The Austin Chamber has revealed its 2023 Austinite of the Year, bestowing the prestigious honor on Dr. Richard Rhodes, the former chancellor of Austin Community College District (ACC) and its longest-tenured leader in its 50-year history. Rhodes is set to be celebrated at the Chamber's 146th annual meeting, dubbed "Cheers to the Year," on February 13, 2024.
"I am honored to be named Austinite of the Year by the Austin Chamber," Rhodes told the Austin Chamber, crediting his team and Austin's residents for the accolade. He took pride in ACC's growth, which saw the college expand to 11 campuses and improve graduation rates during his tenure. Rhodes will join the ranks of renowned local figures who have added luster to Austin's reputation.
Under Rhodes' guidance, ACC not only expanded its physical footprint but also its influence, securing bonds totaling nearly $1 billion for growth. The redevelopment of the former Highland Mall into a top-notch campus, accompanied by three business incubators and a slew of performance and simulation centers, marked the crowning achievement of his ambitious efforts. Collaborations with titanic tech firms such as Tesla and Apple, alongside local healthcare giants, leveraged ACC as a vanguard institution shaping the future workforce.
The Chamber's board chair, Ali Khataw praised Rhodes saying, "His dedication to serving his community is immeasurable, and his leadership at ACC was inspiring." Khataw noted that Rhodes' vision manifested in countless community partnerships, which propelled ACC as a national example for community colleges and reinforced the idea of accessible higher education for all those seeking it.
Accompanying the praise for Rhodes's accomplishments, Chamber president and CEO Jeremy Martin lauded him as a "trusted voice in our community." Rhodes's professional affiliations are diverse, ranging from his role as past chair of the American Association of Community Colleges to his involvement in various local initiatives and educational circles. His tenure has left an indelible imprint, one that the Chamber looks forward to celebrating at their upcoming gathering.
For those interested in attending the ceremony to honor Rhodes, ticket information is accessible on the event website. Since its inception in 1984, the Austinite of the Year award has recognized influential local leaders who have been instrumental in championing Austin's growth and improving the quality of life in this vibrant city.
