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New Faculty Biographies - Fall 2009
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Sarah Finney
Professor
Computer Science

Sarah Finney is new to ACC this fall and will be a Professor in the Computer Science department teaching at the Rio Grande Campus.

Dr. Finney received his PhD and MS degree in Computer Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Finney has taught Discrete Mathematics at Tufts University and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University. Prior to coming to ACC, Dr. Finney was an Instructor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Mark Burtch
Associate Professor
Mathematics

Mark Burtch is new to ACC this fall and will be an Associate Professor in the Mathematics department teaching at the Rio Grande Campus.

Dr. Burtch received his PhD degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University.  He received his M.S. degree in Mathematics from University of North Texas. 

Dr. Burtch has 18 years of experience in teaching mathematics; three years spent teaching high school mathematics as well as teaching at the college level.   Prior to coming to ACC, Dr. Burtch was an Associate Professor at The American University in Dubai. 

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Thomas Samuel
Associate Professor
Biology

Thomas Samuel is new to ACC this fall and will be an Associate Professor in the Biology Department teaching at the Cypress Creek Campus.

Dr. Samuel received his PhD degree and M.S. degree in Zoology from the University of Delhi in Delhi, India.

Dr. Samuel has over 13 years of experience teaching at the college level.  He has taught at the University of Delhi and the Oman Medical College in Muscat, Oman.  Prior to coming to ACC, he was an Adjunct Biology Instructor at Houston Community College System in Houston, Texas. 

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Anita Thomas
Associate Professor
Biology

Anita Thomas is new to ACC this fall and will be an Associate Professor in the Biology Department teaching at the Fredericksburg Campus.

Dr. Thomas received her PhD degree and M.S. degree in Zoology from the University of Delhi in Delhi, India.

Dr. Thomas has taught undergraduate classes at the University of Delhi and pre-medical classes at Oman Medical College, in Muscat, Oman.  Prior to coming to ACC, D. Thomas was an Adjunct Biology Faculty at Southwest College of Houston Community College System in Houston, Texas.

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Charlotte Gullick
Assistant Professor
Creative Writing

Charlotte Gullick is new to ACC this fall and will be an Assistant Professor in the Creative Writing Department at the Rio Grande Campus.

Ms. Gullick received her M.A. degree in English/Creative Writing from the University of California at Davis.  She received her B.A. degree in Literature/Creative Writing from the University of California at Santa Cruz. 

Ms. Gullick was most recently the Director of the Mendocino Coast Writers Conference at the College of the Redwoods at Fort Bragg, California. 

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Samuel Echevarria-Cruz
Associate Professor
Behavioral Science

Samuel Echevarria-Cruz is returning to ACC this fall as an Associate Professor in the Behavioral Science Department. 

Dr. Echevarria-Cruz received his PhD degree and M.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to returning to ACC, Mr. Echevarria-Cruz was a Senior Research Associate for the Community College Survey of Student Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin.  He has also taught at Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College. 

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Mark I Gardner
Assistant Professor
Physics

Mark I Gardner has been with ACC as an Adjunct Professor in Physics since 2008.  This fall he joins the Physics Department as a full time faculty member, Assistant Professor, and will be teaching at the Northridge Campus.

Mr. Gardner received his B.S. and M.S. degree in Physics from the University of Maryland.

In addition to teaching at ACC, Mr. Gardner is President and CEO of Stellar Devices Inc.  Forbes magazine and USA today have cited Mr. Gardner’s achievements in inventions in the field of Physics.

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Alexey Petrenko
Associate Professor
Computer Information Systems

Alexey Petrenko is new to ACC this fall and will be an Associate Professor in the Computer Information Systems department at the Rio Grande Campus.

Mr. Petrenko has a M.A. degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a M.A. degree in Mathematical Physics from Moscow State University in Russia.

Prior to ACC, Mr. Petrenko was an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the College of Coastal Georgia.  He has also worked at Programbank Inc. as a Network Administrator.    

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Dr. Christina Cavalli
Associate Professor
Physics

Dr. Christina Cavalli has been with ACC as an Instructional Associate and Adjunct Professor since Spring 1996.   This fall Dr. Cavalli joins the Physics Department as an Associate Professor and will be teaching at the Cypress Creek Campus. 

Dr. Cavalli received a PhD degree in Physics from Dartmouth College.  She received an M.S. degree in Physics from Dickinson College. 

