Brandy Fair

Dr. Brandy Fair has built a distinguished 21-year career in higher education, combining her passion for communication, leadership, and student success into a meaningful academic career. Originally planning to pursue marketing or public relations, Brandy’s path shifted to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in communication studies at University of North Texas. While serving as a teaching assistant during graduate school, she discovered a passion for higher education and teaching that would ultimately define her career. She began as a speech adjunct instructor, teaching at four institutions simultaneously to make ends meet before securing a full-time faculty role in 2005. Her early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for perseverance, mentorship, and the impact educators can have on students’ lives. A pivotal influence in Brandy’s career was a department chair who recognized her leadership potential early on and encouraged her to shadow him in administrative responsibilities and conflict resolution. That mentorship inspired her to pursue a doctorate in supervision, curriculum, and instruction with a higher education focus at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Over the years, Brandy transitioned from faculty leadership into administration, eventually becoming Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Collin College. In her current role, she oversees a large multidisciplinary academic unit that includes approximately 60 faculty members, manages semester scheduling, leads adjunct hiring and interviews, conducts classroom observations, and serves as a first-line mediator for student and faculty concerns. Known for her calm and balanced communication style, she approaches challenges by listening carefully, valuing both sides of an issue, and creating constructive solutions that support both faculty and student success. Beyond her administrative leadership, Brandy is also an accomplished author, educator, and advocate for process improvement in higher education. She has co-authored a textbook, Business Communication in a Technological World, reflecting her expertise in communication and professional development. Throughout her career, she has led committees and district-wide task forces focused on improving institutional effectiveness and student outcomes, including a successful review of late registration policies that resulted in meaningful procedural change. Guided by her philosophy of “work smarter, not harder,” Brandy is passionate about streamlining systems, improving communication, and helping others achieve their goals through clear processes and supportive leadership. She also encourages faculty and staff to embrace growth opportunities by setting SMART goals and being brave enough to pursue ambitious professional aspirations.