Former CTN Board Member and Austin Community College’s provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Charles Cook, has announced his plans for retirement. His last day at ACC will be in August. As the chief academic officer, he guides and oversees all programs relating to instruction and student services.

Prior to joining ACC in 2014, Dr. Cook oversaw academic matters for Houston Community College, a multi-college system serving more than 70,000 students While at HCC, Dr. Cook brought the CTN program to the campus and was instrumental in bringing the CTN program to ACC’s campuses. In addition, Dr. Cook served on the Catch the Next Board of Directors from 2018 until 2020.

“It would be impossible to count all the ways that you’ve helped our organization,” commented CTN CEO, Maria Chavez. “After all you have done, thanks do not feel like enough. All I can do is offer my gratitude and appreciation for your leadership. Your time and effort meant a lot to us, and we appreciate all that you have done to advocate for our organization. May the stars smile upon you as you embark on the next phase of your career.  You will always be part of our familia.”

Some of Dr. Cook’s accomplishments at ACC include implementing Guided Pathways within ten areas of study; developing the student success course to teach first-time students how to navigate college;  expanding university transfer and co-enrollment initiatives; and establishing early college high schools with K-12 partners across the District.

“He has brought an extraordinary vision of student success to fruition at Austin Community College District. At the center of every academic initiative, he put our students and their success first. I’m grateful for his dedication to the college, our faculty and staff, and most especially — our students. Through his continued leadership we have kept student success at the core of what we do, and as a result, our students have thrived. His will be big shoes to fill,” commented Chancellor Rhodes.