Dr. Shasta Buchanan currently serves as Associate Vice President of College and High School Relations for Austin Community College. In this role, she oversees high school and industry educational partnerships for over 7,000 dual credit students and an additional 12,000 high school students participating in articulated credit programs. She has 20 years of higher education experience, spanning across many institutions in Texas, which include Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Tech University, University of North Texas at Dallas and as an administrator at Portland Community College (Portland, Oregon). Dr. Buchanan is known for her work in enrollment management and recruitment, and has been recognized by Ruffalo Noel Levitz for her successful development of the Century Scholar Program at Texas A&M University (which also was recognized by the Department of Education / Office of Civil Rights). She continues to work as a consultant with colleges to assist with developing strategic recruitment/enrollment plans to support increased student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. Additionally, Dr. Buchanan works statewide to promote the benefits of dual credit and its positive impact on access and enrollment, opportunities for reaching degree completion goals, and innovative opportunities to align dual credit with workforce and industry partnerships. She strives to increase educational opportunities with the 21st Century high school student in mind.
Dr. Buchanan received her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University (WHOOP), Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University, and her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership – Higher Education Administration from Grand Canyon University.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” ~Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
