Community College Board Advisory Committee hears outline of “dink and fail” strategic plan July 29

Executive Dean James Perey outlined the long awaited strategic plan for the future of the Verde Valley campus at the July 29 meeting.  Unfortunately, the plan was narrow and without vision for the future of the Verde Valley.

The plan failed to consider the future of the Sedona Center other than it will be studied.  In terms of programs, the plan put forth the “dink and fail” style of approach for the Verde Valley.  “Dink and fail” means that the College will invest a tiny amount of money to see if a program can succeed and if it does, it will keep it, otherwise it will end its life.

An example of the “dink and fail” approach is putting the culinary program at the Camp Verde High School despite repeated requests from Sedona residents that it be located there.  The College will invest a total of $35,000 in the project–an amount almost unrecognizable in the budget.  It won’t build a culinary facility at the Sedona Center at a College estimated cost of $600,000–that’s just too much money and demands a serious commitment.

As pointed out by Mr. Randy Garrison, the College would rather invest $1.3 million in a tennis court that has no academic value than invest $600,000 in a program with serious academic potential.

The following is the broad, little detailed outline of the strategic plan for the Verde Valley as presented by the College:

District Governing Board Ends
Yavapai College exists so communities within Yavapai County are equipped with the vision and skills to create a sustainable economic environment. The College will fulfill this role at a justifiable cost. The following Ends are listed in priority order.
Job Seeker End
Job seekers have the qualifications, skills, and abilities to succeed.
Student Ends
Students seeking transfer will succeed at their next educational institution.

Lifelong Learning Adult Ends
Lifelong learning adults have affordable access to a variety of high-quality learning opportunities.

Mission
The mission of Yavapai College is to provide quality higher learning and cultural resources for the diverse populations of Yavapai County.

Vision

Yavapai College exists to provide educational and cultural opportunities to students of all ages. We shall strive to create stronger partnerships and enhance leadership to develop and strengthen our community. Our students will have the abilities to be active participants in the global community.

Values

Learning -Yavapai College values learning and an environment where students are engaged in their educational endeavors . We take pride in our campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County. Our facilities provide a safe and supportive environment where students can learn, and our community can share in the benefit of a cultural center within reach·.
Scholarship -Yavapai College values scholarship. We value an educated and experienced faculty and staff who foster and encourage the spirit of inquiry and expression. We value education not merely as a means to an end, but as a lifelong joy and endeavor.

Stewardship-Yavapai College values responsible resource management and affordable learning opportunities. We appreciate our obligation to budget and allocate fiscal and human resources in the best interests of our students and community.

Diversity -Yavapai College values the diversity within our community and the rich cultures of Yavapai County.