One of 22 organizations in the large company category to receive the award
Yavapai Community College was one of 153 companies across Arizona that were identified by AZCentral, USA Today Network, and LocalIQ as top workplaces and one of 22 organizations in the “large company” category. The Community College accepted the award at the annual Top Workplaces awards gala in Glendale, Arizona , on June 27, 2024.Experts will be available to answer questions about fees, scholarships, residence halls, courses, certificates and more
Yavapai Community College will hold an Open House at the Prescott Campus Community Room, Bldg. 19, Room 147, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20. The campus is located at 1100 East Sheldon Street in Prescott..
Experts will be available to answer a host of questions including:
- Scholarships, financial aid, and how to pay for college, courses, certificates, and more.
- How to submit your free admission application to the Community College.
Refreshments will be served, and prizes will be available, including a Chrome Book, Amazon gift cards and more.
Punished for having ineligible player on roster; less than 10% of 38 players from Yavapai County; none from Sedona/Verde Valley
The Yavapai Community College 2024 baseball team had a discouraging season, and was forced to forfeit 24 games due to an ineligible player on its roster. Additionally, the team fell far short of its goal to recruit 25% of its players from Yavapai County, a target set in 2020.
The 38-man roster includes only three players from Yavapai County, along with four players from Canada and one from Japan. The remaining players come from various states, including Texas, California, Minnesota, Hawaii, Maryland, and other parts of Arizona.
You may recall that in April 2020, Vice President Clint Ewell informed the Governing Board of the College’s goal to increase County student athletic involvement by at least 25%. At the time, District Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland confirmed Mr. Ewell’s statement.
In February 2021, the athletic department stated its “recruiting policy is to recruit within the county.” However, the department also noted that “historically, the best student-athletes in Yavapai County want to leave the county to pursue their athletic endeavors. Due to sheer numbers, most recruiting is done outside of Yavapai County.”
Jack Dilenberg, who had announced he was a candidate for the seat, withdrew from consideration because of illness and only Mr. Payne completed the candidate paperwork process for filing in this District by the July 8, 2024 deadline
Mr. Toby Payne
It appears that Clarkdale’s Mr. Toby Payne, the current occupant of the District #3 seat on the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board, will continue to represent the District for six more years. This is because Mr. Payne is unopposed for the seat, having been the only candidate to complete the necessary paperwork for the District election. The deadline of July 8, 2024, has passed without any other candidate filing.
Note that the deadline to file as a write in candidate for any election that may be cancelled is July 22, however, it is not expected that anyone will file as a write in candidate for this seat.
Mr. Jack Dilenberg from Jerome had originally announced his candidacy for the seat but withdrew due to ill health.
Mr. Payne was sworn in as the District #3 Board representative on March 21, 2023, by outgoing Yavapai County School Superintendent Mr. Tim Carter. He was filling the unexpired two-year term of Mr. Paul Chevalier, who resigned in January 2023.
District 3 consists of Big Park, Bridgeport 1 and 2, Clarkdale, Clemenceau, Coffee Pot, Cottonwood, Fir, Jacks Canyon, Jerome 1 and 2, Mingus, Orchard, Quail Springs, Red Rock 1 and 2, Red Rock East, Red Rock West, Verde Village, Western, and Wild Horse.
Mr. Payne’s term will run through 2030.
Funding comes from Governor Hobbs office and is aimed at fostering a skilled workforce tailored to the evolving demands of Arizona’s growing and thriving economy
Yavapai Community College will receive a portion of the $4.5 million allocated by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs earlier this year to support the College Workforce Scholarship program. The funds will be shared among nine other community colleges.
“Education has the power to change lives,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, attracting more residents and businesses. This scholarship, along with our ongoing workforce development efforts, will help Arizonans access well-paying jobs and reach their full potential.”
Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, Chair of the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council and President of Mohave Community College, added, “The Arizona Community College Coordinating Council is excited to partner with Governor Hobbs on this important scholarship program. It will assist students in completing certificates or degrees in high-demand, high-wage occupations, benefiting the entire state of Arizona.”
The scholarship will focus on high-wage, high-growth sectors, with each community college addressing the specific regional industries within their communities. Courses for which the scholarship may be applied include:
- Advanced manufacturing, including semiconductors
- Health Care
- IT/cyber security/broadband/data analytics
- Education and early education
- Construction/trades/HVAC
- Aerospace/defense
- Veterinary technology
- Dental hygienists and dental assistants
- Tractor trailer driving
- Insurance appraisers
- Paralegal and legal assistants
Requirements for the scholarship include:
- Having a 2.0 GPA or better.
- Meeting with their academic advisor to review their academic plan and progress.
