Excuse for decline raises questions: Increased tution, closing of Camp Verde; attempt to close Sedona may also be factors
President Penelope Wills’ claims in a September letter to the faculty that the continued decline in enrollment at the College is attributable to the strong economy and the Veterans Administration crackdown on the aviation program.
According to Wills’ “enrollment is slightly down but when you consider the primary reason, the stronger economy, I can accept that! Another major impact on our enrollment was the VA decision not to allow us to enroll veterans in our aviation programs (rotary and fixed wing.) We are working with our industry partners, North-Aire and Guidance, to enroll more civilians in these two programs so that we can satisfy the VA’s ruling of 85/15 (No more than 85% of any program can be comprised of veterans receiving benefits.) We hope we will soon be able to announce a viable solution.”
Wills’ did not provide the percentage of enrollment drop in her letter, however, reliable sources indicate the drop this year is close to 5%.
The problem with the Wills’ analysis, which places the decline on the improved economy, doesn’t appear supported by historic enrollment data issued by the College as shown by the chart that appears below.
Headcount figures show that with the exception of 2012/13, enrollment has steadily declined over the last 12 years under the Wills’ and Horton administrations regardless of the economy. Wills’ took over in the fall, 2011; Horton in August, 2005. Enrollment is now at an all time low. In 2006/07 the headcount was 16,312 and there was no recession. It is about 5,000 students down today.
Wills’ also fails to recognize that Horton’s decision to close the Camp Verde facility in 2010 and her effort to close the Sedona Center are factors that have impacted the number of students seeking credit courses. The increase in tuition likewise may have impacted enrollment.
A portion of the aviation program was closed down in March, 2014 because the College had failed to comply with Veterans’ Administration requirements. A $60 million lawsuit is being litigated by the former director of the program who claims he was filed, which alleges among other things that he was fired because he complained about the failure to comply with VA regulations.
According to the College, this year’s event “features Arizona wines and fine foods with a total of over 30 winemakers, restaurant owners and chefs providing tastings of their favorite edibles and drinkables.” 
According to the College, Technical education “is one of our fastest growing offerings, prepares students for well-paying careers and helps boost the local economy. Facility renovations include new classrooms, computer labs, faculty offices, instruction areas and environmental enhancements.” 
With total primary tax-based revenue in 2012 flowing to the College from Yavapai County property taxpayers of $43,701,144.00, this means the Sedona Taxing District alone contributed at least 15 percent of the revenue toward operating the College.
The Northern Arizona Council of Governments Workforce Development Board Executive Committee has recommended to the Yavapai County supervisors that the representative of Yavapai College be formally removed. In a letter from the Chair of the Committee, Anita Payne, the stunning reasons for the removal are plainly stated. The letter is set out in full below:
In his 60s, he is also Yavapai College’s Dean of Lifelong Learning. According to the press release from the College, he has accepted the added role as the College’s Sedona community liaison with the goal of “working with the Sedona community to develop plans and programs for the YC Sedona Center that meet the community’s needs and support the College’s mission.” The announcement said that Garvey has already begun spending 2-3 days a week at the Sedona Center.