Prior to working at ACC, Dr. Cavalli worked at Tektronix where she served as an IC/Hybrid Process Engineer.  She has also worked at the Lunar and Planetary Lab of the University of Arizona. 

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Dr. Carl Christensen
Associate Professor
Biology

Dr. Carl Christensen is returning to ACC as an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at the Cypress Creek Campus.

Dr. Christensen received his PhD degree in Physiology from Tulane University.  Dr. Christensen received his M.S. degree in Physiology from Colorado State University. 

Prior to returning to ACC, Dr. Christensen was an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin.  Dr. Christensen has been conducting medical research and teaching since 1979. 

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Jeanne Chaltain
Assistant Professor
Developmental Writing

Jeanne Chaltain has been with ACC as an Adjunct Instructor since Spring 1996.   This fall she joins the Developmental Writing Department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Cypress Creek Campus.

Jeanne Chaltain received her M.A. degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She received her M.S. degree in English from the University of Dallas. 

Prior to working at ACC, Ms. Chaltain taught English at St. Edward’s University and at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie.  Ms. Chaltain has also taught at the high school level.

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Raena Celesta Wharton
Assistant Professor
English

Raena Wharton has been with ACC as an Adjunct Instructor since Spring 2002.   This fall she joins the English Department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Pinnacle Campus.

Raena Wharton received her M.A. degree in English from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University).  She received her B.A. degree in English from Pan American University (now the University of Texas at Pan American). 

Prior to working at ACC, Ms. Chaltain taught Dual Credit English at Jack C. Hays High School.  She also taught Composition I and II and Developmental Writing for ACC as an Adjunct Faculty member. 

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Teresa Garza
Assistant Professor
Diagnostic Medical Imaging-Radiology

Teresa Garza, an ACC Curriculum Specialist,will be an Associate Professor in the Diagnostic MedicalImaging – Radiology department and teaching at the Eastview Campus.

Teresa Garza received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiography from Austin Community College as well as her Magnetic Resonance Imaging Advanced Certificate. 

In addition to working at ACC, since 2001 Teresa has worked at Central Texas Medical Center as a Radiologic Technologist and as a MRI Technologist (since 2003).

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Elisa Cooper
Associate Professor
Chemistry

Elisa Cooper is new to ACC this fall and will be an Associate Professor in the Chemistry department and will be teaching at the Riverside Campus.

Dr. Cooper received her PhD degree from the University of California Santa Cruz in Chemistry. She received her M.S. degree in Chemistry from San Francisco State University. 

Dr. Cooper served most recently the Instructor/lab coordinator at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon.

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Thea Williams-Douglas
Assistant Professor
Journalism

Thea Williams-Douglas has been with ACC as an Adjunct Instructor since Fall 2005.   This fall she joins the Journalism/English Department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Rio Grande Campus.

Thea Williams-Douglas received her M.S. degree in Journalism at Northwestern University.  She received her B.J. degree in Journalism Broadcast from the University of Texas at Austin. 

In addition to teaching at ACC, Thea is currently an executive producer at a local television station.  She has worked in broadcast journalism since 1988.  She has experience as a reporter, producer and executive producer.   

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William Tolan
Associate Professor
Photography

William Tolan is returning to ACC as an Associate Professor in the Photography Department at the Northridge Campus.

William Tolan received his M.F.A. degree in Photography from Arizona State University.  He received his B.F.A. degree in Photography from New York University.

Prior to teaching at ACC, William Tolan taught at St. Edward’s University as an Adjunct Professor.  He has also served as a Lecturer at Texas State University.  William Tolan’s artwork has been widely exhibited and is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Fogg Art Museum, the Milwaukee Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas.

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Charlene Madrigal
Assistant Professor
Mathematics

Charlene Madrigal is returning to ACC as an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics at the Pinnacle Campus.

Charlene Madrigal received her M.A. degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Dallas.  She received her B.S. degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to working at ACC, Charlene was a Mathematics Instructor at Dallas County Community College.  She has also taught high school math at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.

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Chad Cryer
Assistant Professor
Biology

Chad Cryer is returning to ACC this fall as an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at the Northridge Campus.

Chad Cryer received his M.S. degree in Biology from Texas State University, San Marcos.  He received his B.S. degree in Organismal Biology from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. 

