In my four short years at YC as president, Chair McCasland has avidly supported YC, its students and our communities.
McCasland, a YC alumna who has served on the District Governing Board for eight years, the last three as chair, was nominated for AACC Trustee of the Year by Dr. David B. Borofsky, director of the Arizona Association of Community College Trustees. The award honors a trustee who has made significant contributions to the college, demonstrated exceptional leadership and presided over significant achievements that benefit the college, district, state, system or foundation.
In his nomination letter, Borofsky lauded McCasland’s “amazing growth” as a leader, her tireless community engagement and statewide advocacy efforts, and her unmatched passion for student success. “She is THE trustee focused on student success,” Borofsky wrote.
In my four short years at YC as president, Chair McCasland has avidly supported YC, its students and our communities. She is a true leader, and her passion and dedication toward student success never waivers.
In 1976, Deb started her 34-year career as the Student Activities director at Yavapai College. Her most successful achievements were founding and developing the Community Events program and the Performing Arts Charitable Endowment. In 2010, Deb was chosen as an Outstanding Yavapai College alumnus and retired from Yavapai College in 2011 as director of Major Gifts. She has been elected three times to represent District 2 on the Yavapai College District Governing Board.
The AACC is a non-profit advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges. It represents nearly 1,200 institutions and more than 11 million students. The Awards of Excellence reflect and advance the association’s priorities and spotlight “promising practices” among member colleges.
It was overwhelming to attend the national awards gala. And for YC to be a finalist in three categories, and win one, shows that we are moving in the right direction and our peers throughout the country recognize it. QCBN
By Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D.
Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.
In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.
Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.
Courtesy Photo: Yavapai College receives prestigious awards from the American Association of Community Colleges. AACC representatives flank YC District Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland and YC President Lisa Rhine.