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Yavapai College Commencement Ceremonies Celebrate Achievements of More than One Thousand Students

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Commencement is about dreams realized for our graduates.

As a college president, there isn’t any other day that is more special, more exhilarating or more fulfilling than Commencement Day. For those of us in higher education, this is the biggest event of the year! It’s where we see the fruits of our labor and our mission fulfilled. And for our students and those who love them, it’s a day where hard work, perseverance and sacrifice have paid off.

Commencement is about dreams realized for our graduates. Never let it be said that dreaming is a waste of one’s time. Dreams are our realities in waiting. In dreams, we plant the seeds of our future. Dreams motivate and inspire. Dreams cause us to persevere under difficult circumstances and dreams create a focus in our lives.

More than 1,000 dreams were realized this year at Yavapai College’s spring commencement ceremonies. Two ceremonies were held at the Sedona Performing Arts Centers on May 6 for Verde Valley graduates, and another ceremony was held at Prescott Valley’s Findlay Toyota Center on May 7 for Prescott-area graduates.

Overall, an astounding 1,068 students, the majority of whom reside in Yavapai County, received a combined 1,351 degrees and certificates from YC this past year. This is a massive cohort of students and further shows that Yavapai College is completing its mission of providing accessible and affordable education to its residents.

The beautiful thing about Yavapai College is the diversity in age and the types of students who attend. Our youngest graduate this year was born in 2007. He is 15 years old, resides in Paulden and graduated with his Automotive Technician Certificate.

Our oldest graduate resides in Cottonwood, was born in 1938, and is 84 years old. She completed her associate of arts degree and Arizona General Education Certificate-A.

YC had 120 graduates under the age of 18 this year and 36 graduates over the age of 55.

All of YC’s students have found the strength to persevere under trying circumstances. They now know that no matter what challenges may come their way, they have the strength to prevail.

I’d like to salute Yavapai College’s graduates one more time. YC has been blessed by your presence and engagement with us, and we are humbled and proud to be part of your personal story. QCBN

By Lisa Rhine

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the tenth 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.

YC Celebrates National Recognition for Leadership, Student Success Initiative

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In my four short years at YC as president, Chair McCasland has avidly supported YC, its students and our communities.

Yavapai College was recently recognized on the national level by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Deb McCasland, Yavapai College District Governing Board chair, was named the National Trustee of the Year, a tremendous honor and one that is so well deserved. In addition, the college Promise Program and I were finalists for Outstanding Student Success Initiative and CEO of the Year.

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. 

Poised for a Rapidly Changing Educational Landscape

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We will continue to tackle our challenges head-on.

Yavapai College is poised for the future. In a post-pandemic world, where K-12 and higher education have changed significantly, YC is thriving.

Here are a few things that our college can celebrate:

  • The college awarded 466 degrees in 2020-2021, a growth of 58% from 2018-2019. This means that our students are completing their degrees at a higher rate than ever before.
  • The college awarded 484 Arizona General Education Certificates in 2020-2021, a growth of a whopping 84% from 2018-2019. Again, more students are completing these AZ Gen-Ed certificates than ever before.
  • YC’s first- to second-year retention rate in 2018 was 58%. In 2021, it was up to 63%. This means that students are returning for their second year to achieve their desired goals.
  • YC’s Hispanic student enrollment has grown to 24%, and we are now on the verge of becoming a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HIS) by the federal government.
  • The YC Foundation issued $1.03 million in scholarships and program supports in 2021-2022. This represents an increase of 35% since 2019, which is fantastic for our students.
  • The student default rate went from 25.5% in 2017 to 3.7% in 2022. This is huge for our students. It means they are finishing their degrees at YC and leaving without unnecessary debt.

YC has also:

  • Received its decennial accreditation with no findings or areas of concern.
  • Launched its first baccalaureate degree and received accreditation approval.
  • Received a stellar review and reaccreditation for its nursing program.
  • Been granted International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators accreditation for the College’s Campus Safety department.
  • Added a self-funded Promise program that reimburses student tuition upon completion.
  • Created and launched an Early College Academy for high school students.
  • Increased athletic programs from four to eight.
  • Received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
  • Been nominated for a national award for student success initiatives by the American Association of Community Colleges.

At Yavapai College, we understand that there are many challenges ahead. But it is important to recognize successes; this list above is something that our students, employees and communities should celebrate.

We will continue to tackle our challenges head-on. We will adapt as needed to ensure that our students and communities have the opportunity to receive the highest quality of education that we can offer at an affordable price. QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

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 more than 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.

Yavapai College Leaping Toward the Future with Classes in the Metaverse

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“Metaversity,” as it is being called, is an immersive way for students to learn through virtual and augmented reality.