Prior to returning to ACC, Mr. Cryer taught Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Vertebrate Morphology Labs as a graduate student at Texas State University.

Fall 2008

Eileen Mulqueeney
Professor
Nursing

Eileen Mulqueeney is new to ACC this fall and will be a Professor in the Nursing department teaching at the Eastview Campus.

Ms. Mulqueeney received her Bachelors Degree in Nursing from Loyola University in Chicago, as well as her Masters in Nursing.  She also has her certificate in Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Colorado Health Science Center.

Ms. Mulqueeney has experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner with the Southwest Regional Cancer Center as well as the Seton Lockhart Rural Clinic. 

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Adrian Erb
Assistant Professor
Library Services

Adrian Erb is returning this fall to ACC as an Assistant Professor at the Northridge Campus. 

Ms. Erb received her B.A. in English Rhetoric from Texas A&M University.  She received her Masters in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to returning to ACC, Ms. Erb was a Reference/Serials Librarian at Concordia University. 

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Carolynn Reed
Assistant Professor
Mathematics

Carolynn Reed is returning to ACC this fall as an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department.  

Ms. Reed received her B.A. in Mathematics from Texas Tech University as well as her M.S. in Mathematics. 

Prior to teaching at ACC, Ms. Reed has taught at St. Edwards University as well as worked at Pearson Education as a Math Content Specialist.

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Barbara Jorge
Assistant Professor
Library Services

Jorge Barbara has been with ACC as an Adjunct Reference Librarian since 2007.  This fall she joins the Library Services department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Pinnacle Campus.

Ms. Barbara received her B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Austin as well as her Masters in Information Studies. 

In addition to teaching at ACC, Ms. Barbara has been a Reference Librarian at the Austin Public Library.

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William Kibbe
Associate Professor
Auto Tech

William Kibbe has been teaching as an Adjunct Faculty member since 2004.  This fall he joins the Automotive Technology department as an Associate Professor and will be teaching at the Cypress Creek Campus.

Mr. Kibbe received his A.A.S. in Automotive Technology from Austin Community College. 

In addition to teaching at ACC, Mr. Kibbe is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers International.  He has also worked at Mazda and Ford Motors Company as a Training Instructor.

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Henry King
Assistant Professor
Auto Tech

Henry King has been teaching as an Adjunct Faculty member since 2005.  This fall he joins the Automotive Technology department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Riverside Campus.

Mr. King received his A.A.S. in Automotive Technology from Austin Community College. 

In addition to teaching at ACC, Mr. King is the owner of Hulk Automotive in Round Rock. 

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Kalani Streicher
Professor
Visual Communication Design

Kalani Streicher is new to ACC this fall and will be a Professor in the Visual Communication Department, Computer Studies. 

Mr. Streicher received his B.S. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering from Fachhochschule in Frankfurt, Germany. 

In addition to teaching at ACC, Mr. Streicher owns Kalani Games, Inc., which produces premier console and casual online games.

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Amy Neff
Assistant Professor
Mathematics

Amy Neff is new to ACC this fall and will be an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics department teaching at the Northridge Campus.

 Ms. Neff received her B.S. in Applied Mathematics at Texas A&M University where she also received her M.S. in Applied Mathematics.

Ms. Neff worked as an Academic Math Instructor at South Texas College in McAllen prior to joining ACC. 

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Edgar Fisher
Assistant Professor
Mathematics

Edgar Fisher has been teaching as an Adjunct Instructor at ACC since the fall of 2007.  This spring he joins the Mathematics department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Northridge Campus.

Mr. Fisher received his M.S. in Mathematics from Northern Arizona University.  He received his B.S. in Mathematics from California State University at Stanislaus. 

In addition to teaching at ACC, Mr. Fisher has taught high school mathematics for Taylor ISD in Taylor, TX.

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Sandi Pepper
Assistant Professor
Culinary Arts

Sandi Pepper is new to ACC this fall and will be an Assistant Professor in the Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management Department teaching at the Eastview Campus.

Ms. Pepper received her Associates Degree of Applied Science in Culinary Art from Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA. 

Prior to teaching at ACC, Ms. Pepper was the Culinary Instructor/Assistant Headmaster at the Culinary Institute of New Orleans where she instructed classes in Professionalism, Food Cost, Nutrition, Product Knowledge, Cost Control and Serve Safe-Accredited Program. 

