Angelina College Board of Trustees Announces Simon Extension
President Has Overseen Growth, Success Rates at AC
AC Board of Trustees Release
The Angelina College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the extension of Dr. Michael J. Simon’s contract to the full length allowed under Texas law.
“We are excited to have Dr. Simon continue serving as President of Angelina College,” said G. Joey Garza, Chair, Board of Trustees.
The Board recognized that during Simon’s more than eleven-year tenure serving Angelina College, the institution has achieved significant progress in such vital areas as student success, institutional effectiveness, and operational excellence. Student outcomes have improved substantially, including a 77% increase in the three-year graduation rate, the establishment of articulation agreements with multiple four-year institutions, substantial investments in instructional technology and classroom, laboratory, and shop facilities, and enhanced student retention through the implementation of guided academic pathways and eight-week course offerings – a nationally recognized Achieving the Dream best practice.
With Simon coordinating with academic administrators, community stakeholders, employers, and faculty members, Angelina College has launched new academic programs such as the Electrical Lineworker, Commercial Driver License, Electronics Assembler, Software Development, Network Administration, and Social Work, as well as closing low-performing, high-cost academic programs.
Under Simon’s guidance, the college addressed accreditation-related concerns with the college that had been identified by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Working with faculty, administrators, and staff, Simon provided leadership for institutional change resulting in no findings of noncompliance during either the Fifth-Year Interim Review or the comprehensive Decennial Reaffirmation Review, marking the first time in the institution’s history that the decennial review concluded without compliance findings.
Dr. Simon also championed the adoption of business-focused operational practices designed to strengthen accountability, efficiency, and compliance. These initiatives included the development of position descriptions and annual performance evaluations for all employees, implementation of purchasing processes that ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, establishment of a campus police department to enhance safety and security, creation of an Institutional Effectiveness Office to provide reliable data for informed decision-making, and the integration of continuous process improvement practices throughout the organization. He further reinforced a culture of accountability by ensuring consistent application of college policies and standards of conduct.
Additionally, the college adopted numerous best practices that have strengthened both student and community engagement. These practices include the creation of a Student Affairs Division to support at-risk students while expanding leadership and service opportunities, establishment of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership to develop the knowledge and capabilities of the leaders and board members of nonprofit organizations, launch of the Grants and Sponsored Programs Office that has secured millions of dollars in funding for facilities, programs, and safety initiatives, enhancements to online course design and instructional quality, and the addition of intercollegiate soccer to the Athletics Department.
Collectively, these achievements reflect Dr. Simon’s “commitment to advancing student success, strengthening institutional performance, enhancing accountability, and positioning Angelina College for long-term growth and sustainability,” according to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Garza stated “His knowledge, leadership skills, experience, and ability to build strong relationships both within the institution and throughout the community have been instrumental to the College’s success. We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Simon leading our community college now and into the future.”
Simon, the third president in Angelina College’s 58-year history, has served in his current role since 2015.
Photo captions:
The Angelina College Board of Trustees has announced the contract extension of Dr. Michael Simon, AC president, “to the full length allowed under Texas law.” Simon, who has served as president since 2015, has overseen the college’s substantial growth in such areas as student success, community outreach and business-focused practices. (Gary Stallard photo for the AC Office of Communications)