The future of education is a hot topic as technology and innovation continue to change every industry. To excel in the future, we must accept these changes and adapt our current structures to take advantage of what technology can provide. It makes me proud that Yavapai College has its eyes set on the future, and the Metaverse is one of our focus areas.

“Metaversity,” as it is being called, is an immersive way for students to learn through virtual and augmented reality. The college has landed a grant with Meta and will partner with VictoryXR, a company specializing in virtual reality education. The grant provides Yavapai College with 25 Meta Quest 2 headsets to be used by students and instructors. The college will also have 10 branded classrooms at VictoryXR’s Virtual Academy. In addition, YC faculty and staff will receive training from VictoryXR.

The current form of traditional online learning can be difficult for students. Online learning presents itself as passive and unenjoyable via video conferencing. In contrast, VictoryXR’s immersive classrooms and campuses allow students to interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment through virtual reality. Educators are given training and 3D objects to teach a variety of subjects to students.

I participated in classes at the VictoryXR Virtual Academy and it is an incredible way to teach and learn. It is the future. We must change the mindset that technology will eliminate the need for people to work or learn. It is not, but it will change how people work and learn.

YC will now begin to determine which classes it will offer in the Metaverse, with the goal of the first classes being offered in the upcoming fall 2023 semester. YC will become one of the only community colleges in the country teaching in the Metaverse.

Students interested in taking classes in the metaverse should visit www.yc.edu/meta and fill out the information form.

I look forward to offering our students and communities the future of education where they can take advantage of cutting-edge learning experiences that are currently not widely available QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

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.

Yavapai College Announces First Bachelor’s Degree in Business

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In May, Senate Bill 1453 passed into state law, allowing community colleges in Arizona to offer baccalaureate degrees.

On Jan. 10, 2023, Yavapai College announced that it would offer a Bachelor of Science in business degree with a concentration in organizational management and leadership. Registration for classes begins April 17, with classes starting Aug. 12.

It is the first baccalaureate degree to be offered at Yavapai College and the first baccalaureate to be offered by any rural community college in Arizona.

In May, Senate Bill 1453 passed into state law, allowing community colleges in Arizona to offer baccalaureate degrees.

After years of effort in this state, we are thrilled to receive this authorization. Yavapai College was at the forefront of the lobbying effort for SB1453 because we know how much of an impact it could have in our county.

Our goal in creating the degree was simple – we want to launch degrees that make sense for community members of all ages, demographics and occupations. Degrees that can instantly transform lives, help them reach a higher job level, increase their wages, start something new, grow something current, and most importantly, not be gouged with financial or travel burdens. We want our students to graduate from YC, and we want them to stay in Yavapai County.

The Bachelor of Science in business degree will have a tuition price of just $155 per credit for the upper-level courses, a massive discount compared to other baccalaureate options. There are also no additional program fees, and all classes will have open educational resources or zero-cost textbooks.

This is a game-changer for our communities.

Additionally, the degree is accessible. It will have an entirely online class option and can also be taken in traditional 16-week classes or in condensed eight-week semesters, significantly reducing students’ time to completion.

The Organizational Management and Leadership Concentration opens the door for this degree to be taken by almost anyone in any occupation.

I couldn’t be more excited that Yavapai College has embarked on this journey. Most importantly, I am thrilled to see the impact this degree will have on our students, communities, businesses and the overall growth of Yavapai County.

If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in business degree at Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu/bsb and fill out the information form so that our staff can reach out to get you started. QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

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.

Healthcare Frontlines Soon to Gain More Than Forty New Nurses

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Rhine concluded her remarks by sharing a quote from an anonymous source: “Not all angels wear wings. Some wear scrubs.”

A passing score on a national exam is now the only thing separating 45 new Yavapai College Nursing Program graduates and their dreams of joining the healthcare frontlines.

The 45 men and women representing both the YC Prescott and Verde Valley campuses celebrated their successful nursing student journeys with a traditional pinning ceremony Dec. 9 in the YC Performing Arts Center. The pinning of each graduate by one or a bevy of loved ones was a highlight of the ceremony that also featured emotional speeches and a recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge.

YC Nursing Professor Maria Thomas fought back tears several times as she congratulated the fall 2022 graduates, all sporting blue scrubs and seated closely together on the YCPAC stage. Turning the podium so she could speak directly to her former students, Thomas said, “The reality of work is often a shock to the system and the first year of a nursing career is said to be the toughest. I’m counting on you to handle it because I might be the patient in that bed,” she said, garnering audience laughter. Turning serious, Thomas encouraged graduates to continue to give their best to any job or challenge they encounter.

“I have faith you will turn into the most amazing professionals and I’m proud to have played a part,” Thomas said.