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Scott Cain
Associate Professor
Commercial Music

Scott Cain has been teaching as an Adjunct Faculty member since 1986.  This fall he joins the Commercial Music department as an Associate Professor and will be teaching at the Northridge Campus. 

Mr. Cain received his B.A. in Music/Performance of Guitar from the University of North Texas. 

In addition to teaching at ACC, Mr. Cain has taught at both Southwest Texas State University and Temple College. Mr. Cain is also a member of the National Music Honor Society and the Austin Federation of Musicians.

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James (Jed) Stephens
Associate Professor
Speech

Jed Stephens is new to ACC this fall and will be an Associate Professor in the Speech, Communications department teaching at the Rio Grande Campus.

Mr. Stephens is an ABD Ph.D. Candidate in Interpersonal Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. He received his Master’s in Communication Studies at Baylor University where he also received his Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Public Relations-Journalism.

Prior to joining ACC, Mr. Stephens had been a Lecturer for five years with Baylor University in the Speech Communications department.

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Dr. John A. Norris
Professor
Biology

Dr. John Norris has been with ACC as an Adjunct Instructor since 1991 and was a temporary full time Instructor in 2008. This fall he joins the Biology, Mathematics and Sciences department as a Professor teaching at the Riverside Campus.

Dr. Norris received his Ph.D. in Botany-Plant Natural Products Chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin where he also received his B.A. in Botany, with honors.

In addition to teaching at ACC, Dr. Norris has taught classes at the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward’s University, and Southwestern University. He is also a tutor for Capital Idea. Dr. Norris was with the United States Marine Corp for four years where he received training in electronics.

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Azzurra Crispino
Assistant Professor
Philosophy

Azzurra Crispino has been teaching as an Adjunct Instructor at ACC since the spring of 2007. This fall she joins the Philosophy, Arts and Humanities department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Northridge Campus.

Ms. Crispino received her M.A. in Philosophy from Texas A&M University. She received her B.A. in Philosophy from Ripon College in Ripon, WI.

In addition to teaching at ACC, Ms. Crispino has been a Lecturer at both Texas State University and Texas A&M University.

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Farrah Keeler
Assistant Professor
English to Speakers of Other Languages

Farrah Keeler is new to ACC and comes to us from Utah. She joins the English to Speakers of Other Languages, Arts and Humanities department this fall as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Rio Grande Campus.

Ms. Keeler received her Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language from Brigham Young University where she also received her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics.

Prior to coming to ACC, Ms. Keeler was with Brigham Young University in the English Language Center as a Grammar Coordinator. She also has taught as an instructor for Utah Valley State College as well as an instructor in China of English as a Second Language.

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Kelle Howard
Assistant Professor
Associate Degree Nursing

Ms. Howard has been an Adjunct and temporary full-time Instructor with ACC since January of 2008. This fall she will be joining the Associate Degree Nursing, Health Sciences department as an Assistant Professor teaching at the Eastview Campus.

A Registered Nurse, Ms. Howard received her Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Systems from the University of Texas at Austin. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Science Composite from the University of North Texas.

In addition to teaching for ACC, Ms. Howard has most recently been with the Round Rock Medical Center where she has worked in the geriatric nursing area as well as acting as a Preceptor for newly hired nurses.

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Kimberly (Kim) Duren
Professor
Architectural/Engineering CAD-Mechanical

Kim Duren has been an Adjunct Instructor with the Architectural/Engineering CAD department since the fall of 2006. This fall she joins the Architectural/Engineering CAD-Mechanical, Computer Studies department as a Professor at the Northridge Campus.

Ms. Duren received her Associate’s degree in Design Technology from Eastfield Junior College in Mesquite, Texas.

Ms. Duren has twenty-two years experience in mechanical/electrical design, with an emphasis on industrial design and consumer products. For five years, she has been the chair for the Central Texas Pro-User Group providing assistance on Pro-E  for area engineers.

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Elizabeth Bodman
Associate Professor
Allied Health Science

Elizabeth Bodman has been with the Allied Health Sciences department as an Adjunct Instructor since the summer of 2004. This fall she joins the Allied Health Science, Health Sciences department as an Associate Professor and will be teaching at the Eastview Campus.

