Archive for Verde Campus – Page 7

Foundation honors Verde Valley’s Bobby Woods

By R. Oliphant
Friday, May 19th, 2017

Recognized by Yavapai College Foundation for his outstanding work raising  funds and making citizens aware of Verde Valley  programs

Cottonwood resident Bobby Woods received the Yavapai Community College Outstanding Volunteer Award at the Foundation’s annual luncheon May 10, 2017.  Mr. Woods began as a volunteer in 2009 when he was recruited by Ms. Ruth Wicks to join the Yavapai Community College Foundation’s Greater Verde Valley Chapter. When President Penelope Wills essentially closed down the Verde Valley Chapter, Woods joined the Friends of the “Southwest Wine Center,” which is a fundraising auxiliary for the Yavapai Community College Foundation. Since 2009 he has volunteered hundreds of hours first with the now defunct Chapter and then the successor Southwest Wine Center auxiliary.  Congratulations to Bobby Woods for his commitment to higher education in the Verde Valley and the well-deserved recognition.

 

 

A story about the award in the Verde Independent written by Bill Helm can be accessed by clicking here.

Categories : Greater Verde Valley Chapter, Verde Campus

Dr. Barbara Waak has accepted the position of Associate Dean for the Verde Valley Campus

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, May 18th, 2017

Interim Dean receives permanent appointment (A Verde Valley Advocate)

The College has announced that Dr. Barbara Waak has accepted the position of Associate Dean for the Verde Valley Campus. Dr. Waak will begin her duties immediately.

Dr. Waak was a finalist in the College’s national search in 2015 for this position behind Dr. Kelly Trainer. She was appointed interim Verde Valley Campus Dean in August, 2016 after Dr. Trainor tendered his resignation. She has served in that capacity since her appointment.

Dr. Waak is entering her 23rd academic year on the Verde Valley Campus. She has served in many capacities over her tenure at the College, including Faculty Senate President and Dual Enrollment Liaison for the English Department. She is also an alumni of Yavapai College, attaining an A.A. in education with honors. Dr. Waak earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and English/Linguistics from Northern Arizona University. She went on to receive a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2005.

When interviewed by Zachary Jernigan for the May 3, 2017 edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra, Dr. Waak said that she was “very dedicated to this (Verde) campus.” Waak also told the reporter that many in the Verde Valley feel that they have been forgotten by the College’s administration in Prescott and need a local advocate.

Categories : Verde Campus

DEAN PEREY REPORTS ON PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS IN THE VERDE VALLEY

By R. Oliphant
Monday, May 15th, 2017

Sedona renovation, College for Kids, CTEC and new concurrent courses moving forward

Verde Valley Executive Dean James Perey reported on the progress of various projects in the Verde Valley at the May 9, 2017 board meeting. According to Dr. Perey, the following is a list of new programs and projects underway.

  • The $5.4 million renovation at the Sedona Center will be completed by the end of July, 2017.
  • A new “sprung floor” to be paid by Yavapai Community College will be installed at the Performing Arts Center at the Red Rock high school. The seven-day project is expected to be completed by the fall semester. The College and the high school will begin a cooperative performing arts program this fall.
  • The “College for Kids” summer program attracted 485 students in 2016. This year Dean Perey expects an even larger attendance. He attributes the success of the program to cooperation between Yavapai Community College and the local school districts in the Verde Valley.
  • The final acre of the vineyard on the Verde Campus was planted the end of April. This brings the total acreage to about 13.5.
  • The culinary program at the Sedona Center will begin this fall with morning classes open to all high school and Community College students.
  • A new medical assistance program for high school and Community College students will begin on the Verde Campus this fall. 
  • Dr. Perey anticipates an intergovernmental agreement between the career and technical education district in the Verde Valley and Yavapai Community College to be executed at the June, 2017 Governing Board meeting.

Dr. Perey’s six minute report to the Governing Board follows.

Categories : Construction, Sedona Campus, Verde Campus

Verde Campus Trail Project beginning

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, May 11th, 2017

Campus trail will connect with Forest Service Trail

Executive Dean James Perey told the District Governing Board at the April 18 meeting that he is working with the Forest Service so that the trail developed on the Verde Campus can connect to the Forest Service trail adjacent the Campus.  It will become a part of the West Mingus Trail system in the Verde Valley and a trail head may be located at the Campus.

Perey said the Verde trail will have access by pedestrians and bicyclists. However, there is no equine to be allowed on the trail.

Dean Perey’s short report to the Governing Board can be viewed below.

 

Categories : Nature trail, Verde Campus

Associate Dean Candidate Dr. Barbara Waak recognizes importance of advocating for the Verde Campus

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

Waak vies for appointment as Associate Dean for the Verde Valley Campus with Professor Peggy Liggit

Sometime this week, it is anticipated that a new associate Dean for the Verde Campus will be announced. The two candidates being considered for the position are Dr. Barbara Waak and Professor Peggy Leggit. Professor Leggit is a professor of biology and science education and serves as the director of the Faculty Development Center at Eastern Michigan University in the Ypsilant, Michigan.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. Her parents have lived in the Verde Valley for decades.

Dr. Waak was a finalist in the College’s national search in 2015 for this position behind Dr. Kelly Trainer. She was appointed interim Verde Valley Campus Dean in August, 2016 after Dr. Trainor tendered his resignation. She has served in that capacity since her appointment.

Dr. Waak is entering her 23rd academic year on the Verde Valley Campus. She has served in many capacities over her tenure at the College, including Faculty Senate President and Dual Enrollment Liaison for the English Department. She is also an alumni of Yavapai College, attaining an A.A. in education with honors. Dr. Waak earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and English/Linguistics from Northern Arizona University. She went on to receive a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2005.