In her congratulatory remarks to fall nursing graduates, YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine applauded their fortitude, diligence and sacrifices and the support and sacrifices of their families. While acknowledging the challenges they likely will face in these uncertain times, Rhine urged the future RNs to “practice the art and science of nursing with your amazing minds and loving hearts and always continue to build on what you have learned at Yavapai College.”

Rhine concluded her remarks by sharing a quote from an anonymous source: “Not all angels wear wings. Some wear scrubs.” QCBN

For information about YC’s acclaimed nursing program, visit yc.edu/nursing.

Courtesy Photo: Yavapai College Nursing Program graduates gathered for photos before traditional ceremonies.

Yavapai College Announces Changes in Master Plan, Tuition, Partnerships

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For the first time in several years, YC tuition and fees are going up.

Over the past two months, Yavapai College leadership has approved a Campus Master Plan, increases in tuition and fees, and partnerships with several other community colleges, Northern Arizona University and the Arizona Commerce Authority.

The Campus Master Plan (CMP) serves as a roadmap to help guide the college in its next several years, and incorporates YC’s Strategic Plan to determine where to invest resources in campuses and facilities. That plan, following several months of review by the YC District Governing Board (DGB), was approved in November. Individual projects will be reviewed and voted on separately as they are presented by the college to the DGB.

Key plans to be considered in the future include:

  • A learning and digital commons. This concept involves state-of-the-art multimedia collaboration centers at both the Prescott and the Verde Valley campuses. The intent is to enrich student learning experiences by providing access to books, digital library resources, digital learning tools and academic support systems.
  • The integration and expansion of Health Sciences. Recent studies revealed that some regional needs for allied health occupations exist. Based on expected growth in health sciences and the need to bring health science programs into one building, consideration is being given to a new Integrated Health Center.
  • Workforce development. College officials see the potential for expanding workforce training programs, which are adapted to local market needs and provide improved access to quality jobs in the immediate region.
  • Increased campus housing. A study completed in 2020 by Brailsford & Dunlavey indicates that the college needs more student and workforce housing. That became particularly apparent when community housing prices outpaced local and regional facilities. The Facilities Master Plan recommends that student and college employee housing be considered for both the east and the west campuses.

Tuition, Fees to Increase

For the first time in several years, YC tuition and fees are going up. Clint Ewell, vice president of YC Finance and Administrative Services, said that YC is considered one of the most affordable higher education options in Arizona. “We have the second-lowest cost in the state of Arizona. The Arizona public four-year school average is $12,000, and our price is $2,300.” He added that a new student could save $10,000 during both freshman and sophomore years.

Partnerships to Redesign Higher Education

In a collaboration led by NAU President Luis Cruz Rivera, a first-of-its kind partnership with 10 community college districts across the state of Arizona will launch this fall when an exploratory commission comprised of representatives from community colleges, NAU and the Arizona Commerce Authority convene in what is being called “Arizona Attainment Alliance.”

Cruz Rivera said that despite having one of the fastest growing economies in the nation, Arizona’s associate, bachelor’s and graduate educational attainment rates have fallen behind the rest of the nation.

He said the innovative coalition can dramatically boost statewide postsecondary attainment in areas that were aligned with high-demand and high-paying jobs that fuel the Arizona economy.

YCF President Lisa Rhine said she sees the alliance as yet another opportunity to impact the lives of students by expanding the education workforce to be valuable contributors to the future financial viability of the state.

According to AAA founders, institutions across Arizona are eager for planning to begin in the fall. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Photo by Ray Newton: An electronic billboard on the main campus of Yavapai College in Prescott urges students to enroll.

YC Positioned as a Leader in the New Educational Landscape

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By investing in their education at YC, the study showed that students see a return of $6.10 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest.

As president of Yavapai College, I wish all our students and communities a safe and healthy new year filled with joy.

I am excited for the year to come at YC. We are continuing our mission of providing accessible, affordable education to the residents of Yavapai County. Our array of academic programs, extracurricular activities and cultural enrichment opportunities are of the highest quality.

I continue to be amazed by Yavapai College’s impact on our communities. In 2020, a study was conducted to show how Yavapai College benefits its communities through an economic and investment analysis.

Using data from 2017-18, the study showed that YC added $160.1 million in income to the Yavapai County economy, a value of approximately 2.3% of the county’s total gross regional product (GRP). Expressed in terms of jobs, YC’s impact supported 2,969 jobs. For perspective, the activities of YC and its students support one out of every 35 jobs in Yavapai County.

Over the years, students have studied at YC and entered or re-entered the workforce with newly acquired knowledge and skills. Thousands of these former students are employed in Yavapai County. The net impact of YC’s former students employed in the county workforce amounted to $118.2 million in added income in FY 2017-18.