- Being eligible for in-state status for tuition purposes as defined by Arizona Law and the College
- Be enrolled in or enroll in, a degree, certificate or credential program in one or more of the above listed high growth/high wage program areas.
How about a simple, inexpensive multi-purpose field with dozens of uses to serve the communities and 30,000 residents immediately adjacent the Campus as a starting point?
OPINION: Yavapai Community College, nestled off Black Hills Drive in Clarkdale, Arizona, remains largely unknown to many Verde Valley residents due to inadequate signage and poor marketing along with minimal serious development.
Despite decades of requests, the Prescott-based Community College administrators have consistently ignored the need for proper Verde Valley Campus signage, a significant problem that persists to this day. Notably, the Governing Board allocated half a million dollars for a sign to CTEC near the Prescott airport in the last budget year, highlighting the disparity in attention and resources between the east and west sides of Mingus mountain.
This neglect is emblematic of a broader issue. For the past 50 years, the Prescott-based administrators have maintained iron-fisted control over College development, viewing Sedona and the Verde Valley primarily as a tax haven to support major multi-million dollar capital and renovation projects on the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain.
Rather than allowing the Verde Valley campus to wither due to this neglect, there is a glimmer of hope for revitalization. One potential, simple solution is to create a three-acre multi-purpose parcel of land on the remaining untouched 80 acres of the site. This inexpensive and responsible addition could, among other things, attract the so-called “hanging fruit” consisting of about 30,000 residents living in the three communities immediately adjacent the campus to various events. The obvious purpose is to make the residents aware of the College and indirectly market the availability of its services to them. And carry out the College’s mission, neglected on the east side of Mingus Mountain, of providing cultural opportunities to these communities.
Unlike the massive financial investments made by the College on the Prescott side of Mingus over the past decades—such as the professional tennis complex, the heated Olympic-sized wading and swimming pool, student residence renovation, the practice soccer field, the recent multi-million dollar purchase of a 42-acre camp with over 60 buildings, and the multimillion-dollar auditorium—this proposal would not require significant financial resources. However, it would mark a meaningful beginning in revitalizing the campus and strengthening ties with the surrounding communities and their residents.
This proposal exemplifies the kind of subtle marketing effort that truly smart colleges excel at. By investing in the Verde Valley campus, Yavapai Community College can foster a sense of belonging and engagement among local communities, ensuring the campus thrives rather than fades into obscurity. Or, it can continue to selfishly stuff its pockets with Sedona/Verde Valley property tax revenue and limit its use primarily to promoting further, major development only on the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain.
Here are just a few of the ideas for using the parcel that could attract potential students, residents and others to the Verde Valley Campus:
- Car Shows: Host classic car shows, exotic car exhibitions, and student car modification showcases. Partner with local car clubs and automotive companies.
- Outdoor Art Shows: Organize art fairs, sculpture gardens, and live painting sessions featuring local and student artists. Include interactive art installations and workshops.
- Farmers Markets: Set up weekly farmers markets with local produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts. Include live music and food trucks for a festive atmosphere.
- Outdoor Concerts and Festivals: Host music festivals, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals. Provide stages for live performances, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
- Food Truck Rodeos: Organize regular food truck gatherings with a variety of cuisines. Include picnic areas and live entertainment to create a vibrant dining experience.
- Outdoor Movie Nights: Set up a large screen for movie nights under the stars. Show classic films, recent releases, or student films. Provide blankets, seating, and concessions.
- Health and Wellness Events: Host yoga sessions, fitness boot camps, and wellness fairs. Invite local fitness instructors and wellness professionals to lead activities and workshops.
- Community Gardens: Create community garden plots where students and community members can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Include educational workshops on sustainable gardening.
- Educational Fairs: Organize science fairs, technology expos, and career fairs. Feature exhibits and demonstrations from students, local businesses, and organizations.
- Craft Fairs: Hold craft fairs showcasing handmade goods from local artisans and students. Include DIY workshops and craft activities for attendees.
- Seasonal Festivals: Celebrate seasonal events with themed festivals such as spring blooms, fall harvests, or winter wonderlands. Include relevant activities, decorations, and food.
- Pet Adoption Events: Partner with local animal shelters to host pet adoption events. Include pet-friendly activities and booths with pet supplies and services.
- Fitness Challenges: Organize obstacle courses, fun runs, and fitness challenges for all fitness levels. Partner with local gyms and sports clubs.
- Cultural Events: Host cultural festivals celebrating different communities and traditions. Include music, dance, food, and cultural displays from various cultures.
- Night Markets: Create night markets with food stalls, craft vendors, and live entertainment. Offer a unique evening experience for the community.
- Tech and Innovation Expos: Showcase technological innovations, startup ideas, and student projects. Include interactive demos and presentations from tech companies.
