Author Archive for R. Oliphant
In addressing the budget for the upcoming fiscal 2024-25 academic year, Vice president Dr. Clint Ewell estimated the replacement cost of the current system to be approximately $1.5 million, with an additional annual expenditure of $400,000 to maintain operations to most likely begin in 2025-2026.Facility has two cafeterias, activity center, chapel, rv hook ups, cabins, lodges, and a host of other amenities
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board is expected to approve at Tuesday’s meeting a proposal put forth by the College executives for the purchase of the 42-acre Prescott Pines Christian camp. The camp has been for sale since March 1, 2023. This purchase came as a complete surprise to most who pay attention to how the College is spending taxpayer money and what its plans were for new student, faculty, staff housing.
Old Facebook photo allegedly of one of the many buildings at the camp.
Although the exact purchase price is yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated to be in the millions of dollars, as hinted at by the size and amenities of the camp. The facility boasts approximately two dozen structures, including a large gymnasium, two cafeteria buildings, several cabins, and lodges, among other amenities.
Further details about the purchase and the camp itself are likely to be revealed during the District Governing Board meeting before the Board approves the anticipated purchase on Tuesday.
Photo from old Facebook post allegedly of another of the many buildings at the camp.
Those interested may be able to watch the meeting via live stream on the Community College website with the meeting scheduled to begin Tuesday at 1 p.m.
“Evening of Recognition,” Nurse Pinning Ceremony; Commencement, CTEC open house with car show all scheduled in April, and May
Yavapai Community College is entering the period of the year when it recognizes the major accomplishments of its students, faculty, staff and others. One of the first major events is an “Evening of Recognition” set for Tuesday, April 23, 2024 on the Prescott Campus.
The “Evening of Recognition” typically honors outstanding achievements and contributions of students, faculty, staff, and community members. The event usually includes awards ceremonies, speeches, performances, and presentations highlighting the accomplishments of individuals and groups within the college community. It’s a celebratory occasion where achievements in academics, research, community service, leadership, and other areas are acknowledged and celebrated.
The date and times for the remaining events can be found in the table below:
Highest honors, the Provost Award for Excellence and the President’s Award for Excellence, went to George Smith and Joshua Nomland, respectively
Yavapai Community College announced in an April 15 press release that the top students in the Verde Valley’s and Prescott airport based Career and Technical Education Center’s workforce development programs were honored at an “Evening of Recognition” dinner and ceremony held April 12. The night’s highest honors, the Provost Award for Excellence and the President’s Award for Excellence went to George Smith and Joshua Nomland, respectively.
The Provost Award of Excellence award winner, George Smith, is a pre-engineering student, an All-Arizona and a Coca-Cola Foundation All-Academic team scholar. The Provost award nomination said described him as a “dedicated, helpful and conscientious” student who “freely and frequently” helps his classmates. “George’s innovative abilities raise him above his peers. His desire to better the world around him ensures he brings his peers with him.”
The President’s Award for Excellence winner, Joshua Nomland, was described as “top notch” in academics, leadership, and community service. “He leads through his actions but doesn’t brag. He’s not a big talker, but oozes competence when he takes something on. People around him are drawn to his personality and nature,” the nomination states.
The following are the CTEC Outstanding Students also honored at the recognition event and listed by program:
3D Printing and Manufacturing – Neil Sato
Advanced Manufacturing Technology – Aidan Trevino
Animal Care and Management – Alexis Haring
Applied Pre-Engineering Technology – Alex Gibs
Automotive Body & Paint Collision Technology – Isaiah Tapoof
Automotive Technology – Amelia Ehrlich
Aviation Technology – Scott Poer
Commercial Driver Training – Mary Nix
Computer Numerical Control – Amos Deines
Construction Building Technology – Harry Michael-Ortega
Diesel Technology – Rhys Tarver
Electric Utility Technology – Lineman – Jay Edwards
Electrical & Instrumentation Technology – Keanu Garcia
Equine Care and Management – Jennifer Lewis
Film and Media Arts – Elaine Woods
Fire Science – Rachel Haywood
Gunsmithing Technology – Michael Thompson
Production Horticulture – Phyllis Salazar
Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Abbey Reynolds
Welding Technology – Michael Phinder
You may read the entire press release at https://www.yc.edu/v6/news/2024/04/ctec.html.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and run until 4:00 p.m. There is normally an open call to the public at this meeting, which will be live streamed for County residents to view
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold what is described as a “Study Session” and then a “Business Meeting” at the Yavapai Community College Prescott Campus on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and run until 4:00 p.m. It will be held at the Rock House on the Campus. The study session normally precedes the business meeting.
There is normally an open call to the public where one may address the Governing Board on any subject for three minutes. (You can register at the door to speak.)
Under Arizona law, a citizen has a right to attend, listen, tape record, or videotape all of these meetings. The public may not disrupt, but may speak during the Call to the Public at the beginning of this meeting if the call is on the agenda. See Ariz. Att’y Gen. Op. No. I78-001.
You may access the agenda for this meeting at the District Governing Board’s website when it is eventually posted. (It is normally sent to the Governing Board by Friday prior to a meeting but is usually withheld from public posting on the Governing Board’s website until the day before the meeting.)
Boston University Physics Professor Dr. Shri Srikanth will review of some of the spectacular pictures and videos and discover what we’ve learned about Mars and our own blue dot in the sky
The “much and learn” free OLLI program on Thursday, April 18 at the Verde Valley Campus will feature Boston University Physics Professor Dr. Shri Srikanth, who will present, “A Guided Tour of Mars.” The program runs from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., in room M-137 of YC’s Verde Valley Campus.
