
Austin Community College District (ACC) welcomes Aaron Henry as the College’s new Chief of Staff supporting the Office of the Chancellor.
More than 104 people applied for the position through a national search. The College whittled the search down to 20 semi-finalists who submitted written responses to our student-crafted values, followed by Zoom interviews with a search committee representing the Chancellor’s Cabinet. From there, four finalists were invited to in-person interviews with the Chancellor and his direct reports.
“I hired Aaron because he is the perfect combination of heart and accountability — exactly what ACC needs to advance our mission,” says Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, ACC Chancellor. “He created the Caring Campaign at Houston Community College, demonstrating his deep commitment to student success. Those who have worked with him describe him as the glue, the unifier, and the executor—someone who brings teams together and turns vision into action. I am excited for the leadership, collaboration, and care he will bring to our work.”
Henry brings 16 years of administrative and leadership experience in K-12 and higher education. He has previously served in the Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet at Houston Community College. In this role, he was appointed as the Directly Responsible Individual for key system-wide projects where he guided college initiatives from inception to completion.
“I believe that we are all stronger together,” says Henry. “Collaboration and shared vision are essential to creating an environment where students, staff, faculty, and our communities can thrive.”
Throughout his tenure at HCC, he held multiple roles, including professor of History, Humanities, and Developmental English; President of Staff Senate; Manager of Student Engagement & Development; and Administrative Support. He also contributed to multiple committees, including Shared Governance, Student Services, QEP, and Professional Development. He has also directed a $40 million budget at the University of Houston and oversaw grant-funded STEM programs.
Henry is a proud community college graduate. He holds a Bachelor’s in English as well as a Bachelor’s and Master of Arts degree in History. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Educational Leadership.
His first day will be Monday, March 24.