Austin Community College District (ACC) takes bold action to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world. The college has created a first-of-its-kind leadership role: Executive Vice Chancellor for the Future, the first position of its kind at any community college in the country.
Dr. Monique Reeves, a nationally recognized leader in workforce innovation, digital transformation, and education grounded in inclusive excellence, has been selected to lead the effort.
“We are living in a moment of political, economic, and technological upheaval and higher education is at a crossroads,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “If we don’t challenge our institutions to think differently and plan boldly, we will not survive. Dr. Reeves will help us do just that. She’s not just preparing ACC for the future, she’s helping redefine what the future of education can be.”
This new role is designed with students in mind, balancing jobs, families, and education in a world that’s changing faster than ever. ACC is committing to building learning systems that are more flexible, affordable, and aligned with real-world job demands.
“This role gives us the mandate to challenge outdated models, elevate emerging opportunities, and prioritize agile frameworks,” says Dr. Reeves. “We must create flexible, responsive systems that see the whole student. Not just as a learner, but as a worker, a parent, and a member of a fast-changing world.”
Traditional college models are no longer enough. With AI, automation, and shifting workforce needs, ACC is working to lead—not follow.
”Higher education must understand the strategies that brought us here will not take us there,” says Dr. Reeves. “Students are demanding more. Employers are demanding more. Our communities are demanding more. And we need systems built not for yesterday’s economy — but for tomorrow’s reality.”
According to Deloitte’s 2025 U.S. Higher Education Trends report, colleges are facing real risks: public skepticism, rising mental health needs, tuition dependence, and misalignment with employer expectations. Dr. Reeves’ role is built to help ACC rise to the challenge and model how community colleges can respond.
“The Executive Vice Chancellor for the Future will ensure ACC doesn’t just react to change, it leads it. Dr. Reeves is the perfect person to lead this change for us. Her extensive background in both the tech sector and higher education provide the prospective we need to prepare for what is ahead,” says Dr. Lowery-Hart. “From curriculum design to digital learning platforms, industry partnerships to economic mobility, this role challenges the institution to reimagine what’s next and how to get there.”
Dr. Reeves, formerly ACC’s Provost, will bring her experience in AI strategy, digital education, and human-centered design to build new frameworks for success. Her focus: scenario planning, national collaboration, and real-time response to student and employer needs.
“Higher ed must get comfortable being uncomfortable,” says Dr. Reeves. “We need to operate with agility, not in fear. My role is to ensure ACC can ask bold questions, challenge itself, and remain nimble enough to adapt. And just as importantly, I will share that learning with others. This isn’t just for ACC, this is for the entire sector.”
Dr. Reeves will spend her first year building agility frameworks, publishing white papers, leading national conversations, and inviting other colleges to partner in a shared effort to transform higher education.
Dr. Reeves officially began this role on Monday, May 19.