Richard Rhodes

Since joining the Austin Community College District in September 2011, Dr. Rhodes has worked to improve pathways into higher education, strengthen awareness of the community college mission, and give students the tools to accomplish their educational, professional, and personal goals.

A native of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Dr. Rhodes received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Arts in Educational Management and Development from New Mexico State University. He earned his doctorate through the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin, receiving its Distinguished Graduate Award in 2001.

His professional associations include Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges; Board Member of the Texas Workforce Investment Council; and Past Chair of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. Dr. Rhodes also is a Board Member for the Trellis Company, Chair of the Trellis Foundation, Vice Chair for the Capital Area Council of Boy Scouts, and Board Member of the League for Innovation.

Dr. Rhodes is active in the community, serving as Past Chair of the Board for American YouthWorks as well as serving on the boards of local Chambers of Commerce and Co-Chair of Communities in Schools Central Texas Leadership Circle and the Austin Area Research Organization.

Prior to joining ACC, Dr. Rhodes served as President of El Paso Community College for 10 years and as Vice President of Business Services at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah, for seven years.

Dr. Rhodes is a Certified Public Accountant in Texas and New Mexico. He and his wife, Kate, have four children and nine grandchildren. Dr. Rhodes enjoys reading, golf, hiking, running, and spending time with his family.