Anette Carlisle is stepping down from the Amarillo College Board of Regents after more than three decades of service to public education in the Amarillo area.
Carlisle, who has served as an AC regent since 2015, said she is ready to spend more time with her family and believes the college is well positioned for the future.
“I’ve worked with great team members and leaders throughout my years in public education,” Carlisle said. “Public service is rewarding, despite the challenges, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served Amarillo College and our community.”
Carlisle began her public education service in 1996 as a member of the Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees. Over 31 years, she has advocated for students and emphasized using data to identify needs and guide education decisions.
Among her community efforts was Panhandle Twenty/2020, an initiative that brought organizations and local leaders together to focus on educational attainment and the needs of area students.
“Panhandle Twenty/2020 was a real team effort in our community that I was happy to lead,” Carlisle said. “It helped our community focus on attainment and the needs of our students.”
Carlisle said that work demonstrated what could be accomplished when community organizations worked together to support students. She also pointed to Amarillo College’s subsequent transformation, including its receipt of the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, as part of the broader effort to improve educational opportunities.
During her time on the Board of Regents, Carlisle led the college’s 2019 bond election effort and helped establish joint meetings between the Amarillo College Board of Regents and AISD Board of Trustees. She also worked with the college administration to develop new operating procedures for the Board and spent years chairing its policy and legislative committees.
Carlisle also helped train Amarillo College employees to better understand poverty and the challenges facing many students, while emphasizing that those circumstances should not lower expectations for student achievement.
“We learned about the students we have and the challenges they face, but we also know that they can still be very successful,” Carlisle said.
Her education work extended beyond AC and AISD. Carlisle has served on the board of the Community College Association of Texas Trustees and on the P-16 Council with Region 16.
At Amarillo College, she also helped develop initiatives including the Thrive Scholarship and Badger Bound, programs designed to expand opportunities for students to pursue higher education.
Carlisle was recognized this month with the 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award at the Community College Association of Texas Trustees meeting for her leadership and service to community college education.
Her involvement with Amarillo College has also included one of her personal interests: birding. Four years ago, Carlisle worked with other birders to establish the college’s “Birding in the Texas Panhandle” continuing education class. The program is now in its fourth year, and interest in the classes helped lead to the creation of the Panhandle Bird Club, which holds monthly meetings and field trips around the region.
“AC has been such an important part of my life, and I will miss it,” Carlisle said. “But I know the great work will continue, and now I’ve got friends for life there.”
Amarillo College President Dr. Jamelle J. Conner credited Carlisle with making a lasting impact on the college and its students.
“Anette’s commitment to public education and to the students and families of our community has strengthened Amarillo College in so many meaningful ways,” Conner said. “Her thoughtful leadership, genuine care for our students, and unwavering belief in the power of education have made a lasting difference. We are deeply grateful for her service and the heart she has brought to our college.”
Carlisle said the college’s current position makes the decision to leave easier.
“Amarillo College is in a really good place, so it’s OK to step down and spend more time with my family,” Carlisle said. “I am confident Amarillo College will continue to serve the needs of our students and our community.”
Amarillo College accepting applications for Board vacancy
Carlisle’s departure also creates a vacancy on the Amarillo College Board of Regents. The vacancy became effective following the Board’s Sept. 22 meeting.
Applications opened Sept. 23 and will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
The Board of Regents Nominating Committee will review applications and may interview candidates before recommending one or more applicants to the full Board.
The Board is expected to consider the committee’s recommendation and make an appointment at its Nov. 17 meeting or during a special meeting in November. The person selected will serve the remainder of Carlisle’s term, which expires in May 2027.
Applicants must meet eligibility requirements established under Texas law and Amarillo College Board policy. Application materials and complete eligibility requirements are available through Amarillo College’s candidate information page.