A Registered Nurse, Ms. Bodman received her Master’s degree in Nursing from Simmons College. She also holds Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing from Duke University and English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Ms. Bodman has been a Registered Nurse since 1975 and a Nurse Practitioner since 1998. She has Hospital and Home Care experience in multiple specialties.

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Roy Ruane
Assistant Professor
English

Roy Ruane is new to ACC this fall and will be joining the English, Communications department at the Riverside Campus as an Assistant Professor.

Mr. Ruane received his M.A. in English Literature from the University of Houston, where he also received his B.A. in English.

Before coming to ACC, Mr. Ruane taught Literature and English Composition for fifteen years at Houston Community College.

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Claire Sanders
Associate Professor
American Sign Language/Human Services

Claire Sanders is new to ACC this fall and comes to us from New Hampshire. She will be teaching in the American Sign Language/Human Services, Applied Technology, Multi Media and Public Services department as an Associate Professor at the Rio Grande campus.

Ms. Sanders received her Masters’ degree in Deaf Education from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY.

A Louisiana native and San Antonio high school graduate, Ms. Sanders was a Deaf Studies Department Chair/faculty member at Holyoke Community College in Massachusetts. Ms. Sanders was also a faculty member in ASL/Deaf Studies at Mt. Wachusett Community College in Massachusetts. She has taught ASL at various community colleges and a state college in New England as well as teaching elementary school at Austine School for the Deaf in Vermont.

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Dr. Shawn Marie Amorde
Associate Professor
Chemistry

Dr. Shawn Marie Amorde has been teaching in the Chemistry department at ACC since the summer of 2007. This fall she joins the Chemistry, Mathematics and Sciences department as an Associate Professor and will be teaching at the Riverside Campus.

Dr. Amorde received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin. She received her B.A. in Biology from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN.

In addition to teaching at ACC, Dr. Amorde has been a Graduate Research Assistant at both the University of Texas at Austin and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Dr. Amorde was also a Peptide Chemist with BACHEM Co. in San Diego, CA.                

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Chester Rowland
Associate Professor
Automotive Technology/Outdoor Power

Chester Rowland has been with ACC since 1990 in the positions of Small Engine-Marine Repair Lab Tech and Adjunct Instructor and was a Temporary Associate Professor in Automotive Repair from 2007-2008. This fall he joins the Automotive Technology/Outdoor Power, Applied Technology, Multi Media and Public Services department as an Associate Professor teaching at the Riverside Campus.

Mr. Rowland holds a certificate in Small Engine Repair from ACC and a certificate in Marine Engine Repair, also from ACC.

In addition to his contributions to the Automotive Technology department at ACC, Mr. Rowland was an engine mechanic and electronic technician in the US Air Force for twelve years. He also has seven years experience as a small engine marine auto mechanic with Auto Marine Sales and Salvage.

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Dr. Merryl (Missi) Patterson
Associate Professor
Psychology

Dr. Missi Patterson has been with ACC as an Adjunct Instructor since the fall of 1999. This fall she joins the Psychology, Social and Behavioral Sciences department as an Associate Professor and will be teaching at the Cypress Campus.

Dr. Patterson received both her Ph.D. and M.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Indiana University.

In addition to teaching for ACC, Dr. Patterson held several positions at Indiana University’s Center for Survey research. She was also a Lecturer at Texas A&M University.

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Mariela Prato-Williams
Assistant Professor
Foreign Language/Spanish

Mariela Prato-Williams has been an Adjunct Instructor with ACC in the Spanish department since the fall of 2006. This fall she joins the Spanish/Foreign Language, Arts and Humanities department as an Assistant Professor and will be teaching at the Cypress Campus.

Ms. Prato-Williams received both her M.A. and B.A. in Spanish from the University of North Texas. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies at Texas A&M University.

In addition to teaching at ACC, Ms. Prato-Williams has been an Instructor at St. Edward’s University and a Teacher Assistant at the University of North Texas. Ms. Prato-Williams also taught Spanish at the Ursuline Academy in Dallas for two years.

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Kathleen Elaine Shimizu
Assistant Professor
English to Speakers of Other Languages

Kathleen Shimizu has been teaching as an Associate Adjunct Professor with ACC since the fall of 2004. This fall she joins the English to Speakers of Other Languages, Arts and Humanities department as an Assistant Professor teaching at the Eastview Campus.

