The Austin Community College District (ACC) honors the memory of former president, Dr. Cecil L. Groves. Dr. Groves passed away at the age of 85 on January 16, 2025. He served as the College’s second appointed president for 6 years, from October 1977 to October 1983. 

“Dr. Groves dedicated his life to excellence in education. His unwavering devotion and commitment to transforming lives through learning remain at the heart of ACC’s mission,” says Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, ACC Chancellor. “As we mourn his passing, I am comforted by knowing that his legacy continues to shape our institution in profound ways. We will honor his memory by continuing the work that he was so passionate about—empowering students to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.”

Under Groves’ leadership, ACC received its full accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The College also launched its first distance-learning telecourse and became the primary training provider for nurses in Central Texas when it absorbed the School of Nursing program once operated by Brackenridge Hospital.

During his tenure, ACC created its own Board of Trustees, divesting itself from the Austin Independent School District, and purchased the Riverside Golf Course, which remains in operation today at the campus. 

The College secured its connection with numerous local and national companies through strategic working relationships designed to help ACC design and provide training programs that could fill workforce gaps in critical needs areas. 

The College extends its gratitude and deepest sympathies to the Groves family, who will host a private memorial for the immediate family. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on his memorial page.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Groves’ honor may be made to one of the following:

You may read more about his life here.