Galveston College names Tracee Watts as lone finalist in college search

Galveston College's regents have selected Tracee Watts, currently a senior administrator at Brazosport College, as the sole finalist for the position of president, a major step forward in the nearly 5-month national search.

The board chose Watts after a public forum on Tuesday, during which she presented a strategy to increase enrollment, enhance student completion rates, and achieve measurable outcomes. The decision places her in line to succeed W. Myles Shelton, who will retire on Aug. 31 after having led the college since 2007.

“Dr. Watts possesses a profound comprehension of the essential function Galveston College serves in broadening access to high-quality, affordable educational opportunities,” stated board chairwoman Carolyn L. Sunseri. She noted that Watts’ career exemplifies “a strong and consistent commitment to student learning and success and institutional excellence.”

Watts serves as senior vice president of student success and advancement at Brazosport College, overseeing enrollment management, advising, institutional advancement, and external relations. Throughout her time in office, the college achieved unprecedented enrollment figures and broadened dual-credit opportunities that connect high school students to college qualifications.

During the forum on Tuesday, Watts highlighted the importance of enhancing completion rates and broadening access, positioning these objectives within the context of data-informed strategies and proactive measures for at-risk students. She emphasized the importance of engaging adult learners and nontraditional students to maintain enrollment increases.

“The Galveston College Board of Regents expresses strong confidence in Dr. Watts, highlighting his vision, leadership experience, and collaborative spirit as essential qualities to propel Galveston College into the future,” Sunseri stated.

In a remarkable achievement, Galveston College announced that it has enrolled 2,624 students this September, marking the highest enrollment in its history and surpassing last fall's figures by over 9%. Watts highlighted the comparable growth at Brazosport as proof that collaborative advising, community partnerships, and focused recruitment efforts can enhance student pathways.

Her strategy emphasizes working with local school districts, industry partners, and community stakeholders to ensure academic programs meet workforce demands. She emphasized her commitment to first listening and understanding the nuances of campus culture before enacting any significant changes.

Watts earned a doctorate in education from Kansas State University, complemented by undergraduate and graduate degrees from Evangel University.

The search process commenced in November and involved a 15-member committee comprising regents, faculty, staff, students, and community representatives. The college collaborated with the Association of Community College Trustees to conduct a comprehensive nationwide search, attracting 99 applicants and featuring several rounds of interviews and public forums.

A state law mandates a 21-day waiting period before a formal appointment. The Regents are scheduled to vote on Watts' contract during their meeting on May 13. Shelton’s exit marks the end of almost twenty years of leadership, a period during which the college saw significant growth in both programs and enrollment.

After a national search, interviews, and public forums, Dr. Watts has over 20 years of higher education expertise and a passion for student success and institutional excellence.

Board votes on the appointment are expected on May 13.