Carlee Garrison

I attribute my success to my faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s plan for my life. Throughout the past several years, I have faced many challenges, balancing my education, career, and personal responsibilities, often pushing through late nights and demanding schedules to meet my goals. There were many moments when I questioned how I would accomplish everything, but through determination, prayer, and the belief that there was a greater purpose guiding me, I continued moving forward. I have learned that every challenge is part of the journey, and by trusting the process, staying committed, and remaining resilient, I have been able to overcome obstacles and achieve milestones I once thought were impossible.

One of the best pieces of career advice I have received is the reminder that “it’s not brain surgery.” This perspective has helped me recognize that not every situation requires the same level of urgency or stress. I have learned the importance of prioritizing what truly matters, focusing on what I can accomplish each day, and understanding that some tasks can wait until tomorrow. This advice has allowed me to approach challenges with a calmer mindset, maintain balance, and give my best effort without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to do everything at once.

I would encourage young women entering higher education and administrative leadership to never be afraid to use their voice. Your ideas, perspectives, and experiences have value, and it is important to advocate for yourself and confidently share your contributions. As women continue to make meaningful progress in leadership roles, we must continue supporting one another, striving for excellence, and creating opportunities for future generations. Believe in your abilities, remain determined, and never allow obstacles or others’ expectations to limit your potential.

The biggest challenges and opportunities in higher education right now are centered around growth, innovation, and adapting to the evolving needs of students and the workforce. At Amarillo College, we have experienced significant positive change through new leadership, including a new Dean, a new Vice President overseeing the business office, and our first woman president, Jameela Connor, who has brought a strong vision for continued advancement. These transitions have created opportunities to build upon the institution’s recognition as an Aspen Award-winning community college and further strengthen our commitment to student success. Amarillo College continues to focus on providing affordable, accessible education while expanding workforce development initiatives, including the Badger Bound dual credit program, which allows high school students to earn college credits and work toward a degree at no cost. With increased enrollment and growing partnerships with local schools, we are also navigating the challenges of expanding faculty, increasing course availability, and developing resources to support more students. Through these efforts, we remain committed to creating pathways that empower students and positively impact our community.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, kindness, respect, and compassion. I strive to be guided by my faith in Jesus every day and allow those principles to influence how I interact with others and approach challenges. I believe in maintaining a human-first mindset, recognizing the importance of building genuine relationships, treating people with dignity, and leading with empathy. By prioritizing kindness, understanding, and respect, I believe we can create a positive environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. I trust that when we lead with these values, everything else has a way of falling into place.