Ms. Shimizu received her Master of Arts degree in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language from The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England. She received her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to her teaching experience at ACC, Ms. Shimizu taught English to Speakers of Other Languages at Texas State University. Additionally, she has sixteen years teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in Japan including thirteen years at various Universities: Yasuda Women’s University, Ritsumeikan University, Bunkyo Women’s University and Hiroshima City University.

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Dr. Myung-Joo (Theresa) Oh
Professor
Foreign Language/Japanese

Dr. Theresa Oh joined ACC as an Adjunct Instructor in 1998, and has been a temporary full time Instructor since 2004. This fall she joins the Foreign Language/Japanese, Arts and Humanities department as a Professor at the Riverside Campus.

Dr. Oh received her Ph.D. in Foreign Language Education from The University of Texas at Austin where she also received her M.A. in Japanese Language and Literature.

In addition to her teaching experience at ACC, Dr. Oh taught as an Associate Instructor of Japanese at The University of Texas at Austin for four years. Combined with her educational experience, Dr. Oh has much international life-experience as she was the daughter of a Korean diplomat and grew up in countries around the world including England, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, Korea and the United States.

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Charlotte Cooper
Associate Professor
Associate Degree Nursing

Charlotte Cooper was part of a new initiative last fall with Seton Family of Hospitals and area Educational Institutions. As a Seton employee, Ms. Cooper taught ACC students at both the Eastview Campus and the Clinical Education Center. This fall she joins the Associate Degree Nursing, Health Sciences department as an Associate Professor teaching at the Eastview Campus.

Ms. Cooper received her Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health from The University of Texas – Austin. Her Bachelor of Allied Health Management, Respiratory Therapy is from Southwest Texas State University.  She is a certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health with Prescriptive Authority as well as a Certified Respiratory Therapist.

Ms. Cooper has experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist with Seton Medical Center and as a Respiratory Therapist with Sun Health Care. Ms. Cooper was also the Director of Cardiopulmonary Service with John’s Community Hospital in Taylor, Texas.

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Valleri Bond
Associate Professor
Mathematics

Valleri Bond taught for ACC in the Mathematics department as an Adjunct Instructor from the fall of 2004 to 2006. This fall she will be an Associate Professor in the Mathematics, Mathematics and Sciences department at the Rio Grande Campus.

Ms. Bond is a Ph.D. candidate in Mathematics at the University of North Texas. She received her M.S. in Mathematics from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Maryland.

In addition to her teaching experience at ACC, Ms. Bond has taught at both the University of North Texas and Texas State University.

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Katherine Sheehan
Associate Professor
Art/Printmaking

Katherine Sheehan is new to ACC this fall and comes to us from California. She will join the Art/Printmaking, Arts and Humanities department as an Associate Professor teaching at the Rio Grande Campus.

Ms. Sheehan received her M.F.A. in Printmaking from Arizona State University and her B.F.A. in Printmaking from the San Francisco Art Institute.

Ms. Sheehan was most recently an instructor at Diablo Valley College, City College of San Francisco, College of Marin, and California College of the Arts in California. She has shown her mixed media work on paper both nationally and internationally. Ms. Sheehan’s work can currently be seen at the Berkeley Civic Center in Berkeley, California. She has been an artist-in-residence at the Vermont Studio Center as a recipient of the Buley Full Fellowship Award, the Jentel Artist Residency program, the Ucross Foundation, and is currently an artist-in-residence at the Kala Institute.

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Tarcia LaSha Jones
Assistant Professor
Mathematics

Tarcia Jones is new to ACC this fall and joins the Mathematics, Mathematics and Sciences department as an Assistant Professor at the Northridge Campus.

Ms. Jones received both her Master of Science in Mathematics and her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Stephen F. Austin State University.

A native of Waco, Texas, Ms. Jones worked as a Graduate Assistant at Stephen F. Austin Sate University prior to joining ACC. While at Stephen F. Austin, Ms. Jones also served as a Teaching Assistant and as a Math Tutor and a Supplemental Instructor.

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Anita McAuley
Associate Professor
Medical Coding

Anita McAuley is new to ACC this fall and will be an Associate Professor in the Medical Coding department teaching at the Eastview Campus.

Ms. McAuley is noted as conducting numerous seminars nationwide and has obtained over 20 years of experience as a healthcare coding consultant with expertise in acute care ICD-9-cm/DRG coding, hospital CPT coding and physician office coding. 

