Tyler Junior College has named Dr. Deana Sheppard as the College’s new provost and vice president for academic and student affairs. She begins her duties at TJC on Oct. 1.
Dr. Sheppard currently serves as vice president of instruction at Lone Star College-CyFair, where she provides leadership to six academic divisions, including the Division of Academic Affairs, and several campuses and centers. She has served in various leadership roles while at Lone Star including interim president, vice president of college centers, and dean/executive director. The Lone Star College System serves close to 90,000 students and was founded in 1972.
Dr. Sheppard taught business and computer science courses at the high school and community college levels for over 10 years, and she has served as adjunct faculty in the Higher Education Leadership master’s program at Sam Houston State University. She also currently serves as adjunct faculty with LSC-CyFair, teaching the First Year Experience course. She is active in various local and national organizations and boards as well as her church. Dr. Sheppard’s passion is facilitating student success, and she values a positive culture and investing in those she serves.
TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia shared, “The College community is very pleased to have Dr. Sheppard join TJC in this integral role. Her broad knowledge and vast experience in higher education will be very beneficial. The search committee unanimously conveyed that similar to the faculty and staff of TJC, Dr. Sheppard has a passion for seeing students and communities succeed. We look forward to her assuming this important leadership role.”
Dr. Sheppard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Master of Science degree in Training and Development from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Sam Houston State University.
“TJC has an outstanding reputation among community colleges and I have admired the College for years,” said Dr. Sheppard. “I am honored to be chosen as the next provost and vice president of academic and student affairs, and I look forward to joining the TJC family.”
She and her husband Drew have a daughter who is a senior at UT Tyler, and a 7-year-old son who will soon enter second grade.