LEAD classes underway; only 6 LEAD students on Verde Campus

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

Earlier estimate of 12 LEAD students on Verde Campus proves incorrect; only 6 of 24 slots taken on Verde; all 24 taken in Prescott

Classes are underway for the summer bridge program the College calls “LEAD.”  This program allows students who might not otherwise choose college to gain free college credit in a College-like learning environment during the summer.  The program attracted a final total of 6 students to the Verde campus, all from Mingus Union High School.  On the Prescott side, where students are provided free dormitory rooms and food, it attracted 24 students.

LEAD SUMMER PROGRAMOf the 24 students who are living in dorms on the Prescott side of the County, two are from Camp Verde High School and two from Mingus Union High School.  According to Dean Blacklaw, there were no nominations from Sedona Red Rock High School for the free academic program.  

There were 18 open slots for the program remaining when it began on the Verde Campus.

 

Categories : LEAD program

Distance learning not accredited in 10 states

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

BestColleges.com reports ten states do not accredit Yavapai College on-line courses

BestColleges.com ranks Yavapai College as 24th among Community Colleges in affordability when delivering on-line classes using the figure of $72 per credit hour.  Of concern is its claim that 10 states do not allow their residents to take Yavapai Community College classes on-line courses. It would be nice if the administration would provide an answer to why this barrier exists.

2015-06-23_9-11-36

 

Categories : On line classes and accreditation

Board sets no goals — public kept in the dark

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

Governing Board reviews salary and votes increase but sets no goals for College president — keeping the public in the dark

It is hard to believe, however, the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board has not publicly set an annual goal of any kind for its president for the last several years.  The result is that the public is kept completely in the dark about the goals and objectives of the college during its fiscal year. It allows the College to operate with minimal accountability and essentially in secret.

TOP SECRET

There are no public goals set for the president of Yavapai College; therefore, the public is kept in the dark.

By comparison, when the salary of Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng’ was set, the Arizona Board of Regents included a number of specific goals or incentives for her to achieve.  They included reaching out to Arizona’s Native American communities and developing a plan to increase Native American student success rates; retaining at least 75 percent of NAU’s freshmen class in 2016-17, spending at least $39.2 million on research, awarding at least 4,625 bachelor’s degrees and having at least 3,200 community college transfer students enroll at NAU. 

Without specific goals and objectives, the Yavapai Board relies on the obscure and little understood Carver model of governance.  It is another way the Community College continues to operate in secret.

Categories : Secret meetings

Governing Board extends Wills’ contract one year

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2015

Wills’ receives 1.7 percent increase  in base salary and retention of existing expense account and other benefits  (Exact salary details remain closely guarded secret)

By a 4-1 vote, the Community College District Governing Board approved a 1.7% increase in the base salary of Community College president Penelope Wills’ at its June 9 meeting for one year through 2018.  It also approved retention of existing perks such as expense accounts and other unnamed benefits.

TOP SECRET

Wills’ salary a closely guarded secret.

Under Arizona law, a community college president’s contract must run for three years. Therefore, to continue Wills’ in her position  for more than the initial three years, the  Board must approve adding another year onto her contract every year to maintain a consistent three year agreement.

The amount of the base salary of the nature and extent of the perks the president received were not disclosed and remain a closely guarded secret from the public. Representative Deb McCasland voted against the increase stating she believed the salary should remain at its current level.

Because of the secrecy surrounding the terms of the contract, no data comparing whatever her salary is with that of other community college presidents in Arizona was not available to the public.  

 

 

 

Categories : Secret meetings, Wills salary

Vice chair of the Verde Valley Advisory Committee of the Yavapai College District Governing Board speaks out

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, June 21st, 2015

Regner outlines post-secondary needs for the Verde Valley

Bill Regner, the vice chair of the Verde Valley Advisory Committee of the Yavapai College District Governing Board, outlined the post-secondary needs of the Verde Valley in his commentary in the Verde Independent of June 21, 2015. The full commentary can be ready by clicking here.

Mr. Bill Regner

Mr. Bill Regner

According to Mr. Regner, the following are most the most important issues for the Verde Valley when considering how to improve post-secondary learning opportunities.

• Residents want affordable, relevant, and quality post-secondary education opportunities.

• Accessibility under the current Community College scheme for many Verde Valley residents is hindered if they are required to travel around or over a mountain range.

• The College must approach the delivery of post-secondary education in the eastern and western portions of the County differently.

• Career and technical education programs need to become more centralized in the Verde Valley.

• There must be increased recruitment and marketing both locally and outside of the region.