Ms. McAuley has a BS in Health Information Management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

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Gwenn Scott
Associate Professor
Associate Degree Nursing

Gwenn Scott, a previous ACC Adjunct faculty member is assigned to teach as a full-time faculty member at the Clinical Education Center at Brackenridge Hospital.

Ms. Scott has a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio and has been a registered nurse since 1976. Ms. Scott has held various positions in nursing from critical care to Assistant Administrator in a hospital.

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Lisa McCartney
Associate Professor
Pharmacy Technician

Ms. McCartney previously taught as an Adjunct Faculty member at ACC and is scheduled to teach in the Pharmacy Technician Department as a full-time faculty member at the Eastview campus.

Ms. McCartney has over 27 years of experience in Pharmacy. In 1995 she obtained her national certification and she received her Texas registration in 2005. Ms. McCartney has an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology from Weatherford College.

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Stephen Samendinger
Associate Professor
Associate Degree Nursing

Mr. Samendinger is one of ACC’s new full-time Faculty members in Health Sciences.  He is scheduled to teach this fall at the Eastview Campus. Mr. Samendinger has a Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati. 

Previous to ACC, Mr. Samendinger obtained experience in medical-surgical intensive care units, emergency room, and cardiac telemetry units.  His professional experience   includes working as a registered nurse providing surgical and procedural anesthetics. He was also responsible for monitoring pharmaceutical research as well as direct review, guidance and mediation of human subjects’ research for the Office of Research Support and compliance and Institutional Review Board at the University of Texas Austin.

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Melanie Marie Potanko
Associate Professor
Occupational Therapy Assistant

Ms. Potanko is the Occupational Therapy Assistant department’s new Department Chair.   She previously taught as an Adjunct Faculty member in the spring of 2007 will be assigned to work this fall at the Eastview campus.

Ms. Potanko has a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. Her most recent work experience is working as a home health Occupational Therapist for over 3 years at Girling Health Care.

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Dora Negron-Bosworth
Associate Professor
Associate Degree Nursing

Ms. Negron-Bosworth is a new Faculty member in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at the Eastview campus.

Ms. Negron-Bosworth has a Masters of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.  She has over twenty five years of clinical nursing experience in various areas with advanced Practice Nurse training in minor emergency and infections diseases.  

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Predro Trejo
Associate Professor
Mathematics

Mr. Trejo is a new full-time Faculty member assigned to teach Mathematics at the Rio Grande campus.

Mr. Trejo has a masters of Science in Mathematical Sciences from The University of Texas – Pan American and a Bachelor of Science Mathematics degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to coming to ACC, Mr. Trejo obtained five years of experience teaching high school math courses and Adult Education preparation courses for G.E.D. and THEA math exams.

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Heidi K. Juel
Associate Professor
English

Ms. Juel previously taught as an Adjunct professor at ACC and is now a new full-time Faculty member scheduled to teach English this fall at the Cypress Creek campus.

Ms. Juel has a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Previous to ACC, Ms. Juel taught English and German and worked as an English Department Chair at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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Jonathan Bickham
Associate Professor
Mathematics

Mr. Bickham previously taught as an ACC Adjunct Faculty member.  He is currently a full-time Faculty member for the Mathematics department and will teach at the Riverside campus. 

Mr. Bickham has a Masters of Education and a Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics from Southwest Texas State University (Texas State University). Previous to ACC he worked as a Lecturer for Texas State University and a Pre-Calculus and Calculus teacher for Hays Independent School District.

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Kathy Dunn Hamrick
Associate Professor
Dance

Ms. Hamrick is previously taught as an Adjunct instructor and is currently ACC’s new Dance Faculty instructor assigned to teach at the Rio Grande campus.

Ms. Hamrick has a Masters of Fine Art’s degree from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Previous to ACC, Ms. Hamrick was employed as the Artistic Director of KDH Dance Company, an award winning contemporary dance company in Austin, Texas.

Spring 2008

Kitty Woo (Kitty) Ham
Assistant Professor
Associate Degree Nursing

Kitty Ham joins ACC this spring as an Assistant Professor in the Associate Degree Nursing, Health Sciences department. She will be teaching at the Clinical Education Center as well as at the Eastview Campus.

