FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County College faculty have elected representatives to a reestablished Faculty Senate, with additional members and officers appointed by Chancellor Elva LeBlanc, marking the full launch of the College’s reimagined faculty governance structure.
The appointments follow the Board of Trustees’ endorsement of updated policies earlier this spring and complete the formation of the Senate under requirements outlined in Texas Senate Bill 37.
Elected faculty from across TCC’s campuses now join Chancellor-appointed members to form the advisory body, restoring a formal, consistent faculty voice in guiding academic direction and student success initiatives.
Dr. LeBlanc: “Thank you to the faculty who helped shape this model alongside College leadership. Together, we designed a structure that meets state requirements while preserving a strong, consistent faculty voice in shaping academic priorities — a true reflection of the collaboration behind it.”
Elected faculty members serving a one-year term (2026-2027):
- TCC Connect: Shahla Durany, Lynn Patterson, Marcia Spear
- TCC Northeast: Sean Foushee, Heather Elliott, Toni Whalen
- TCC Northwest: James Hobbs, Jo’el Madore, Rodney Pearson
- TCC South: Dondi Cooks II, Nicole Harris, Jennifer Heth
- TCC Southeast: Kathleen Miller, Candace Paschal, Farah Siddiqui
- TCC Trinity River: Cassandra Johnson, Eileen Preston, Tracie Simpson
Elected faculty members serving a two-year term (2026-2028):
- TCC Connect: James Chegwidden, Reese Pierce, David Sutton
- TCC Northeast: Jamie Melton, Lisa Self, Stacy Stuewe
- TCC Northwest: Lisa Landry, Wendi Pierce, Venicia Queen
- TCC South: Benjamin Faust, Tatyana Kisin, Abraham Lopez
- TCC Southeast: Ehi Agboaye, Angel Hidalgo, Teresa Moss
- TCC Trinity River: William Blackburn, Mark Eley, Maria Flowers
In accordance with Board policy, Chancellor LeBlanc appointed the following Faculty Senate members: Angela Thurman, TCC Connect; Adam Guerrero, TCC Northeast; Tyler Anderson, TCC Northwest; Melinda Pereda, TCC South; Ashley Ayers, TCC Southeast; and Katsuhiko Oda, TCC Trinity River.
She also named the Senate’s officers: Presiding Officer Wendi Pierce, Assistant Presiding Officer Angela Thurman, and Secretary Adam Guerrero.
The reestablished Senate reflects months of collaboration between faculty and College leadership following the passage of SB 37, which required public institutions across Texas to modify or dissolve existing faculty governance bodies. At TCC, that process led to the development of a new model designed to meet state law while maintaining meaningful faculty representation.
“When faculty and leadership move forward together, students benefit,” Dr. LeBlanc said. “This Faculty Senate strengthens that partnership and reflects who we are as a college — collaborative, adaptable and focused on building better futures for every Trailblazer.”
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.