GC President Tracee Watts opens first General Assembly focused on student success and the future

Galveston College welcomed faculty and staff to the 2026-27 academic year on Aug. 10 during its Fall 2026 General Assembly, bringing together employees for a day focused on purpose, student success and building the future together.

The Fall 2026 General Assembly marked the first for GC President Tracee Watts, Ed.D., who began serving as the college’s ninth president on July 1. Watts opened the event by welcoming faculty and staff to a new academic year and introducing several new members of the GC family.

GC Board of Regents Chairperson Carolyn L. Sunseri also welcomed faculty and staff and expressed her appreciation for their dedication to the college and its students.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Steven Gonzales, who presented “Your Purpose. Their Success.” His presentation encouraged faculty and staff to reflect on the connection between their individual purpose and the success of the students they serve.

GC Vice Presidents Ron Crumedy, Van Patterson and Cissy Matthews facilitated a “Remembering Our Why” activity that gave employees an opportunity to reflect on why they chose Galveston College, identify a shared purpose within their departments and establish commitments for the coming year. Employees also partnered with colleagues to help hold one another accountable.

Watts closed General Assembly by sharing her personal story and the journey that brought her to Galveston College. She also outlined her commitment to working collaboratively with faculty, staff and the community as the college moves forward.