harmsen, MCC's new VP and CFO. This was my first time traveling with Mark, and it gave us a great chance to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for MCC throughout the weekend. In Amarillo, we met up with fellow MCC trustees Dennis Clark and K. Paul Holt, and were joined by President Johnette McKown on Friday. The conference’s collaborative spirit was alive and well within our own team, as the various sessions allowed us to reflect on how these topics directly impact our work at MCC.

Conference Highlights

The agenda was packed with valuable programming (a full agenda can be found here (CCATT Final Agenda)). I started with the Data & Advocacy Workshop, which focused on how trustees can leverage data in advocacy efforts for their colleges. One of the key takeaways was the importance of using real-time data to craft compelling narratives when communicating with stakeholders, especially in a legislative context.

Thursday evening’s Welcome Reception at Hodgetown Stadium gave attendees a chance to relax and network while enjoying a game between the Amarillo Sod Poodles and the Frisco Roughriders. It was a perfect opportunity to connect informally with trustees from across Texas, and I appreciated the warm hospitality in Amarillo.

On Friday, the Opening Plenary: Forging Futures: Education & Workforce Synergy in Amarillo set a strong tone for the conference. Panelists highlighted the collaborative efforts between Amarillo ISD, Amarillo College, and local industries, showcasing how these partnerships are shaping students' paths from high school to meaningful careers. The focus on workforce development felt especially relevant to the conversations we’re having at MCC about bridging education and employment for our students.

As MCC’s voting delegate, I also participated in the Legislative Update & CCATT Annual Business Meeting, where key legislative developments were discussed. Being part of this meeting reminded me of how essential it is for trustees to stay informed and involved in the legislative process to advocate effectively for our colleges.

Sessions of Note

While all the sessions offered something valuable, two stood out to me. The Plenary Session on Fostering Dignity in Higher Education was far and away the most impactful session for me. The focus on how dignity can reshape public debates and contribute to a more respectful and inclusive academic environment resonated deeply. This session underscored the role that community colleges can play in fostering environments of respect and collaboration, not just within our institutions, but in the broader community as well. To learn more about the great work being done by the folks at the Dignity Index, visit their website.

The Concurrent Session on Board Retreats & Data-Informed Governance was another standout. This session provided practical strategies for how boards can use data to drive decision-making processes that are transparent and accountable. The emphasis on data-informed governance as a tool for ensuring the effectiveness of board retreats was timely, and I look forward to implementing some of these strategies with our own board at MCC.

One of the most compelling sessions I attended was the Concurrent Session on Prison Education Programs. This session highlighted the transformative power of education within correctional facilities, emphasizing the role that community colleges play in preparing the 95% of Texas’ incarcerated individuals who will eventually be released back into our communities and workforce.

The discussion centered around how these programs not only reduce recidivism rates but also empower students who are often overlooked. The panelists spoke passionately about the unique challenges faced by incarcerated students, including limited access to technology and educational resources. However, they also shared inspiring stories of resilience and determination from students who, despite their circumstances, are committed to their education, including the inspiring personal testimony of one of the panelists.

Community colleges have the flexibility and mission-driven focus to deliver high-quality education to these populations, and the session underscored the importance of expanding these programs. The insights from this session were eye-opening, and I left feeling more determined to advocate for opportunities we may have to pursue similar programming at MCC. By providing education to those who need it most, we can transform lives, strengthen our communities and reduce the cycle of recidivism.

Exploring Innovation

Friday’s excursion to the Innovation Outpost and AmTech Career Academy was eye-opening. These state-of-the-art facilities exemplify the type of forward-thinking education that is increasingly necessary to prepare students for both college and career. AmTech’s blend of dual credit programs and cutting-edge technology creates a model that we should look to replicate and expand upon at MCC.

A Memorable and Valuable Experience

As we concluded the conference with the Closing Plenary on Performance-Based Funding, I left with a renewed sense of purpose. The discussions on how Texas community colleges are navigating the new funding model, particularly in terms of expanding access for underserved students, provided actionable insights that will directly inform our strategic planning at MCC.

Special thanks to CCATT Director Nicole Eversmann and the incredible team at TACC, including Chelsea Laughrun, Nour Hammoudeh, Sondra Guardado, Jacob Cottingham, Elizabeth Chivers, and TACC President Ray Martinez III, JD. Their hard work made this a memorable and valuable experience for trustees across the state.

Despite the stress jog we had running through the DFW airport to catch our connecting flight home, the conference was well worth it, and I look forward to applying the lessons learned to help further MCC’s mission and its impact on our community.