SHERMAN, TEXAS – As the Strategic Planning committees commissioned by President Rebecca Cantor focus on the future and long-term goals of Austin College, a short-term goal has been completed in the form of divisional title changes. These changes have been made so that Austin College can be more consistent with naming conventions common across higher educational institutions.

The Vice Presidents for each division of the College comprise a group that has been informally referred to as the Senior Leadership Team.  This group, which works under the president as administrative officers, will now be known as the Cabinet. In addition, job titles have been updated for individual vice presidents and divisions.

Dr. Beth Gill, Vice President for Academic Affairs, has also held the title Dean of the Faculty, a role that is more commonly called Provost. With this change, Gill’s title is now Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, eliminating Dean of the Faculty. Additionally, Pernell Jones, formerly Vice President for Business Affairs, has had Chief Financial Officer added to his title to more accurately describe his role. Other changes include shortening the title of Dr. Carllos Lassiter, now Vice President for Student Affairs, and removing the word Institutional from several titles before the name of the division that each Vice President oversees.

Here are the new titles for members of the Cabinet:

• Beth Gill | Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Pernell Jones | Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business Affairs
• Carllos Lassiter | Vice President for Student Affairs
• Gillian Locke | Vice President for Advancement
• Mary Randers | Vice President for Enrollment
• Heidi Rushing | Vice President for Marketing and Communications

To match these title changes and create cohesion, the College is also removing the word Institutional from the division names for Advancement, Enrollment, and Marketing and Communications.

These updates come as part of President Cantor’s first wave of changes relating to her listening campaign conducted this summer.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.