Austin Community College Fills Racial Healing Post

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Community College District (ACC) named Khayree Williams as the new director of the college’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Center, school officials announced on Tuesday.

“I’m eager and excited to get started,” Williams said in a prepared statement. “I consider myself a community connector, and this is a unique opportunity to build new and meaningful relationships. I want to see the TRHT become a resource that guides the type of change that gives all individuals an opportunity to succeed.”

As TRHT director, Williams is responsible for relationship-building and facilitating ongoing conversations with internal and external stakeholders about changing the racial narrative at Austin Community College in particular and in Central Texas in general, officials described in a press advisory.

Added Dr. Richard Rhodes, the president and CEO of the college: "Education is the true equalizer in our community. To transform the landscape, we have to work together. We are thrilled to welcome Khayree. As the first director of ACC’s TRHT, he will be instrumental in creating new connections to help our students thrive. It’s about more than getting into college. We need to support our students through their programs, into graduation, and on to the next phase, whether it’s transferring to a four-year institution or going into the workforce.”

Austin Community College is one of only 10 institutions nationwide selected to establish a Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, officials noted. It is also the only Texas institution and only community college awarded the designation, college officials added.

“We have equity gaps in our communities that require us all to work better together,” Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm, executive vice president of campus operations and public affairs, said in a prepared statement. “Khayree will work closely with our community partners to develop and implement proactive initiatives benefiting our students and promoting racial equity, diversity, and inclusion not only at ACC but within our entire region.”

The goal of the TRHT is to work with internal and external partners to create a community where race, ethnicity, and other human differences are no longer predictors of success and well-being in any sector of the community, officials said. This includes the elimination of barriers (policies, practices, attitudes, and cultural messages) that reinforce differential outcomes by race, according to a press advisory.

According to a college-provided bio, Williams has served underrepresented students at colleges and universities for more than a decade. His experience spans residence life, student organization/Greek life support, and diversity and inclusion work.

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and a master’s degree in College Student Affairs and Leadership from Grand Valley State University. He is completing his doctorate of Community College Leadership from Ferris State University. The first day in his new role will come in January 2020, officials said.