Ms. Ham received her Master’s degree in Nursing Systems from the University of Texas at Austin. Her Bachelor’s degree in General Health Science/Pre-Med is from Purdue University.

A registered nurse, Ms. Ham brings nursing experience from Seton Northwest and UTMB Dermatology Assoicates.

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Lucia Ponce
Counselor/Assistant Professor
Student Services

Lucia Ponce, new to ACC, joined the Counselor/Assistant Professor, Student Services department at the Riverside Campus in November 2007.

Ms. Ponce received her B.S. and M.S. in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker.

Prior to joining ACC, Ms. Ponce was a Program Manager for Communities in Schools Central Texas, a non- profit organization and Central Texas’ leading drop-out prevention program.  She has over twenty years of direct social work experience working with diverse populations. In each setting, services have included individual, group, and crisis counseling, and case management.

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Mervin James Jones
Counselor/Assistant Professor
Student Services

Mervin Jones is new to ACC. This spring he joins the Riverside Campus as Counselor/Assistant Professor, Student Services.

Mr. Jones received his Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and his B.S. in Psychology from Columbia College in Missouri.

Mr. Jones brings to ACC students over twenty years of leadership/management experience used to motivate team members to accomplish goals directed at self improvement. Mr. Jones most recently was at Celebration Counseling Center providing services including couples therapy, working through addictions, career issues, depression counseling and transitional problem counseling.

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Sandra Elizondo
Counselor/Assistant Professor
Student Services

Sandra Elizondo is new to ACC this spring. She joins the Eastview Campus as Counselor/Assistant Professor, Student Services.

Ms. Elizondo received her Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, where she also received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Ms. Elizondo’s previous experience includes individual and group counseling, case management, crisis management and trauma work.

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Thomas Reeber
Assistant Professor
Associate Degree Nursing

Thomas Reeber joined ACC in the fall of 2007 as part of the initiative with Seton Family of Hospitals. This spring he joins the Associate Degree Nursing, Health Sciences department at the Eastview Campus as an Assistant Professor.

Mr. Reeber received both his M.S.N. in Nursing and B.A. in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a Registered Nurse and a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health.

Mr. Reeber has experience as a Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Telemetry Unit of Seton Medical Center. He also has Clinical Rotation experience in the Seton Heart Failure Clinic and Heart Transplant Clinic, Chronic Illness Management with Austin Heart Associates, and Advanced Physical Assessment with South Austin Hospital.

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Christine Cwik
Associate Professor
Vocational Nursing

Christine Cwik is new to ACC this spring. She joins the Vocational Nursing, Health Sciences department as Associate Professor and will be teaching at the Eastview Campus.

Ms. Cwik received her M.S.N. in Specialty Public Health Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. Her B.S.N. is from Syracuse University. Ms. Cwik also holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University.

A registered nurse, Ms. Cwik was most recently a Continuing Education Nurse Planner with Girling Health Care, Inc. She also has experience as a Staff Nurse with Seton Medical Center as well as international experience in Africa as a Home Based Care Consultant with AIDS Project Support and as a Clinic Nurse with the United Nations Mission in Liberia.

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Don Gwynn
Associate Professor
Emergency Medical Services Professions

Don Gwynn has been with the EMS Professions department as an Adjunct Instructor since the spring of 2002. This spring he joins the Emergency Medical Services Professions, Health Sciences as an Associate Professor at the Eastview Campus.

Mr. Gwynn received his Associate’s degree from Austin Community College District in EMS Professions. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas State University in Mass Communications/Journalism.

Mr. Gwynn has been a paramedic and educator of Emergency Medical Services for eighteen years. He was most recently with Williamson County EMS where he has been a paramedic for six years.

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Jeffrey Briseno
Associate Professor
Architectural Engineering CAD

Jeffrey Briseno has been with ACC as an Architectural Engineering CAD Adjunct Instructor since the summer of 2004. This spring he joins the Architectural Engineering CAD department, Computer Studies as Associate Professor. Mr. Briseno will be teaching at the Northridge Campus.

Mr. Briseno received his Associate of Applied Science in Architectural and Engineering CAD Interdisciplinary Specialization from Austin Community College District.

In addition to his teaching experience, Mr. Briseno brings eleven years experience as a Civil CAD Designer from Wenzel Engineering and Loomis Austin, Inc.

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