Administration

Dr. Giao Phan, Dean, Public and Social Services

Giao Phan knows from personal experience how a quality education can change the trajectory of a person’s life. When her family arrived in the US after fleeing the Vietnam War, they spoke no English and struggled to make ends meet. Yet her parents instilled in her and her siblings the importance of helping others and the belief that education would provide a better life.

Despite having a difficult time in school due to the language barrier and having to help support her family, she knew in the first grade that she wanted to become a teacher. She started her career straight out of college by volunteering with the Peace Corps, where she served as an English teacher trainer in a remote barrio in the Philippines. The entire experience was eye-opening for her: first time on an airplane, first time seeing waterfalls, snorkeling and caving, and the first time seeing the universal connection between poverty and education.

Giao taught in economically disadvantaged schools in New York City and Texas while earning her master’s degree from Teachers College Columbia University and her doctorate in Educational Policy and Planning from UT Austin. She served as the founding chair and professor of the Education Instruction department at ACC for ten years before becoming dean of Public and Social Services.

As dean, Giao enjoys the challenges of analyzing and solving problems and creatively exploring strategies for program development. She appreciates ACC’s community partners and their commitment to helping our students succeed, and she is even more inspired by our faculty and staff’s commitment to our students. Seeing the impact that ACC has on our students’ lives affirms her faith in the power of people helping each other to create change and improve our communities.
Frederick "Dale" Toler, Department Chair, Professor, Criminal Justice

Dale Toler was an engineering major in college until circumstances in his life opened a door into law enforcement. He considered this a temporary move at the time, but looking back at his 25 years with the Austin Police department, he believes no other job could have been more progressive, rewarding or challenging.

Dale spent nine years as SWAT Team Leader and four years as a Bomb Technician, continually expanding his knowledge to develop new tactics to advance the profession. His background provides students with insight into the more advanced technical aspects of law enforcement.

Dale sees the collaboration of ideas and achievements as central to both law enforcement and teaching. He shares his natural inclination to improve and learn with his students, encouraging them to gain the knowledge and confidence they need to trust themselves and succeed.

Dale holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Edward’s University, and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Texas State University.

Dale’s family has been involved in Texas law enforcement since the 1930’s. His father, Fred Toler, was the second Executive Director of TCLEOSE (now TCOLE) from 1972 – 1994; Dale is proud to have his father’s signature on his Basic Peace Officer Certificate.

PSTC Staff

Dr. Todd A. Radford, Director

Dr. Todd A. Radford joined ACC as the Director of the Public Safety Training Center in February of 2022. He has a unique law enforcement background spanning over 30 plus years. Recently, he retired from law enforcement as a Chief of Police. Dr. Radford’s experiences in policing range from city, county, and state jurisdictions which included positions ranging from patrol deputy to detective to various other police roles culminating in being appointed as Chief of Police.

Since 2000, Dr. Radford has been the owner and CEO of his facilitation and consulting business. He has conducted training courses across the United States, Canada, and overseas. His unique and dynamic instructional style results from over 25 years of facilitation experience and formal studies.
Dr. Radford serves on multiple boards and committees due to his extensive knowledge in policing and executive leadership. For example, he serves on the Department of Public Safety Wellness Institute board, the SIGMA Tactical Wellness board, and the FBI – Law Enforcement Executive Development Associations curriculum design committee.

Dr. Radford is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute of Police (PERF). Dr. Radford is a graduate and a former instructor for the International Association of Police – Leading Police Organizations program, commonly known as the West Point Leadership for Police program. Dr. Radford is a graduate and currently a national instructor for the FBI – Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) Trilogy courses.

Dr. Radford holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, a Master of Science degree in Strategic Leadership, and a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston in West Virginia.
Michael Martinez, Manager Firearms

Mike is a retired Austin Police officer with over 29 years of service. Having worked 16 years on patrol, Mike has the training and real-world experience to help students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in law enforcement. His 13 years on the Austin Police Department SWAT team gave him extensive knowledge of law enforcement weapon systems, tactics, threat assessment, and raid planning.

Mike also has experience as an armorer and firearms instructor and years of international experience with the private sector, training individuals in the nuances of personal protection, dignitary protection, martial arts, tactical driving, and firearms.

Mike holds certificates in firearms instruction, chemical munitions systems, electronic devices, distraction devices, combat medic, rappel master, and hostage rescue. Mike has assisted in the development and instruction of basic SWAT schools, active shooter training, and patrol rifle school and has a practical understanding of the critical elements needed for small teams to work together successfully.

As an adjunct faculty member for the past 14 years with the Criminal Justice department, Mike is dedicated to the success of our students. Besides teaching classes, Mike is a member of the ACC Public Safety Training Center management development team responsible for developing procedures and safety protocols for the firing range, force on force warehouse, EVOC and defensive tactics.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Criminal Justice from St. Edward’s University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University.
Jessica Horta-Perez, Manager of Operations

Coming soon!