ALMOST 50% OF ATHLETIC TEAM MEMBERS SELECTED FROM OUTSIDE ARIZONA

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, May 25th, 2019

Forty of 81 student athletes came from other states other than Arizona; only 1 athlete from Yavapai County

Yavapai Community College continues to highly recruit outside Arizona for its four athletic teams: baseball, softball, soccer and volleyball.  In 2019 there were a total of 81 athletes that made up the rosters.  Of that number, 40 were from states outside Arizona. (Data gathered May 2019.)

The Blog could find only one athlete recruited from Yavapai County on the team rosters.

The soccer team led the out-state recruiting effort and reported 15 of its 22 athletes coming from outside Arizona.  The softball roster reported that  12 of its 17 athletes were recruited from outside Arizona.  The baseball team recruited seven of its 25 athletes from outside Arizona and the Volleyball team has six of its 17 players were recruited from outside Arizona.

There has been criticism that the Community College has not recruited student athletes from the high schools in Yavapai County for its teams.  The data appears to support those critics.

Categories : Athletics, Baseball team, Soccer team, Softball team, Volleyball team

ABOUT 75% OF YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT ATHLETES MAKE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S HONOR ROLL

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, May 25th, 2019

48 student-athletes are repeat honorees from the fall semester

58 Yavapai Community College student-athletes earned the Yavapai Community College Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for their performance in the classroom, the most student-athletes on the list since the inception of the award in 2012. (The Blog counted a total of 81 athletes on the 2019 athletic rosters, the College reported that number at 74.)  A student-athlete must earn a 3.0 grade point average or higher to be named to the high academic list.

According to the College, the honor roll features 18 student-athletes with a 4.0 or higher and 48 student-athletes are repeat honorees from the Fall semester.

Ten sophomore student-athletes have been on the honor roll list for four consecutive semesters (Meredith Clark, Victoria McCarty, Neenah Pangilinan, Nynke de Vries, Kylie Brown, Brianna Griffiths, Gianni Tomasi, Tommy Sacco, Angel Lujan, Makenna Busse).

As a whole, the Yavapai College Roughrider athletic teams earned a combined GPA of 3.26, with softball leading the way with a 3.56 team grade point average.

Spring 2019 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll

* Krystal Blair -Volleyball
*# Meredith Clarkp-Softball
*# Lexi Cole-Volleyball
*# Dalton Daily-Baseball
*# Pilar Daugherty-Volleyball
*# Brianna Griffiths-Softball
*# Victoria McCarty-Volleyball
*# Neenah Pangilinan-Softball
*# Kamryn Perry-Volleyball
*# Shaye Pinner-Softball
*# Skylar Redd-Volleyball
*# Jacob Robson-Baseball
*# McKenzie Ryan-Softball
* Sasha Sneider-Baseball
*# Brendan Stansfield-Soccer
*# Isaiah Strong-Soccer
*# Stela Velinova-Volleyball
*# Alayah Villegas-Volleyball
# Nick Adams-Baseball
# Shaylee Alani-Softball
# Jalen Atkinson-Soccer
# Rocky Botello-Baseball
# Kylie Brown-Softball
# Makenna Busse-Volleyball
# Gabriel Claudio-Soccer
# Nynke de Vries-Volleyball
Jacob Downey-Soccer
# Kendra Duran-Softball
# Brandon Fischer-Soccer
Christian Encarnacion-Strand-Baseball
Jose Perez Flores-Soccer
# Esteban Franco-Soccer
# Alexis Garayzar-Softball
# Alexus Garza-Softball
# Jessica Giacoma-Softball
# Brenda Gomez-Volleyball
# Vanessa Gomez-Softball
Dominic Hamel-Baseball
# Annie Harte-Volleyball
# Drew Healy-Baseball
Cody Holtz-Baseball
# Gabie Krueger-Softball
# Kevyn Lo-Soccer
Will Long-Baseball
# Zeleya Loop-Volleyball
# Angel Lujan-Soccer
Emme Maciel-Softball
# Mikayla Marquez-Softball
# Matt Novis-Baseball
# Andrew Rivera-Soccer
# Sherrelle Rodriguez-Softball
# Tommy Sacco-Baseball
# Jack Silverman-Baseball
# Lacie Tenney-Volleyball
# Gianni Tomasi-Baseball
# Tyler Trump-Soccer
# Logan Williams-Baseball
Zoe Zoellner-Softball

