Name: Paul Proffer
Office Sought: Amarillo College Board of Regents
What is your age? 56
What is your educational background? Please list any degrees or certificates earned and any institutions attended.
-Vernon College
-Amarillo College
-West Texas A&M University Biology/Chemistry Bachelor of Science
-Texas Tech University HSC Medical Doctorate
-University of Texas HSC Medical Internship and Ophthalmology Residency
-Ophthalmic Surgeons & Consultants of Ohio/Ohio St University HSC Fellowship Oculofacial Surgery
What is your occupation?
Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
-Amarillo TIRZ 1 and 3 boards
-Potter-Randall Medical Society Board and President 2012
-Amarillo Hospital District Board of Managers
and Indigent Funding and Priorities Committee
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
-Amarillo College Board of Regents (2012-present) Board Chair 2017-2020
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.
N/A
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2025?
Four generations of my family have attended Amarillo College, beginning with my grandmother back in 1930. I owe a debt of gratitude to this amazing college as well as its great faculty and staff. In fact, I credit much of my academic and professional success to the confidence and desire for learning I developed at AC.
I am proud of the many successes we have had during my time on the board, including being named top community college in the nation. I want everyone that attends AC to have the same opportunities I had as a student.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities in office?
Three of my main priorities are as follows:
1) Pushing to further enhance our already improved completion rates, while also increasing our transfer agreements/transfer rates to universities such at WTAMU, Texas Tech, etc.
2) Keeping tuition rates low and avoiding tax hikes
3) Expanding our workforce development training programs to provide the skilled workers needed to grow our economy.
What is an issue you believe has gone overlooked in your race and how will you address it if elected?
The traditional tax and spend method for colleges is a thing of the past. While keeping with the mission of educating students, colleges must function more like a financially responsible business. This means staying within the budget and seeking sources of outside revenue so that taxpayers don’t shoulder more burden.
What is your position on the issue of taxpayer-funded lobbying? Please explain.
Obviously the controversy surrounding this issue is using taxpayer money from one entity to lobby for another entities taxpayer funds. There are a few instances where this might be acceptable but the reward to risk ratio must be taken into account.
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
I’m a conservative business owner who understands financial responsibility. I have deep rooted connections to Amarillo College and I am dedicated to its success. Amarillo is only as great as its college and I’m committed to keeping both great.