• If affordable housing for students does not exist in the Verde Valley through the local housing market, then it becomes in the interest of the College to explore providing it through dormitories or contracts with private providers.
Consider a new approach to Foundation fundraising if the current model is not working.

• The Verde Valley needs an advocate with a strong Verde Valley regional identity either home grown or adopted. This person must be able to advocate effectively with the College administration and/or the District Governing Board.

•Make certain that every motivated student in the Verde Valley has the opportunity to get their first two years of core subjects completed while still benefitting from the support system of family and community.

• The Valley needs state-of-the-art broadband capacity.

• The Valley needs a hybrid model of centralized campuses and remote learning centers.

The  full Committee report can be found by clicking here. 

Categories : Advisory Committees

Student organizations on Prescott campus outnumber Verde campus and Sedona Center by 13-1

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, June 20th, 2015

Wide disparity in student organizations  between the East and West sides of Yavapai County another indication of poor  Community College development on the East side of County

Another clear indication of the failure to effectively develop the Community College on the East side of Yavapai County is the absence of student organizations in Sedona and the Verde Valley when compared to the development of student organizations in Prescott.

The College stresses the importance of student organizations on its website. It says that “There’s no better way to become active within the College community than working with like-minded people to achieve a common goal. Participation in clubs and organizations provides you with opportunities for Community Service, helps you make new friends and generate new interests and provides you with activities that promote personal and professional growth.”

Here is a list of organizations for 2014-15 and a short explanation about them. There are 13 listed on the Prescott campus; a total of 1 on the Verde Campus.

Student Clubs in Sedona and the Verde Valley (1)

Student Nurses Association. All students enrolled in the nursing program are members. This club works with the community on several projects during the school year to assist those who may have health, financial, or educational needs.

Student Clubs in Prescott (13)

Baha’i Association: Promote racial unity, equality of men and women, and world citizenship through the tenets of the Baha’i Faith.

English Club: The English Club is for those who delight in reading and writing, and talking about reading and writing. Come share your reading, your writing, and your love of language and its power..

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club: Yavapai HOSA offers students an opportunity to learn leadership skills along with refining their career skill. It also teaches about professionalism and community service.

International Adventures Club:  Experience Yavapai College’s cultural diversity – learn about the habits and beliefs of others! Explore international cuisine, music and dance styles, all while developing new friendships!

Juggling Club: Learn to juggle or share your juggling skills!

Native American Club:  Provides opportunities for both Native American students and staff to interact with and to support each other through a variety of inter-tribal activities.

Northern AZ National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAZAEYC): Open to students in education and early childhood education fields. Club projects and activities promote community involvement, networking, discussion, and action around current issues facing early childhood and education fields.

SSS-TRiO:  SSS-TRiO promotes academic success for eligible, certificate and/or degree-seeking students who have completed the SSS TRIO Orientation.

Student Nurses Association of YC (SNAYC): The SNA-YC is a pre-professional organization committed to supporting and mentoring future nurses by providing opportunities in: 1) Leadership, 2) Professional Development and 3) Community Service. Membership is open to pre-nursing and nursing students.

Veteran Connection Club:  Establish communication with Yavapai College veterans and military organizations in order to promote personal and professional development of students, veterans (including active, retired, or drilling status service members), veteran’s families, and any supporter of the United States Military branches through learning opportunities, networking, and volunteerism.

YC Pride Club:  The Pride Club is established to promote the fair treatment and acceptance of GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered) people. We seek to bring a safe and non-judgmental environment to the campus for all who desire acceptance and tolerance.

Young Life at Yavapai College:  Crazy fun! Adventure! Significance!

Student Leadership Council: Meeting: Bi-monthly 9:30-11:30am Prescott 2-138.  The Student Leadership Council (SLC) is responsible for maintaining a communication link between students, faculty, staff, and administration. It is a student resource and service organization. SLC provides a voice for student concerns and ideas for improvement of Yavapai College.

Categories : Student Organizations, Underserving the Verde Valley

Allegations against Dr. Wills not substantiated

By R. Oliphant
Friday, June 19th, 2015

Seven allegations made against President Wills not substantiated; nature and scope of claims unclear as of now

The College has reported on its website that allegations brought by Board member Deb McCasland against Dr. Wills were “without merit and lacking in factual support.” According to the College web site, “In a public report following an executive session review of the allegations, the Board stated, `The review did not substantiate any of the allegations against Dr. Wills.’ Each of the seven allegations were evaluated as part of the due diligence review was determined to be without merit and lacking in factual support.”

