President, Education ​/ Teaching

Presidential Profile Introduction

The Board of Regents of Galveston College is pleased to invite applications and nominations for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Ninth President of Galveston College. After Dr. W. Myles Shelton's successful 19-year tenure as President of Galveston College and a career in Texas community colleges that has spanned five decades, Dr. Shelton has announced his retirement. The new President of Galveston College will honor the culture, traditions, and history of the College and provide vision and leadership in taking the College into the future and to its next level of achievement.

Galveston

College Profile

Galveston College delivers high-quality academic programs, technical and professional education programs, continuing education, and community services programming to Galveston Island and the surrounding region. The College enrolled approximately 2,717 credit students in the fall of 2025 and serves nearly 6,000 individuals annually through continuing education and workforce training programs. With a dedicated full-time faculty and staff of 172 and 46 adjunct instructors, Galveston College is a progressive, student-focused institution known for strong business and community partnerships.

The College has earned recognition for excellence in health sciences, workforce training, and innovative academic and student support. Through the Universal Access program, the College provides tuition-free education for Galveston Island high school graduates. With strong fundraising efforts, the College continues to expand educational opportunities and academic and student support services focused on successful student outcomes. In its 58th year, the College remains fiscally sound and a vital force for local growth and prosperity.

Galveston

College Mission

Galveston College, an innovative public post-secondary institution dedicated to student success, teaching, and learning, creates accessible learning opportunities to fulfill individual and community needs by providing high-quality educational programs and services.

Galveston College Vision

Galveston College: A beacon of light guiding life-long learning.

Galveston College Accreditation

Galveston College is accredited as a Level II institution by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges, having been reaffirmed in 2025. Galveston College offers certificates, associate degrees, and baccalaureate degrees.

Community Profile

Steeped in history and coastal charm, Galveston Island is a vibrant port and coastal community with roots dating back to 1836. The city blends its rich cultural heritage with a modern, thriving economy built on world-class hospitality and tourism, a busy port and cruise industry, health care, restored historic neighborhoods, and a lively downtown. Home to approximately 53,700 residents, Galveston is also an educational and medical hub, home to The University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M University  island’s calendar is filled with cultural festivals, community traditions, and seaside events, offering the perfect balance of small-town warmth and big-city accessibility.

Just an hour from Houston, Galveston provides an exceptional quality of life for those who live, learn and lead here.

Challenges and Opportunities for Galveston College

• Manage for unprecedented growth requiring expansion of services and staff, particularly in dual credit. Ability to navigate local, state and federal political and funding challenges, including finding new funding sources. Ability to integrate AI and technology into educational programs, processes, and procedures. Ability to expand online education to serve a broader student base. Ability to address the needs of industry and adding new programs, including bachelor degrees and athletics.

Essential

Qualities of the Next President

• Ability to provide vision and leadership; implement sound fiscal judgment to advance the institution, ability to work effectively with different constituencies; possess outstanding communication skills; and, the ability to formulate a clear academic philosophy. Ability to maintain a strong commitment to openness and consensus building, consistent with the governance among the administration, faculty and staff. Ability to attract, develop, and retain outstanding faculty, staff, and administration.
  
  Ability to generate a creative and innovative approach to problem-solving. Ability to be the chief advisor to the Board of Regents in all matters pertaining to the educational and business affairs of the College. Ability to maintain a strong commitment to good communication, openness, and collegiality.

Presidential Ideal Characteristics

• Understand and have a strong commitment to comprehensive community college, including baccalaureate degrees offered at the community college. Foster and lead as a visionary and ethical individual with integrity who is compassionate and intelligent with a proven track record in a time of change, while respecting…