Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX
Quick Facts
“Collegium Excellens”(The College of Surpassing)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Amarillo College
A pioneering Texas community college, Amarillo College champions student success and community impact.
Step into the vibrant legacy of Amarillo College, a true trailblazer in Texas education since its founding in 1929. Breaking new ground, AC was the very first junior college district in Texas to be organized independently of a school district, setting a precedent for public education.
More than just a college, AC has consistently been at the forefront of progress. In 1951, it proudly became one of the first three publicly supported colleges in Texas to racially integrate its undergraduate classes, celebrating its first African American graduate just two years later in 1953. This commitment to inclusivity and access has defined its journey, alongside its significant contributions to wartime efforts in the 1940s, training individuals for critical building initiatives.
Today, Amarillo College continues its tradition of excellence and innovation. Recognized as a 2021 Rising Star and a Top 5 finalist for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, AC is celebrated for its commitment to student achievement. With a diverse student body that topped over 10,000 in 2004, the college offers a dynamic student experience, from a long history of competitive sports like basketball and fencing to its modern intercollegiate esports team and the recent revival of traditional sports like baseball and softball, all championed by its refreshed mascot, Ace the Badger.
Under the leadership of President Jamelle J. Conner, Amarillo College remains dedicated to its motto, "Collegium Excellens," providing an exceptional educational environment that prepares students for bright futures and serves as a cornerstone of the community.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1929 as the first Texas junior college district organized independently of a school district.
- ✦One of the first three public Texas colleges to racially integrate undergraduate classes in 1951, celebrating its first African American graduate in 1953.
- ✦Named a 2021 Rising Star and a Top 5 finalist for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
- ✦Achieved a record enrollment of over 10,000 students in 2004, reflecting its broad community impact.
- ✦Historically home to competitive sports, including a men's basketball team ranked 9th nationally in 1970.
- ✦Launched an intercollegiate esports team in 2019 and revived traditional sports (baseball, softball, cross country) in 2022.
Timeline
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