Outline:
AMARILLO, Texas — Amarillo College has officially announced the appointment of Stephen Crandall as the new Dean of Liberal Arts. Crandall, a professor and former department chair of art, theatre, and dance at West Texas A&M University, will take on this leadership role following a thorough selection process.
The hiring committee, which included Dr. Frank Sobey, Becky Burton, Edie Carter, Dr. Chris Hudson, and Bob Austin, unanimously chose Crandall for his exceptional qualifications and dedication to education. His passion for teaching, coupled with a strong commitment to the arts and humanities, made him stand out among other candidates.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Frank Sobey, vice president of Academic Affairs at Amarillo College, praised Crandall’s enthusiasm for the institution and his deep care for students. "Stephen’s dedication to Amarillo College, his heart for students, and his strong commitment to the arts and humanities truly set him apart," Sobey said. He emphasized the importance of champions for these disciplines, especially in today’s educational landscape. "I am confident that Stephen will carry this mission forward with excellence."
Crandall brings a wealth of experience in higher education leadership and instruction. He is excited to return to Amarillo College, where he began his career nearly 30 years ago. "I feel lucky to return to the institution where I began my own journey in higher education," Crandall shared. "AC is a very important part of the Panhandle community, and I greatly value the learning opportunities that it fosters for the people of Amarillo and beyond."
A New Chapter
Crandall will be taking over from Becky Easton, who is retiring after a distinguished tenure marked by her passion for teaching and the arts. Easton will be leaving the college later this month, and Sobey expressed his appreciation for her contributions. "Becky Easton has been an exceptional leader and colleague, and she will be deeply missed," he said. However, he is also confident that Crandall will excel in his new role. "I am confident Stephen will excel in this role and give our faculty, staff, and students every reason to be proud of the important work they do for the college and the community."
Crandall is eager to connect with the Liberal Arts, Creative Arts, and Education faculty and staff. He looks forward to supporting the students studying in these programs and continuing the legacy of excellence at Amarillo College. "I appreciate the trust and leadership within Academic Affairs, and I am looking forward to once again considering myself an AC Badger," he added.
For those interested in staying updated on the latest news from Amarillo, there are several local sources available. MyHighPlains.com offers regional updates, while KAMR Local 4 News broadcasts at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m., and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m. CST. Additionally, viewers can access the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video on KAMR – MyHighPlains.com.