Congratulations Dr. Rose Austin!

On April 25th Dr. Rose Harper Austin’72 was presented the IMPACT Award by the Women’s Guild in Houston for her outstanding community contributions.   After retiring from the Lone Star College System is 2009 as the Dean for Institutional Effectiveness, Rose Austin now serves as a education and non-profit consultant and an adjunct professor at Springfield College.  However, she spends most of her time volunteering for community organizations and participating in humanitarian service.  Rose served as Rotary District Governor in 2010-2011, the first African American woman to serve as District Governor in the state of Texas.   She provided leadership to 41 clubs and administered numerous international projects in India, Africa and Nicaragua.  The highlight of her Rotary year was her participation in a National Immunization Day in India where she administered the polio vaccine to children in remote areas. 

She currently serves as Chair of Springfield College Community Advisory Board, Chair of Jackson State University National Alumni Association Strategic Plan Committee, Vice President of Greenwood Forest Women’s Club, Chair of the Past Presidents Council for the Women’s Guild, and Founder of the Rose Austin Scholarship Fund that raises funds for first generation college students from rural areas. 

Rose has received numerous honors including Rotary International’s Four Avenues of Service Award, Jackson State University Alumnus of the Year Award, the STAR Award from New Caney Independent School District, and Community Service Award from the Houston Harris County Retired Teachers Association.  She is a member of Jackson State University Alumni Hall of Fame, Rotary International District 5910 Roll of Fame, the Rotary Club of East Montgomery County, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. 

She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature from Jackson State University, a Doctorate of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, and has completed numerous leadership programs. She has been married to her college sweetheart, Milton, for 44 years.  She enjoys traveling, antiquing, interior and garden design, and reading.