Amarillo College has announced the resignation of its Vice President of Business Affairs, Chris Sharp, following an investigation into financial procedures within the institution.
According to a statement from the college, Sharp was placed on administrative leave on October 3 while an independent audit was launched to review certain financial matters. The college confirmed this week that Sharp has officially submitted his resignation.
Sharp joined Amarillo College in 2019 after serving 11 years as assistant city manager and finance director for the City of Canyon. Prior to that, he worked as local government services program coordinator for the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission from 2001 to 2008.
During his tenure at Amarillo College, Sharp oversaw budgeting and accounting, procurement, inventory control, facilities management, auxiliary services, capital outlay, and the campus bookstore. He also contributed to developing fiscal policies, explored alternative funding strategies, and served as treasurer of the Amarillo College Foundation.
In its statement, the college emphasized that its financial position remains stable and that the ongoing audit will not affect operations, the institution’s mission, or its growth initiatives. Officials added that no further details will be released until the audit is complete.
AC President Dr. Jamelle Conner notified staff about the investigation.
“For my colleagues, I would like you to know that Amarillo College is stable, and we will continue to focus on our work,” Conner wrote in an email to employees. “I am grateful to each of you for your care and tireless effort in pursuit of our students’ success.”
The Amarillo College Board of Regents held a special meeting in October, shortly after Sharp was placed on leave. During that meeting, board members unanimously approved a $5 million revolving line of credit from Amarillo National Bank.
Following the meeting, Conner stated that the revolving line of credit would provide “cash flow stability” and “emergency preparedness” for the institution.
