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Sign up for Theory of Change Network

ACC’s Theory of Change Network (ToCN) is now open for new members! If you’re interested in strengthening your leadership skills, hearing directly from Chancellor Russell about ToC priorities, and joining a community of colleagues helping shape ACC’s future, this is a great opportunity.

Members meet once a month (1.5 hours, hybrid) to get early updates from ToC Design Teams, offer feedback, and, if in good standing, serve as nominators for ToC Implementation Teams.

Next enrollment deadline: January 19, 2026 (Spring start).

Learn more and start the three-step enrollment process on the ToCN page. Questions? Contact Missi Patterson.

December Workshops: Building Emotional Agility at Work and at Home

As we close out the year, HR is offering two learning opportunities focused on one essential skill: emotional agility. Whether you’re navigating constant change at work or guiding a child through big feelings at home, these December sessions will give you practical tools to respond with intention and resilience.

Strong Enough to Bend: The Art of Emotional Agility (In-Person Workshop)

Get help building the emotional agility needed to manage stress, bounce back from setbacks, and lead with authenticity. Through reflective activities and discussion, you’ll explore how self-awareness and strategic recovery can strengthen teamwork, communication, and well-being across ACC.

Attend at any of these locations:

• Monday, December 15 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | South Austin Campus (1130)
• Wednesday, December 17 | 1–3 p.m. | Highland Campus (2.1409)
• Thursday, December 18 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Cypress Campus (1.1126)

Click HERE to register in Workday. Seats are limited.

Coach Your Child to Manage Their Emotions (Virtual Webinar)

Emotional agility isn’t just a workplace skill, it's a family skill, too. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to support children through “storm cycle” moments, model healthy regulation, and build patterns that encourage growth and understanding at home.



Wednesday, December 17 | 11:00 a.m.

Click HERE to register at AllOne Health

HR says goodbye to long-serving Executive Assistant

After 16 years of dedicated service, Vicki Franklin, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Human Resources, will retire at the end of December. Vicki says she’s excited to spend more time with her family—especially her young grandchildren—and to finally be the master of her own schedule.

Vicki joined ACC in 2009 as an administrative assistant in College Operations. Her exceptional organization, problem-solving skills, and calm under pressure quickly set her apart. Just two years later, she became Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President of College Operations. In 2017, she brought her talents to Human Resources, where she has been an integral partner and steady presence ever since.

In retirement, Vicki plans frequent trips to Houston to visit her grandkids and has a cruise to Alaska already booked. Ireland and Switzerland are at the top of her travel wish list.

We passed around a digital Happy Retirement card so colleagues could send their well-wishes. Click the image below to read the messages and celebrate Vicki’s next chapter.

Stay Safe

And here's another great benefit. If you find yourself in need of a ride over the holidays, call a cab, Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare option and send the bill to AllOne Health, our EAP provider, for reimbursement.

It can used only once a year. Maximum bill is $45. Put this number in your phone, just in case. (888) 993-7650.