When interviewed by Zachary Jernigan for the May 3, 2017 edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra, Dr. Waak said that she was “very dedicated to this (Verde) campus.” Waak told the reporter that many in the Verde Valley feel that they have been forgotten by the College’s administration in Prescott and need a local advocate. Ms. Ligge indicated she was not aware of the tension between Prescott and the Verde Valley.

While both candidates are well qualified, because of her experience, residence, and thorough understanding of the Verde Campus and the Verde Valley, the Blog is cheering for Dr. Waak.

Categories : Admnistrative turnover, Faculty, Verde Campus

LAST VINEYARD PLANTING THIS SATURDAY

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, April 27th, 2017

MUST REGISTER; Saturday, April 29, 2017, 8:00 A.M – 2:00 P.M.

The College says that the final acre of the vineyard on the Verde campus will be planted on Saturday, April 29. You must register to help out with the planting. Please click here for more information.

This will bring the vineyard to 13 acres rather than the 17 originally planned. The college has not offered an explanation as to why it is not planting 17 acres.

Note that the land that the vineyard is on was donated to the College by the Yavapai College Foundation. It was anticipated at the time the donation was made that all 20 acres would be put into a vineyard.

Categories : Verde Campus, Viticulture

Foundation provides funding for state-of-the art cameras

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017

Yavapai College Film and Media Arts gets  two technically advanced and long-awaited RED cinema cameras on Verde Campus

Yavapai College announced  it had received two cameras on the Verde Campus that are used to create the latest feature films for television.

  The cameras were purchased with grants from the Margaret T. Morris and J.W. Kieckhefer Foundations. The grants were coordinated and managed by the Yavapai College Foundation.

In its press release, Helen Stephenson, Director of the film and media arts program, said: “Having the opportunity to train on this level of camera is a great addition to our students’ resumes. When you add this experience to our AVID editing certification, we have students graduating with professional-level technical expertise, prepared for work in the creative workplace.” 

You may view the entire College press release by clicking here.

Categories : Verde Campus

ADVOCACY PAYS OFF BIG TIME IN VERDE VALLEY

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, February 21st, 2017

CENTER SAVED,   NEW COURSES DEVELOPED, COOPERATION WITH HIGH SCHOOLS ON ITS WAY, CTE IMPROVING AND MORE . . . 

Three years ago Dr. Penelope Wills had decided to close and sell the Sedona Center and had reduced by a substantial number the courses being offered on the Verde Campus.  Her unwise decisions caused an uproar in the Verde Valley. However, because of strong advocacy on the part of Verde Valley citizens  and their Board representatives, Deb McCasland and Al Filardo, the Center was saved and programs are finally beginning to return. There is also a new era of cooperation being forged between the College and the high schools and the Joint Technical Education District, V’ACTE.

Evidence of a new era was apparent as Verde Valley Dean James Perey sounded an optimistic report about the Center and  cooperation at the February 14 Board meeting.  He outlined a number of new programs including culinary and theater arts that will be offered at the Sedona Center in cooperation with the local high schools in the Valley.  He also listed several new courses that are now being offered in the Verde Valley and said the College intends to invest in a new floor to help get its theater arts program off the ground at Sedona Red Rock High school. 

Finally, he gave strong support to developing more enhanced, cooperative Career and Technical Education programs between the College and V’ACTE. The programs will allow high school students to take various coursers offered at the College through the JTED program.

Wow. What a change serious advocacy makes!

Below is a video containing Dr. Perey’s four minute presentation to the Governing Board. Listen and learn.

Categories : Sedona Campus, Verde Campus

Interim Associate Dean Appointed on Verde Campus

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, July 28th, 2016

Dr. Barb Waak has job until spring; was #2 in selection process last time

James Perey’s office announced yesterday (July 28) that Dr. Barb Waak has accepted the interim position of Associate Dean for the Verde Valley Campus. Dr. Waak will begin her duties on Monday, August 1st, 2016.  It is a one semester appointment during which the College will begin a nationwide search for a permanent Associate Dean.SINGLE SEMESTER APPOINTMENT

Dr. Barbara Waak is entering her 22nd academic year on the Verde Valley Campus of Yavapai College. She has served in many capacities over her tenure at the college, including Faculty Senate President and Dual Enrollment Liaison for the English Department. She is also an alumni of Yavapai College, attaining an A.A. in education with honors. Dr. Waak earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and English/Linguistics from Northern Arizona University. She went on to receive a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2005.

QUESTION FACEDr. Waak was a finalist in the College’s national search a year ago for this position.  The Blog was informed that she was second to Dr. Kelly Trainer in the selection process, her predecessor in this position.  If correct, is there really a need for another costly national search?  Why waste the money?

Dr. Waak may apply once again for the permanent position, according to reliable sources.

Categories : Verde Campus

Enology student organization hosting wine trivia night fundraiser

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, July 5th, 2016

Friday July 8th, 6pm to 8pm:  Tickets are $25 at the door (100% tax deductible!) 

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER SIGNThe Grand Crew, Yavapai College’s Viticulture and Enology student organization, is hosting a wine trivia night fundraiser at the Southwest Wine Center on the Verde Campus in Clarkdale, Arizona.  The organization is charging $25 at the door, which is says is “100% tax deductible!” 

The Student Group says that the proceeds from this event will help fund the Grand Crew’s planned educational activities.

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER TRIVIA NIGHTThe student organized, student led, group is made up of current and former students of our Enology and Viticulture programs. In its advertisement of the event, it says to “Expect an interactive experience with our students as each team tries out their wine knowledge against each-other, a student Master of Ceremonies will read each question aloud and will keep score.  Grab your friends and family and head on over!” 

Categories : Verde Campus, Wine Center
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