In a unanimous decision, the Houston Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees has named Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher as the chosen one to step into the role of chancellor. A veteran in the field of education, Ford Fisher has an impressive tenure that stretches nearly four decades within HCC’s halls.
Currently acting as HCC’s Interim Chancellor since Sept. 1, 2023, Ford Fisher is known for her leadership in propelling HCC’s online education to nationwide recognition, a testament to her standing as a pioneer in academe. As noted by the college's announcement, the Board, will wait at least 21 days following the nomination to finalize her position, complying with state law, and presumably, with the anticipation that Ford Fisher will continue her trajectory of success.
In a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle, Ford Fisher expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am deeply honored for the opportunity to lead HCC and thank the Board for the confidence it has placed in me." She emphasized her commitment to providing a robust, real-world education that nurtures the talent pool in Houston.
Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary, the chair of the HCC Board of Trustees, supported Ford Fisher’s selection. She conveyed her confidence in Ford Fisher, suggesting that her deep institutional knowledge, and leadership qualities perfectly fit the institution's trajectory towards a bright future. "Dr. Ford Fisher's deep institutional knowledge, coupled with her forward-looking vision and nationally recognized leadership, makes her the ideal leader to navigate HCC toward a future rich in educational excellence and innovation," Lenton-Gary said, as per the HCC announcement.
Ford Fisher brings a rich academic background to the table, holding a bachelor's degree in English, a master’s degree in the teaching of English from Wichita State University, and a doctorate in education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston. Her career at HCC has been marked by milestones, from being the founding president of HCC Online to seeing through capital campaigns and local educational initiatives.
The appointment follows the departure of HCC's former chancellor Cesar Maldonado, who concluded his tenure on Aug. 31. Maldonado's exit after nearly nine years at the helm set the stage for Ford Fisher, who stepped up as interim chancellor and is now poised to continue leading HCC into future chapters of growth and innovation.