“A Guided Tour of Mars” is part of the Verde Valley OLLI program’s Munch and Learn series, presented at Yavapai Community College, Sedona and Verde Valley, Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., through May 9. Attendees are invited to bring a bite to eat, or pick up lunch at the campus café, and dine while learning about a variety of topics: Community issues and programs; or developments in science and the arts.
Although the presentation is free to the public, you must register at 928-649-4275 to ensure seating.
Workshop runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., workshop fee $15; participation fee $65
The Sedona-Verde Valley Osher Life Long Learning Institute will offer a wine appreciation workshop on the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale on Wednesday, May 1. The workshop fee is $15 and the participation fee is $65. The workshop will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
You may register on-line at yc.edu/ollisvregister for the program.
Part of $15 million grant from U.S. Department of Labor to Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with six Arizona Community Colleges
In an April 2, 2024 press release, Yavapai Community College announced that the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College is offering a wide range of certificates and support programs through its QUEST grant, tuition-free. The REDC obtained funding to support qualified learners for needs related to travel, technology, childcare, tuition assistance, stipends for internships, and removing other barriers for dislocated workers.
The grant is available to persons who are: (1) Temporarily or permanently laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic disaster. (2) Underemployed with earnings under $50,000/year. (3) Considered dislocated workers as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 3(15).(4) Veteran or family member (spouse or dependent). (5) Currently seeking employment.
According to the College, the courses are meant to certify and support learners seeking on-demand careers in a variety of fields, including 3D Printing, Accounting, Admin Professional, Assisted Living Caregiver, Automotive, Bookkeeping, Business Office, CDL, CNT, Computer Applications Specialist, Cyber Specialist, Cyber Tech, Diesel Tech, Electric Utility Tech, Electrical Instrumentation Tech, Electronics, EMT, Graphic Design, IMM, Integrated Systems Engineering, Legal Office Clerk, Legal Paraprofessional, Management, Media Production, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Records, Microsoft Office, Nurse Asst, Paramedicine, Phlebotomy, Programming, Welding, Windows Server Admin, and Licensed Practical Nursing.
To learn more or start the application process, visit ycredc.com/quest-grant.
Registration begins April 12 for June classes
Yavapai Community College’s summer enrichment program for children kindergarten-to-eighth grade, opens summer registration on Friday, April 12, for the Verde Valley semester running, June 3 – 27.
In its announcement, the Community College said it will offer a variety of classes for curious and active young people, including mountain biking, dance, Spanish language and culture, interactive science classes, hands-on gardening, comic book creation, and videography for kids.
The College also said that its instructors for this project will be experienced educators who create a teaching environment that is enriching and rewarding for all campers. Free breakfast and lunch are provided for all participants and their siblings under 18. In the Verde Valley, all activities are held at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus, 601 Black Hills Drive, in Clarkdale. Classes run Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday June 3, through Thursday, June 27.
Scholarships are available for students with financial need at: www.yc.edu/kids.
Individuals interested in donating to the scholarship fund for children attending this program can contact Yavapai College Foundation at 928-776-2025 or foundation@yc.edu
For more information the Verde Valley College for Kids program, including registration and classes, please visit: www.yc.edu/c4k or contact Kathleen Freed, Community Education Coordinator, at 928-634-6537 or kathleen.freed@yc.edu.
So far, two persons pulled packet in District #1, one person in District #3
So far, at least three persons have shown interest in gaining a seat on the Yavapai Community College Governing Board. In District 1, the incumbent Ray Sigafoos has pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest. William Kiel has likewise pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest in District 1. Neither has yet filed a petition.
The election for these seats, if more than one person applies, is November 5, 2024. The first day to file petitions is June 10, 2024. The last day to file petitions is July 08, 2024. Candidates should re-check these dates with the County Education Superintendent.
In District three, the incumbent is Tobey Payne. Mr. Payne was appointed in March 2024 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Paul Chevalier. That term ends December 31, 2024. So far, Mr. Payne has not pulled a packet.
However, Dr. Jack Dillenberg, has pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest in District three. The following background information about Dr. Dillenberg was found on the Jerome Town Council website. (https://jerome.az.gov/dr-jack-dillenberg)
“Dr. Jack Dillenberg is Dean Emeritus of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) after serving fifteen years as the Inaugural Dean. After dental school he served as a Dentist in the US Navy then practiced at a residential facility for people with severe disabilities before moving to Jamaica to work in a very rural clinic for their Ministry of Health.
“Prior to joining ASDOH, Dr. Dillenberg was Associate Director for public health programs in the California Department of Health Services and prior to that served as an Area Health Officer serving the west area of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
“During most of the 1990s, Dr. Dillenberg served in several capacities in the Arizona Department of Health Services, including four years as its Director.
“Dr. Dillenberg is the recipient of a great number of honors and awards, including the Arizona Medical Association Humanitarian of the Year, the Fresh Start Foundation Man of the Year, the Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Award of Merit and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. Most recently, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry 2019 Distinguished Service Award.
“He currently is the executive clinical director for the newly created non-profit Pacific Dental Services Special Needs Dental Clinic in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Dillenberg serves as the Board President of Global Smile, Health a 501c3 nonprofit making a difference in global oral health. He also serves as the Global Ambassador for the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, and currently is the Board Vice-Chairman for the Brighterway Institute. He has served as Mayor of the Town of Jerome, Arizona and was selected as a Public Member of the Arizona State Supreme Court Attorney Discipline Probable Cause Committee.”
