The National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) is pleased to announce that Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Chancellor of the Austin Community College District, will serve as keynote speaker at the NCPN CONNECT 2025 Conference, scheduled for February 26-28, 2025, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel in Austin, Texas. Dr. Lowery-Hart’s leadership philosophy is centered around the principle of LOVE, which drives his commitment to enhancing student success through systemic and cultural transformation.

Dr. Lowery-Hart’s tenure at Amarillo College, where he served as president before joining ACC, is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements, including leading the college to share the prestigious 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This national award recognizes colleges achieving high-quality, equitable outcomes for students.

“We are excited to have Dr. Lowery-Hart help us kickoff NCPN Connect 2025,” said Jennifer Jirous-Rapp, Vice President-Pathways & Partnerships. “His dedication to reimagining student success resonates deeply with our community, and we look forward to the unique perspectives he will share with our attendees.”

In addition to the Aspen Prize, Dr. Lowery-Hart’s accolades include the Leah Meyer Austin Award, the Bellwether Award, and membership in the inaugural class of the Aspen Institute Presidential Fellowship, reflecting his lifelong commitment to student success and educational excellence.