You may view the College news release regarding the allegations by clicking here.  The Blog is in the process of attempting to obtain a copy of the public report issued at the close of Tuesday’s Board meeting.

 

 

Categories : Allegations

College facilities supervisor charged

By R. Oliphant
Friday, June 19th, 2015

Community College facilities supervisor charged with allegedy viewing child porn using College computer

Andrew Barnhart, 67, a Yavapai Community College facilities supervisor, has been arrested and charged with viewing websites  that depict young children being sexually exploited.  According to the Prescott Daily Courier, when he was told he was being investigated by the college administration, and was placed on administrative leave, Barnhart resigned. 

arrested 1Barnhard was taken to the Camp Verde jail where he is free after posting posted $15,000 bail.  The full story in the Courier may be accessed by clicking here.

Categories : Crime

President says cartoon and editorial inappropriate

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, June 17th, 2015

Wills’ speculates that newspaper cartoon may hurt chances of getting gift if College loses out in grant writing war for DK ranch

At the May monthly meeting of the District Governing Board, President Penelope Wills refused to give Representative Deb McCasland an update on the grant application that was in the works for the D.K. ranch in the Verde Valley. However, at the June meeting, an obviously angry Wills’ gave a full update without being asked by anyone. That 4 minute report can be accessed by clicking here.

During the update, Wills  focused on the Sedona Redrock News (but not by name) and a cartoon and editorial in that paper to take the blame if the College grant request is denied. Wills’ told the Governing Board that the paper seems “to be mocking” this potential gift.

If the newspaper was “mocking” the College and the potential gift, it should have come as no surprise to Wills. The Blog believes the Cartoon, which appears below, acccurtely depicts how most folks in the Valley feel about the domination by Prescott over Sedona and the Valley.  Wills’ did not identify the date of the editorial so the Blog cannot link you to that item.

 

DK RANCH   

Categories : Gift of ranch, Verde Campus

Details of secret Allied Health meeting revealed

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, June 17th, 2015

Meeting notes reveal YCC president Penelope Wills aggressively laying foundation for new campus in Prescott Valley with politicians, staff, and Northern Arizona University

TOP SECRETYou may recall that the Blog’s video reporter was denied access to a meeting held by College president Penelope Wills with NAU and the mayor and Prescott Valley Town Council on March 26. Since that time, Wills’ has been saying that the minutes of the meeting will be publicly available.  Finally, they were received by the Blog on June 16.

The minutes revealed that this was the third Health Summit Wills’ has been involved in.  It also reveals the aggressive nature of the Wills’ effort to move the plans for an Allied Health campus in Prescott Valley along.

Here, for the first time, is a published  list of the persons who attended this “secret” meeting in Prescott Valley.

Northern Arizona University:
Dr. Rita Cheng, President
Christy Farley, Vice President Government Affairs and Business Partnerships
Dr. Laura Huenneke, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Leslie Schulz, Executive Dean, College of Health and Human Services
Debera Thomas, Dean of Nursing
Fred Hurst, Senior Vice President, Extended Campuses
Karen Appleby, Senior Assistant to Provost
Susan Johnstad, Assistant Vice President and Campus Executive Officer for Extended Campuses

Yavapai College:
Dr. Penny Wills, President
Dr. Stuart Blacklaw, Provost & Vice President for Instruction & Student Development
Scott Farnsworth, Dean for Sciences & Health
Mary Brown, Director for Nursing Programs
Nancy Bowers, Director for Allied Health
Rich LeClair, Director for Radiology Program
Tania Sheldahl, Dean for Student Development

Town of Prescott Valley:
Harvey Skoog, Mayor
Lora Lee Nye, Vice Mayor
Larry Tarkowski, Town Manager
Richard Anderson, Council member
Marty Grossman, Council member
Mike Whiting, Council member
Marnie Uhl, Director for Prescott Valley Chamber

Yavapai County Professional Leaders:
Mike Paredes, Director for Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation
Donna Jacobs, Director, Northern Arizona VA Health Care System
Kerrie Whilhoite, Northern Arizona VA Health Care System
John Amos, Chief Executive Officer, Yavapai Regional Medical Center
Mark Timm , Executive Director of Human Resources, Yavapai Regional Medical Center
Frank Alemendarez, East County Administrator, Yavapai Regional Medical Center
Judy Baum, Chief Executive Officer, Mountain Valley Rehabilitation Hospital

Yavapai College:
Deb McCasland, District Governing Board member
Steve Irwin, District Governing Board member.

Categories : Allied Health Campus, Politics, Prescott Campus, Ten Year Plan Construction
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