The Galveston Community College District Board of Regents named Tracee Watts, Ed.D., as the sole finalist for the position of Galveston College president during a special meeting Monday, following a national search, a series of interviews and two public forums held last week on the college’s main campus.
 
Watts has served in higher education for more than 20 years and currently serves as the senior vice president of Student Success and Advancement at Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, where she provides executive leadership for student success, enrollment management, institutional advancement, marketing and communication, dual enrollment, and external and legislative relations.
 
“Dr. Watts has a deep understanding of the vital role Galveston College plays in expanding access to high-quality, affordable educational opportunities for the residents of Galveston Island,” said Carolyn L. Sunseri, chairperson of the GC Board of Regents.
“Her career reflects a strong and consistent commitment to student learning and success and institutional excellence. The Galveston College Board of Regents is confident that Dr. Watts brings the vision, leadership experience and collaborative spirit needed to guide Galveston College forward and build on its tradition of service to the community.”
 
Under her leadership, Watts helped achieve record enrollment at BC and as chief advancement officer and executive director of the BC Foundation, she brings deep experience in institutional advancement and fiscal stewardship. She is a strong advocate for workforce and community partnerships, and Watts expanded dual enrollment opportunities through collaboration with local school districts, faculty and industry partners.
 
Watts earned a Doctor of Education degree from Kansas State University, a Master of Organizational Leadership degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Evangel University.
 
The GC Board of Regents must wait 21 days before officially appointing a president, according to state law. The GC Board will vote to confirm Watts as the next president of Galveston College at its next Regular Board Meeting on May 13, 2026.
 
For more information about the presidential search, contact ACCT Search Co-Consultants Susan Moore-Fontenot by email at smfontenot@gmail.com, or call 832-597-4951, or Bill Holda, Ed.D. at wmholda@gmail.com, or 903-987-3332.
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.