President Marjorie Hass has shown considerable star power in the nearly two years she has led Austin College. Recognition of her accomplishments extended beyond campus in February when she was honored as a Texas Luminary during the Conference on American Leadership at North Central Texas College.
The award honors leaders who “demonstrate remarkable innovation and dedication to improving the lives of Texans.” Criteria include expression of a compelling vision for Texas’ future, a proven history as a trailblazer or path maker, and history of innovative work.
Dr. Hass was a speaker on the conference agenda, addressing “Accountability, Leadership, and the Purpose of Education.” Other speakers were Steve Perry, a nationally renowned education contributor for U.S. News and World Report, CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC; and Dr. Patricia Crisp, the special representative for U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, whose office is responsible for implementing federal education initiatives.
Earlier this academic year, Dr. Hass attended the Council of Independent Colleges meeting in California and was on the program for a session on “Creating a Great Workplace,” sharing insights on what faculty and staff value about working on a college campus, what distinguishes a great workplace, and what strategies colleges can employ to attract strong candidates for faculty and staff positions.
She is scheduled to present the commencement address for the Episcopal School of Dallas in June.