Daniel Henke
Incumbent Candidate for Amarillo College Board of Regents
Henke/Photo by Amarillo College
Question: What is your age?
Answer: 56
Q: What is your educational background?
A: Amarillo High School - Diploma
Amarillo College - Basics and Pre-Engineering coursework for transfer
Texas Tech University - Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Magna cum Laude
West Texas A&M University - Masters of Business Administration
University of Texas at San Antonio - Creative Leadership Program
Project Management Institute - Project Management Professional (PMP) 273603
Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors - Licensed Professional Engineer 75877
Q: What is your occupation?
A: Executive, Power Construction Industry
Q: If you are a business owner, please list the business or businesses that you own.
A: DEH Investments, LLC
DEH Kansas Investments, LLC
Southwest Storage
Q: Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
A: Amarillo College Board of Regents
Amarillo College Foundation Board
City of Amarillo Construction Advisory and Appeals Board
St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church Parish Board
Texas Tech University, Mechanical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board
Q: If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
A: Facebook: Daniel Henke - Amarillo College Board of Regents Candidate
Website: www.danielhenke.com
LinkedIn: Daniel E. Henke, P.E., PMP
Q: Why did you decide to run for this office in 2021?
A: I've served as a Regent for 6-1/2 years (appointed to a vacancy in 2014 and elected for a 6 year term in 2015). During that time Amarillo College has experienced many successes. We created the Thrive scholarship program in collaboration with the Amarillo Area Foundation, Amarillo Economic Development Corporation and Amarillo Independent School District for graduates of local area high schools; we've taken our Nursing program to one of the top 3 out of 95 in Texas; created the School of Cinematic Arts in collaboration with Sharpened Iron Studios; collaborated with WTAMU, TTU and AISD on numerous progressive initiatives; implemented merit based pay within the College to attract and retain talented faculty; and are bringing back athletics to the College. The College has been awarded the Bellwether Award (for commitment to addressing poverty), the Leah Meyer Austin Award as one of the top two community colleges in the country per Achieving the Dream, and was a top ten finalist for the Aspen Award (for outstanding achievement in four areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, workforce success and equitable outcomes for students of color and low-income students). I would like to continue my tenure as a Regent to help take the College to even greater heights/successes.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
A: 1. See the 2019 Bond Projects (Innovation Outpost, First Responders Academy, Carter Fitness Center Renovation, HVAC Infrastructure Replacement, ADA Projects, etc.) through successful completion.
2. Continue to guide the College as it meets the changing needs of society.
3. Continue to provide fiscally responsible, conservative leadership/guidance to the College.
Q: In what cases would you support efforts to raise property taxes? Please explain.
A: In my six plus years of service to the Board, we have not raised taxes except for in the Bond Election of 2019, which Amarillo voters chose to support. Even though State appropriations continue to decline, we've continued to do great things at the College without raising taxes through fiscally responsible, conservative leadership.
Q: What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
A: As an incumbent, I believe no issue has gone overlooked. During my tenure as an Amarillo College Regent, the Board has been active on many fronts: THRIVE Scholarship Program and No Excuses 2020 and 2025 Strategic Plans. We've addressed poverty, diversity, accelerated learning, student completion and academic success for our students.
Q: Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
A: I am a longtime resident of Amarillo, and my family has a long history of support and attendance at Amarillo College. I've served on the Amarillo College Board of Regents for the past 6 plus years, and I serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee and provide guidance to the Board on the Bond Construction Projects. My educational background, industry experience (engineering, construction, project development and senior leadership within a multi-billion dollar corporation), entrepreneurial spirit and fiscally conservative background make me a prime candidate to help lead the college forward in this everchanging environment.