* Denotes 4.0
# Fall and Spring Honoree

 

Categories : Athletics

COMMUNITY COLLEGE MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANS FOR NEW CTE FACILITY ON VERDE CAMPUS

By R. Oliphant
Friday, May 24th, 2019

In addition to Building “L” renovation,  a more traditional  Career and Technical Education facility now being planned to train students in construction, and other trades

Dr. Clint Ewell, Vice President Finance & Administrative Services at Yavapai Community College, surprised the College Governing Board with an announcement at the May meeting that a Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility, in addition to Building “L” was now being planned for the Verde Valley Campus.  He noted that the feedback from the Verde Valley during the last few months has been a major factor in the decision.

Ewell said that Building “L” will be dedicated wholly to CTE.  It is, however, programed so that  85% of the facility will be used for Allied Health programs.

The additional CTE facility will house programs like construction, carpentry, pipe fitting, welding and things of that nature. The programming will begin in June of this year.

Ewell said the plan is for the building to be on the Verde Campus.  He said that the Campus is centrally located, locating there will help develop needed synergy on the Campus, the Campus has major resources such as a large power plant that is ready to support a new building.

A video clip of his presentation to the Governing Board follows below.   

Categories : Career and Technical Education

NURSING PROGRAMS CELEBRATE SUCCESS OF 37 SPRING GRADUATES

By R. Oliphant
Friday, May 24th, 2019

Students from the Prescott and Verde Valley YC campus nursing programs combined for the family-oriented event that featured an homage to Florence Nightingale

NEWS RELEASE FROM YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE:  Successful students from the Prescott and Verde Valley Yavapai Community College campus nursing programs combined for the family-oriented event that featured an homage to Florence Nightingale – a lamp-lit recitation of the founder of nursing’s solemn pledge. The pledge concludes with, “I will be loyal to my work and devoted towards the welfare of those committed to my care.”
Although passing a state exam is the next and final step to RN status, many of the degree-earning nurses from Yavapai Community College’s  acclaimed program are already employed in healthcare facilities countywide. Many plan to pursue bachelor’s and graduate’s degrees in the high-demand nursing field.
In her remarks during the ceremony, YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine acknowledged the challenges graduates overcame to earn their pins. “Our nursing program requires intense study, fortitude, diligence and, as our graduates are well aware, sacrifice – not only for the graduate but the graduates’ loved ones who supported and walked this journey with our students.”
Dr. Rhine encouraged the graduates to “build on what you have learned here” and to prioritize their own health and well-being. “Caregivers often neglect themselves because of the loving nature of their hearts… It’s only when you are at your best that you can perform at the highest levels and give your best to others.”
Before each nursing graduate made their way to center stage, to accept their pin from a loved one and to reflect on their experience, YC Nursing Program Director Dr. Marylou Mercado presented the following spring 2019 graduating class awards:
Spirit, Michelle Hubbard and Patricia King
Scholarship, Brianna Gregory and Timber McLain
Leadership, Annika Wilson and Shannon Wolfe
Information about the YC Nursing Program, how to apply and forthcoming pre-nursing workshops is available on the college website: www.yc.edu/nursing. Or, call 928-776-2017.
Following are the latest graduates of the YC Nursing Program at the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses:
Joy Bowers, Kelly Burkitt, Hunter Clawson, Mele Lute Colston, Christy Delaney, Felicia Excell, Jena Garner, Samantha George, Jonathan Golin, Brianna Gregory, Michelle Hubbard, Alexia Marie Jones, Dorothy Kimmerle, Trisha King, Darrian Kipena, Marty Matzke, Zachary McCabe, Timber McLain, Kellie O’Connor, Gabriela Olguin Ocampo, Joseph Orsburn, Samantha Pendley, Sarah Quintal, Emily Reed, Brandice Rudolph, Justine Schoshinski, Shelly Selecky, Sierra Shaw, Chandler Smith, Cynthia Stratmann, Kolbie Tafoya, Teri Tapia, Morgan Thornburg, Erin Valencia, Annika Wilson, Shannon Lynn Wolfe, Britene Wright

