Dean Redd publicly reveals the incredible pressure she was placed under by  Prescott bosses who apparently feared some vague kind of collusion against them if she worked with certain citizens and civic leaders

Editor: Robert E. Oliphant

OPINION. It is little wonder that former Sedona Center/Verde Campus Dean Dr. Tina Redd quit her job after only one year. In information just provided to the public, she describes, among other things, the enormous pressure she experienced because her Prescott-based bosses did not want her to consort or communicate with certain groups or civic leaders in the Verde Valley. She was to stay away from these people even if they voiced legitimate concerns, wanted to work with her, respected, and were fond of  her.

Dr. Redd outlined her situation in a letter sent to the Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine. She wrote that: “My team and I have successfully increased educational opportunities in the Verde Valley, created a better work environment for Verde faculty and staff, and made good progress in creating stronger relationships between Yavapai College and Verde Valley stakeholders.” However, “Despite this, I have experienced stressful, disheartening, and challenging work dynamics that have limited my potential and created unacceptable levels of work-related stress.”

In the same letter, Dr. Redd explained  how  hostility coming from Prescott execs toward some in the Valley was directly affecting her work:  “I feel there is general hostility toward the politically-active constituents in the Verde Valley that impedes my ability to represent and support the community.” 

The “politically-active constituents” she refers to are apparently those residents and civic leaders who publicly speak out about concerns of a lack of classes, attention, and a 50-year failure of development in Sedona and the Verde Valley. 

And her worst sin. She was “respected” and “liked” by the politically active constituents, concerned citizens, civic leaders, and others throughout the east side of the County.

Dr. Redd explained in her letter the consequences she perceived coming from her Prescott-based bosses because she received this kind of respect from all quarters in Sedona and the Verde Valley: “I often feel that being respected and liked in the Verde Valley is seen as collusion with citizens and civic leaders who are vocal about their concerns regarding college programming and taxpayer contributions.” 

Think of it. A public servant working tirelessly for a publicly supported taxpayer institution whose bosses apparently feared she might somehow collude with politically active local residents and civic leaders and challenge their iron fisted authoritarian control. What a childish view coming from Prescott. What a dreadful situation for her. Her bosses were not only hostile toward certain Valley residents  they considered “politically active”  but also considered Dr. Redd as possibly “colluding” in some fantasy against them because she was popular among these and other Valley residents.

Collusion. Hostility. Disrespect. These are the ingredients of a recipe cooked up by insecure Prescott bosses most likely designed to maintain total control over Dr. Redd and ensure total control over community college development in the Verde Valley. It is a recipe that would drive any principled person from the Dean’s job.

The disclosures have made two things crystal clear: First, Valley residents can be assured that Dr. Redd’s  permanent replacement will be a lacky to her Prescott bosses, their whims, and ways. That person will be on a constant hot seat to ensure as much as possible that certain residents and civic leaders voices are not heard and that they play no role in their own local community college.

Second, Valley residents can likewise be assured that as long as Prescott maintains its ruthless  control of community college development on the east side of the County via messages sent by them and mouthed by a newly hired, closely monitored Dean, there will be little serious attention paid to the real present and long-term educational needs on that side of Mingus Mountain.

Robert Oliphant.