Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm is set to retire from her position as Executive Vice Chancellor of Operations & Public Affairs at Austin Community College District (ACC), a tenure that has stretched over 12 fruitful years. Malcolm has been a driving force behind the college's expansion and its enhanced presence in the Central Texas community since September 2012. Her influence has been evident in ACC's educational programs, and she has spearheaded significant initiatives that have profoundly shaped the college's direction and impact.
Reflecting on her time at ACC, Dr. Malcolm told ACC's Newsroom, "It has been my honor to serve ACC, and our community for the past 12 years. This journey has been an immensely fulfilling chapter of my life." She continued, highlighting her deeply rooted connection to education and her efforts to build lasting partnerships within the community. Malcolm's career in education began as a teacher and counselor before moving into higher education leadership.
Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, ACC Chancellor, lauded Malcolm's contributions. "Molly Beth has been there — an instrumental figure in our good work," he said, as reported by ACC's Newsroom. He praised her for embodying the college's mission to serve, adding that her initiatives would resonate for years to come. Under her stewardship, ACC has earned recognition for its work in public affairs, operations, and philanthropy, and has seen the successful approval of two general obligation bonds that have greatly expanded and created new learning spaces for the community.
Her tenure also witnessed ACC’s strategic alliances with national companies providing real-world experience for students, and the establishment of innovative incubators in sectors like Bioscience Fashion, and Manufacturing. According to the Newsroom release, the college's creation of the Army Software Factory — the only active Army military installation located on a college campus nationwide — stands out as a unique accomplishment made possible during her tenure.
In her distinguished career, Dr. Malcolm has also made her mark beyond ACC, holding positions such as Chairperson of the Texas Democratic Party and a board trustee at another Texas community college. She founded the Community College Association of Texas Trustees and served as a professor of practice at The University of Texas at Austin. She also contributes to various boards and councils across the educational and economic spectrum in Austin, as per her profile on the ACC's Newsroom.
Mayor of Austin, Kirk Watson voiced his admiration for Malcolm's dedication and hinted at the continuous impact he expects her to have, saying, "I’m waiting to see what a Molly Beth Malcolm ‘retirement’ really looks like." Malcolm plans to leave her post at ACC on August 31, concluding a chapter defined by expansion and evolution both for the college and the broader educational landscape of the state.
