New Galveston College President Gets $300K Salary

Galveston College’s board approved an employment agreement for incoming president Tracee Watts on May 13, clearing the terms for her to take office on July 1. The contract gives Watts a $300,000 annual base salary through June 30, 2029, according to reporting by The Galveston Daily News summarized by WN.com and the college’s own account of the board’s appointment vote. Tracee Watts was unanimously appointed the college’s ninth president at the same May 13 board meeting, Galveston College said. The vote came after a state-required 21-day waiting period following her selection as sole finalist on April 20. Watts currently serves as senior vice president of student success and advancement at Brazosport College in Lake Jackson. (article.wn.com) She is set to succeed W. Myles Shelton, who announced his retirement in August 2025 after 19 years leading Galveston College. ### When does Watts take over, and how long does the deal run? July 1, 2026, is Watts’ start date at Galveston College, the college said in its May 13 announcement. (gc.edu) The employment deal runs through June 30, 2029, and was described in the Daily News summary as a rolling three-year term subject to annual renewal. April 20, 2026, was the date regents named Watts the sole finalist, beginning the waiting period required under Texas law before a community college board can formally appoint a president. (gc.edu) The board then voted on May 13 at its regular meeting in Galveston. ### Who is Tracee Watts? Watts has worked in higher education for more than 20 years, Galveston College said when it named her sole finalist and later when it confirmed her appointment. (gc.edu) At Brazosport College, she has overseen student success, enrollment management, institutional advancement, marketing and communication, dual enrollment, and external and legislative relations. (gc.edu) Kansas State University awarded Watts her Doctor of Education degree, according to Galveston College. The college said she also holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and a bachelor’s degree from Evangel University. Carolyn L. Sunseri, chairperson of the Galveston College Board of Regents, said in April that Watts brought “the vision, leadership experience and collaborative spirit needed” to guide the college. (gc.edu) In the May 13 announcement, Sunseri said the board was confident Watts was prepared to lead the college after Shelton’s tenure. ### How was she chosen? March 25, 2026, was the date regents selected two finalists: Watts and Chris Sullivan, vice president of business affairs, chief financial officer and general counsel at Angelina College. Galveston College said both finalists were scheduled for public forums on April 14. April 14 public forums were held on Galveston College’s main campus, with attendees asked to provide feedback through surveys that would be shared with the board, the college said. (gc.edu) Regents later named Watts the sole finalist on April 20. ### What is known about the pay package? The $300,000 figure is the central term that has been publicly reported from Watts’ contract. (gc.edu) The Daily News summary available through WN.com said regents approved the employment agreement on May 13 ahead of her July 1 start and set the contract to run through June 30, 2029. The user-provided context says the package also includes benefits such as a vehicle allowance, moving expenses, life insurance and a requirement that Watts relocate into the college district within 90 days. I could verify the salary, start date, appointment vote and contract end date from public sources, but I could not independently confirm those additional benefit terms from a primary public document available online as of May 21, 2026. (article.wn.com) ### What happens next? May 13 was the board’s formal appointment date, and July 1, 2026, is the date Galveston College said Watts will join the school as president. Regular board meetings are generally held on the second Wednesday of each month at the main campus at 4015 Avenue Q in Galveston, according to the college’s board meetings page. (article.wn.com) Shelton remains listed on the college’s president’s office page, and Watts is expected to assume leadership at the start of the new term on July 1. If the college posts the full employment agreement or meeting attachments, those records would provide the next public detail on benefits and any relocation requirements tied to the contract. (gc.edu) (gc.edu)