Categories : Graduation, Nursing

COMMENCEMENT ON VERDE CAMPUS ENJOYED BY 110 GRADS

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

Mayor Tim Elinski thanks graduates for helping create a vibrant community and strengthening the local economy

Yavapai Community College announced in a press release that 110 graduates of the Sedona Center and Verde Campus attended commencement ceremonies last week. Earlier, the Blog had reported the number as 80.   The Community College news release follows in full:

Clarkdale AZ (May 13, 2019) – Commencement signaled the completion of one life-changing journey and the start of something new for more than 110 degree and certificate-earners sharing the Commencement spotlight Friday evening at the Yavapai College Verde Valley campus.

The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski, extolled the 2019 YC graduating class for helping create a vibrant community and strengthening the local economy. And, while he encouraged graduates to stay and build their lives in the Verde Valley, he urged them not to scrimp on adventures. “Please have as many adventures as you possibly can, but do consider coming back to the community that cares about you so much,” he said.

In her address to fellow graduates and a Mabery Pavilion overflowing with well-wishers, aspiring English teacher Shanandoah Sterling of Sedona, looked back on her own, much-delayed educational journey with fondness and mirth. She encouraged her classmates to continue dreaming and setting new goals. “Take the foundations of success gained here at Yavapai College into tomorrow, next week and the years to follow …  Wherever your journey takes you, be it onto a four-year university, embarking into a chosen career, outreaching into your community or striving to help others obtain their dreams, I know you will be successful.” Read More→

Categories : Event, Graduation

COMMUNITY COLLEGE BUDGET FOR 2020 ACADEMIC YEAR APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY

By R. Oliphant
Friday, May 17th, 2019

Includes 5% tuition hike but no primary property tax increase; secondary tax levy drops by 14.2 percent

The Yavapai Community College Governing Board unanimously approved the budget for the 2020 academic year at its meeting May 14.  This was the last meeting for three months of  the Board.

The budget included a 5% tuition increase but no primary tax increase.  Because the Community College applied $4 million dollars it received from selling its facilities in the Prescott Valley Town Hall, it was able to reduce the secondary primary property tax levy by 14.2 percent.  (Recall that the secondary property tax is used to pay off the 2000 $69.5 million bond issue approved by voters that year.)

There was no serious public opposition to the budget. Only three persons spoke at the call to the public about it.

Funding in the approved budget included revenue for Building “L” on the Verde Campus to  expand the nursing and allied health programs, while adding new programs in emergency medical services, paramedicine, and home health care. Building “L” is expected to be finished by the fall 2020 semester.

 

Categories : Budget

VALERIE WOOD NAMED PRESIDENT OF YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

By R. Oliphant
Friday, May 17th, 2019

First person from Verde Valley to ever hold position; second woman in history to hold position

Ms. Valerie Wood

Yavapai Community College announced at the Tuesday Governing Board meeting, May 14 that Valerie Wood would become the president of the Yavapai Community College Foundation. Valerie is a Cornville resident and has an associate’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from the College.

She joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2014 and previously served as the first and second vice president. She has participated on various committees such as finance, fundraising and executive. In addition, she works closely with the Yavapai College Foundation fundraising auxiliary, Friends of the Southwest Wine Center, helping to raise awareness and funds for the Community College’s Viticulture and Enology program.
Valerie and her husband Daniel created a $30,000 donation to the Yavapai Community College Foundation scholarship fund in 2016 to assist students in the Viticulture and Enology programs. They are founding members of the Southwest Wine Center, and graduates of its “VEN” program.

 

Categories : Scholarships, Viticulture

VERDE CAMPUS ASSOCIATE DEAN BARB WAAK RETURNS TO FACULTY

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, May 16th, 2019

Replacement has yet to be named

Dr. Barb Waak is returning to the classroom as a full-time faculty member in the English department beginning August 2019.  She has served as the Associate Dean for the Verde Valley Campus for the last three years.
Currently, Dean Perey is working in collaboration with President Lisa Rhine and Dr. Ron Liss on a plan for the Associate Dean’s position.

