BRTC’s Sissy Gray has been appointed Interim Vice President for Academics. She began her career at BRTC as an adjunct instructor of psychology in January 2011 and was hired fulltime in August 2012. “Sissy’s knowledge and her experience will enable her to assume the new responsibilities with a minimal learning curve,” said interim president Dr. Jan Ziegler.
Because of her work as a faculty member, student advisor, and accreditation officer, Sissy’s knowledge about academics and its regulation is extensive. “Sissy also has familiarity with ADHE requirements for program viability. She also has knowledge of faculty credentialing and workload requirements, as well as scheduling and development of course scheduling.”
In August 2015, Gray accepted the responsibility of serving as the college’s HLC Accreditation Liaison and then became Dean of Assessment & Accountability in 2017. In these roles, Gray’s leadership and instruction has been instrumental in helping college employees address the concerns of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which resulted in BRTC’s being removed from probation. “She understands Higher Learning Commission policies and regulations on all aspects of accreditation,” said Dr. Ziegler. “She was a key author of the recently completed Assurance Argument, of various supporting documents of evidence, and is currently developing the required HLC Institutional Data Report. She will, with participation from the Assessment Champions and other staff members, continue to guide assessment and accountability tasks at BRTC during this interim appointment.”
Gray’s appointment will remain in effect until December 31, 2019. Upon the employment of a new BRTC president in July 2019, a search and open application process will begin this fall for the Vice President for Academics position with a start date of January 1, 2020.
“This appointment is being made with the confidence that Sissy will serve well in advising and assisting BRTC’s new president,” Dr. Ziegler said. “I appreciate Sissy’s willingness to take on this role and the added responsibilities.”
Gray earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Harding University, her Master of Science in psychology from Missouri State University, and her Specialist in Community College Teaching, administrative track, from ASU. She is married to Josh and they have two sons, Croston, and Canaan.