- Outdoor Theater: Set up a stage for outdoor theater performances, including plays, improv shows, and student productions. Provide seating and concessions.
These events and activities can create a lively, engaging space that attracts diverse members of the community and fosters a sense of togetherness and enjoyment.
Says over 600 students participated in one-year project; College must not overlook potential of VR learning
In a recent press release, Yavapai Community College president Dr. Lisa Rhine reported on the Community College’s Virtual Reality pilot program. She explained that the College “piloted VR through a structured and experimental approach, involving multiple departments and classes, including 3D design, computer science, art history, CNC, construction, culinary, healthcare, HVAC, manufacturing and others. During the pilot year, more than 600 students participated in the VR programs, and 150 faculty members and 47 staff members were involved, along with 282 community members.”
Dr. Rhine said that VR “offers expansive possibilities, allowing students to engage in immersive learning environments that can simulate real-world scenarios — from medical procedures to industrial maintenance — without the associated risks and costs.”
She pointed to the use of VR at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It created five open educational resource (OER) Nursing Textbooks with 25 virtual reality simulations. According to Dr. Rhine, “this has enabled nursing students there to become totally immersed in realistic healthcare scenarios and provide care for diverse patient populations by using a gaming laptop and Oculus Rift-S headset. Early success data showed that students who used the OpenRN resources and took the Next Generation National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) had a 100% pass rate.”
“Community colleges that have adopted VR technology are finding it to be an excellent fit, one that can be applied in very clear ways to support their central missions,” she wrote. “It is becoming obvious, even to many of those who were initially skeptical, that VR represents a relevant and useful resource that must not be overlooked by these institutions.”
Unclear if idea will be expanded to the Sedona/Verde Valley side of Mingus Mountain
The Yavapai Community College Student Government Association (SGA) opened a free professional clothing shop in April for students on the Prescott Campus. According to the College’s press release, President Dr. Lisa Rhine was the catalyst for the business-clothing shop, “planting the seed” in mentoring meetings with SGA leaders who noted the difficulty some students face affording professional attire for job interviews and other occasions.
“Dr. Rhine’s idea was not just about clothes, it was about confidence, about breaking barriers and about empowering students to present their best selves in a professional setting,” said Jamie Oltersdorf, former SGA President, during the grand-opening event. “The Student Government Association took this idea to heart. We saw the potential, the need, the difference it could make. What started as a small collection of business attire has grown into Ruff’s Closet – a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.”
Much of the initial clothing in was donated by Community College faculty and staff, “a team of student volunteers ushered the project, securing college leadership support and donations of shelving, racks, decorations, signage and other items needed to make the apparel shop appealing and inviting. A number of area businesses, including JC Penney, generously donated supplies to the closet.”
The shop is open from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays for student shoppers and to take donations of new, gently used and clean business clothing and shoes from everyone. It is located in Room 125A in Building 3 on the Prescott Campus.
There was no indication one way or the other in the press release about possible expansion of the project to the Verde Campus or the Sedona Center.
Yavapai Community College says that “it has become the county hub for Healthcare careers and vocational training”
On Wednesday afternoon, July 10, Yavapai Community College will hold an open house at its Prescott Valley Center for learning about healthcare careers. The Center is located at 3800 North Glassford Hill Road, Prescott Valley. The Open House will run for two hours from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Faculty will be available to answer questions from the public about obtaining training from the Community College in a number of healthcare areas including:
- Assisted Living Facility Caregiver Certificate
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Medical Assistant AAS or Certificate
- Medical Office Assistant Certificate
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- Phlebotomy Technician Certificate
- Radiologic Technology AAS
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) post-primary certificate
In addition to touring the Prescott Valley Center and sampling possible career fields, visitors can explore resources to help them embark on their healthcare education, including:
- Meeting and speaking with YC experts who can help you get started
- Learning about scholarships and financial aid
- Submitting a free admission application
- And more!
Refreshments will be served, and prizes will be available, including a Chrome Book, Amazon gift cards and more.
The College boasts that it “has become the county hub for Healthcare careers and vocational training.”
Another similar program is scheduled for late July for Sedona’s culinary training facility
On June 15, 2024, Manzanita Outreach and Yavapai Community College partnered in a Healthy cooking class created by Faculty Director of Culinary Arts, Chef Carl Miller, and Chef Eric Seif. The purpose of the one-day class was to learn to cook four dishes, all of which utilized fresh items provided in the Manzanita Outreach food assistance boxes it delivers throughout the County.
The menu included walnut-baked apples with cinnamon, lemon-braised cabbage, potato salad with green beans and spouts, and a breaded fish with tomato bake. A second one-day class is scheduled for late in July.
Participants praised the chefs for their talent and creativity in developing the cooking menu while the Community College was lauded for providing its facilities for the class