Dr. Waak is a Yavapai Community College alumna and veteran faculty member. When appointed in 2017, she estimated that since she started teaching at Yavapai Community College, more than 6,000 students have come through her classroom door.

Categories : Admnistrative turnover

EIGHTY STUDENTS CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT MAY 5 VERDE CAMPUS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, May 12th, 2019

Capacity crowd joins with students in celebration at Mabery Pavilion

According to the press release by Yavapai Community College, Eighty Verde Campus students participated in an evening commencement ceremony at the Mabery Pavilion on Friday evening, May 5. The students were joined by a capacity crowd of friends and family including proud parents, spouses, and their children.

The press release commented that “Student commencement speaker Yerania Rodriguez-Ibarra delivered one of the evening’s most poignant moments when she thanked her mother for making her achievements possible. “My mother gave up her whole life in Mexico to give her children the opportunities she didn’t have,” said Rodriguez-Ibarra. “We started from zero. It was a tough transition and I complained. I don’t complain anymore. It is because of her that I have now graduated from college.”

“After arriving in the U.S. only 12 years ago, Rodriguez-Ibarra overcame a language barrier and her family’s financial stress to earn All Arizona Academic team honors and the President’s Award for Excellence, the college’s highest honor.

“It is hard to imagine only a few years ago I was in high school, skipping classes, not worrying about the future,” Rodriguez-Ibarra told the audience, adding, “But I had a dream and an ambition so great it would not allow me to remain stagnant. I had to develop myself to be better and to overcome my fear and doubt.”

“The first-generation college student also thanked her English professor, Dr. Barb Waak, and advisor Linda Evans, noting that both women “helped shape me into the person I am today.”

“The Northern Arizona University-bound Rodriguez-Ibarra plans to pursue a career in dentistry on a full-scholarship and urged her classmates to keep Yavapai College in their hearts. “Occasionally stop, look back and wave to those who have shown us the way.”

Source:  Yavapai Community College press release.

 

Categories : Graduation

DR. RHINE ANNOUNCES THAT VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES WILL BE HIRED TO FOCUS ON IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE BY ADOPTING AN “OUTWARD MINDSET”

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, May 12th, 2019

Says that there will be an organizational shift where innovation, accountability, collaboration, equity, transparency, and engagement will become the essence of the Community College’s normal culture

Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine explained in a written message to the faculty that she is going to address the culture, health and strategic direction of the College in the coming months.  To help her accomplish those objectives, she is searching for a Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. This person will be responsible for improving and enhancing the online experience, improving enrollment management, expanding an Open Education Resources initiative, developing the learning core, and for leading the College’s Organizational Health strategies.

All of the message from Dr. Rhine to the faculty is included below.

“Yavapai College Family — over the past 90 days, I have met with many faculty and staff. I know I haven’t gotten a chance to speak to everyone yet, but I promise you I will soon. I also wanted to release this message before faculty left for break. It is clear to me that we need to address our culture, the health of our institution, and our strategic direction.

Healthy organizations have several similar characteristics including low turn-over, minimal politics, high productivity, high morale, and a structure that is conducive to high performance for faculty, staff, and students.

“That’s the kind of organization I want us to strive to become. Over the summer and together with our Executive Leadership Team, I need everyone’s help to putting us on that new path. A path where we all understand and believe in our purpose. We will establish a set of principles that will guide our behavior and decisions, making sure that the entire Yavapai College Family understands what we do and why we do it.

“We will do this by defining what I call, the “Yavapai College Way (YC WAY).” The overarching goal of the “YC Way” is to improve the health of our institution by adopting an outward mindset. This will be an organizational shift where innovation, accountability, collaboration, equity, transparency, and engagement will become the essence of our normal culture. Our inclusive approach will outline a new and intuitive way to teach our people how to implement mindset change in themselves and scale it across our institution with unprecedented results. “We will make changes in a way that ensures every action and effort throughout the institution directly or indirectly supports student learning and success. Read More→

Categories : CURRICULUM, Politics
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