By investing in their education at YC, the study showed that students see a return of $6.10 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest. Students’ average annual rate of return is 22.3%.

As a result of YC, taxpayers will benefit from added tax revenue stemming from students’ higher lifetime earnings and increased business output, amounting to $42.6 million. A reduced demand for government-funded services in Arizona will add another $3.8 million in benefits to taxpayers. Total benefits to Arizona taxpayers amount to $46.4 million.

Now in a post-pandemic world, almost everything in education has changed somehow.

YC endeavors to be a leader in this new educational landscape, not a follower. We are adapting and evolving to ensure that the data above increases yearly to ensure YC propels our communities forward.

A new economic impact study is currently in production and I am excited to see those results later this spring.

So, as we dive into 2023, I urge all of our community members to connect with us – your community college. Whether you are a traditional or non-traditional student, a parent, a lifelong learner, are looking to reskill or upskill, or have a strong passion for a particular subject, Yavapai College has something for you to enrich your mind and lifestyle.

Thank you for your continued support and Happy New Year! QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution more than 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 more than 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.

Yavapai College Gives High School Students Head Start

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This fall’s pilot partnership is with Prescott High School and it has proven to be a resounding success.

The Early College Academy is a program in which high school students complete YC classes through concurrent enrollment at a YC campus in partnership with their high school while simultaneously fulfilling high school graduation requirements. Students have the opportunity to complete general education classes, an AGEC (Arizona General Education Curriculum certificate), or an associate degree while in high school. The high school partner pays the tuition for the YC classes and YC provides a space for the high school students to meet and complete their required coursework.

This fall’s pilot partnership is with Prescott High School and it has proven to be a resounding success. Currently, 17 seniors are enrolled in the Early College Academy. PHS is already looking to expand the program to more seniors and juniors next year.

Yavapai College is also working with other high school districts throughout the county to expand the Early College Academy to more high school students.

It is a tremendous opportunity for students to flourish, as shown by some current student testimonials:

“I decided to apply to the Early College Academy because I felt like I was lacking motivation and happiness at school, and I needed a change of atmosphere. I also liked the idea of getting ahead with some college credits.”

“I hadn’t expected to find a community of students equally as driven as myself. It’s made me realize that a person’s environment is everything, and I feel like I can truly be me here.”

The Early College Academy is just another way in which Yavapai College is working to provide accessible, affordable education to students of all ages and backgrounds. I am delighted that we are able to bring high school students to our campus to enrich their learning experience, reduce college costs and shorten time to degree completion. QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

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 more than 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.

Yavapai College is All In on Athletics

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Community support is a crucial aspect of a thriving athletic program.

The fall 2022 semester at Yavapai College is in full swing, and with that comes athletic competition.

At YC, we have made a commitment to athletics by adding programs, support staff and resources.

I am proud that over the past two years, we have added women’s soccer and e-sports, and later this fall, our men’s and women’s basketball teams will tip off seasons for the first time since the programs were discontinued in 2011.

With the addition of these four programs, Yavapai College now sponsors eight National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I teams (men’s soccer, volleyball, softball, baseball), which is the highest level of competition in community college athletics.

Athletics is near and dear to my heart because I was a student-athlete. I played and served as co-captain of my two-time state championship high school team in Kettering, Ohio. Upon graduation, I was afforded the opportunity to attend Eastern Michigan University to play field hockey.

That opportunity existed because of a scholarship; without that financial assistance, I would not have been able to attend college. It provided the opportunity to further my education that, little did I know, would change my life trajectory, become my passion and help me realize my purpose.

Athletics gave me life lessons and skills that have allowed me to progress in my professional career and personal life. These include leadership development, social responsibility, self-management, wellness and life skills. In leadership, I learned how to empower others and inspire action toward group goals. In athletics, you must be dedicated to advancing the group purpose and desired group outcomes, a skill I still use today in leading the college.

Our athletes at Yavapai College are some of the best in the country, and they recognize that they are students and athletes. They accept the rigorous responsibilities of both roles and collectively excel every year in competition and the classroom.

Many of them would not have had this opportunity to continue their athletic endeavors without Yavapai College, and most are going to be our future leaders, similar to where I was when I went to Eastern Michigan.

I am proud of our athletes and fully support all eight athletic programs. We strongly support our athletic programs as one of the best athletic departments at the Division I community college level.

Community support is a crucial aspect of a thriving athletic program. I urge you to attend a game this year and join in on the Roughrider spirit, cheering on our teams that feature many statewide and local Yavapai County standouts.

You can keep up to date on all of the Roughrider athletic news, schedules and results daily at www.goroughriders.com. 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 tenth 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.