About ACC
History of ACC
The Austin Community College District, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, opened in 1973 with a mission to provide open door access to affordable, quality higher education. The journey has not always been easy. What started as an extraordinary vision among community leaders and education pioneers is today the primary gateway to higher education and workforce training in Central Texas.

Then and Now

In 1972, residents of Austin ISD voted to create The Austin Community College District (ACC). The college opened its doors on September 17, 1973. Since its first class, ACC has evolved into the second largest institution of higher learning in the region (The University of Texas at Austin is the largest) with a service area that stretches over eight counties and 7,000 square miles.
THEN [Fall 1973] NOW [Fall 2009]
One campus (Ridgeview) Seven campuses
177 faculty and staff 2,350 faculty and staff
1,726 students 40,248 students
30 programs 180+ programs


Presidents of Austin Community College

  • Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow 2005 – present
  • Dr. Robert Aguero 2004 – 2005
  • Dr. Richard Fonté 1997 – 2004
  • Ms. Janis M. Koenig (Interim) 1997
  • Dr. Hosni Nabi (Interim) 1996 – 1997
  • Dr. William E. Segura 1993 – 1996
  • Mr. Roland K. Smith (Interim) 1992 – 1993
  • Dr. Daniel D. Angel 1985 – 1992
  • Mr. Roland K. Smith (Interim) 1984
  • Dr. Brent Knight (Interim) 1983 – 1984
  • Mr. Roland K. Smith (Interim) 1983
  • Dr. Cecil L. Groves 1977 – 1983
  • Mr. Marvin D. Shwiff (Interim) 1977
  • Dr. Thomas Hatfield 1973 - 1977


Timeline of Key Events and Highlights of ACC’s History

Explore ACC’s Interactive Timeline

  • 1972 - Voters of Austin ISD establish ACC
  • 1973 - ACC opens its doors and classes begin at Ridgeview
  • 1975 - Rio Grande Campus opens near downtown
  • 1978 - ACC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
  • 1982 - ACC Board of Trustees established
  • 1983 - ACC purchases the Austin Country Club (Riverside Campus)
  • 1984 - Riverside Campus opens at site of old Austin Country Club
  • 1985 - Leander ISD voters approve annexation to join taxing district
    • Voters approve a maximum tax base of .05 per $100
  • 1989 - Northridge Campus opens in North Austin
  • 1990 - Pinnacle Campus opens in Oak Hill
  • 1991 - Cypress Creek Campus opens in Cedar Park/Leander
  • 1998 - Manor ISD voters approve annexation to join taxing district
  • 1999 - Eastview Campus opens in East Austin
  • 2003 - Voters increase ACC maximum tax rate to .09 per $100 and approve the sale of $99 million in bonds for construction of a South Austin campus
  • 2004 - Del Valle ISD voters approve annexation to join taxing district
  • 2005 - City of Austin voters approve “All of Austin” annexation to join taxing district. Area includes portions of Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Eanes ISD inside Austin city limits.
  • 2006 - South Austin Campus opens
  • 2008 - Round Rock ISD voters approve annexation to join taxing district
  • 2009 - ACC breaks ground on Round Rock Campus