Dr. Carol Ash Joins LSC-CyFair as Vice President of Instruction, Bringing a Vision for Student Success and Inclusivity
As Lone Star College-CyFair (LSC-CyFair) prepares to begin a new semester, the campus community is also preparing to welcome a new academic leader. Beginning January 6, Dr. Carol Ash will step into the role of Vice President of Instruction, bringing with her over 15 years of higher education leadership and a lifelong commitment to student achievement, academic innovation, and equitable access to opportunity.
With nearly 26,000 students enrolled at LSC-CyFair, the Vice President of Instruction plays a vital role in shaping the college's academic experience and strategic direction. LSC-CyFair President Dr. Valerie Jones expressed confidence in Dr. Ash’s ability to lead with integrity and purpose.
“Instruction is the heart of what we do as a college, responsible for teaching and learning for nearly 26,000 students,” said Dr. Jones. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Ash as the next leader of this innovative and passionate team of educators. She has demonstrated a commitment to her faculty, deans, and students over the years and received high praise for her accomplishments and the relationships that helped make them happen.”
Dr. Ash, who most recently served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development at Southwest Tennessee Community College, has a track record of championing student-centered initiatives. Her background includes both administrative leadership and hands-on classroom experience—she formerly taught media courses at Kennedy-King College in Chicago, where she also launched the Emmy Award-winning student news program “KKC Views.”
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A core tenet of Dr. Ash’s approach to academic leadership is grounded in the transformative power of education, particularly in the community college setting.
“When I think about the education that we provide to students … if we're truly passionate about it, we can make a real difference,” she shared. “We are, what I like to say, uniquely positioned to change their lives.”
Her deep belief in the power of inclusive learning environments stems from her own experiences—as a journalist and educator—creating platforms that amplify voices and tackle real-world issues. Her Emmy-nominated “Color of AIDS” campaign in 2010 was a call for awareness and action around HIV in communities of color, exemplifying how communication and education can spark change.
What drew her to LSC-CyFair? A single phrase in the job description: “normalizing amazing.”
“I thought, well, if ever there was a position made for me … I'm devoted to cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and positive experiences that help others reach their full potential,” Dr. Ash said. “I believe we all flourish in environments that champion and celebrate excellence.”
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Now based in Cypress, Texas, Dr. Ash brings her experience and empathy to one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the Greater Houston area. Her appointment is not just an administrative change—it signals a renewed focus on equity, access, and what she describes as the core mission of community colleges: meeting students where they are and guiding them forward.
“Just come as you are,” she said. “We'll figure out what you need and will do the very best we can to provide you what you need both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Our goal is for everyone to succeed. And everyone means everyone. We are open access. That’s what I love about community colleges.”
As LSC-CyFair continues to serve the educational needs of Cypress and surrounding northwest Houston communities, Dr. Ash’s leadership brings with it not only a strong academic foundation but also a deeply human approach to student development. Her arrival marks a promising chapter in the college’s mission to foster academic excellence, meaningful career pathways, and a sense of belonging for all.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
