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YC president Lisa Rhine

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.

YC Considering Four-Year Degrees

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“We are happy to provide affordable and accessible opportunities, and we anticipate expanding even further the kinds and types of programs we offer.”

Yavapai College (YC) leaders are taking advantage of an opportunity made available when the Arizona Legislature passed Senate Bill 1453 and House Bill 2523 allowing Arizona community colleges to offer four-year degrees.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed the legislation in May, which offers state community colleges the option to consider such degree programs.

YC president Lisa Rhine has formed a group that is exploring the possible launching of such degrees. However, the group must first fulfill legislative obligations: (1) the governing board must provide evidence that there is a workforce demand for expanded programs, (2) demonstrate that there is evidence of financial sustainability for such programs, and (3) prove that such programs would not duplicate what the three state universities offer.

Rhine told Quad Cities Business News, “We are excited to be able to consider offering four-year degrees to our communities. At this point, we have received approval from our District Governing Board to begin the process. I have established a working group to research potential fits, establish community needs. This is, I stress, a process. It will take time”

Vice President of Academic Affairs Diane Ryan, Ph.D. will lead the working group. “Once programs are identified, we will need to develop curricula and seek approval from the YC District Governing Board, the Higher Education Learning Commission, and the Department of Education,” said Rhine.

INCREASING ENROLLMENT

Unlike the majority of community college systems in Arizona, where enrollment fell again this fall, Yavapai College showed an enrollment increase over the fall numbers of the past years. In 2019, enrollment was 7,429. In 2020, enrollment dropped to 6,009. But this year, enrollment increased to 7,526 – a significant increase and one of the highest percentage increases of any college in Arizona.

“The enrollment increase seems to document the growing demand for higher education in Yavapai County,” said Rhine.

Only two other community colleges showed increases this past year. Central Arizona College in Coolidge increased from 4,778 in 2020 to 6,073 in 2021. Arizona Western College in Yuma grew from 6,930 in 2020 to 8,368 in 2021.

Nationally, data released by the National Student Clearinghouse and by Thomas Broch, director of the Community College Research Center at Columbia University, show that community colleges across the country were the hardest hit segment of higher education in enrollment.

“COVID disproportionally impacted the populations that community college largely serve,” said Brock, adding that improved and increased marketing helped students realize that community colleges offer real value.

YC administrators agreed. They acknowledged that in some cases, that meant offering courses at significantly reduced tuition, or as is true for some courses at YC, at no tuition cost. It also meant offering classes at non-traditional times and at varying credit levels.

Rhine praised YC faculty and staff for their efforts in recruiting students. “Our personnel have worked hard to recruit and retain students. They have developed programs that give students an opportunity to reach their academic goals that will lead them to living wages and fulfilling careers.”

Rhine said she and her academic colleagues share the philosophy that the college was providing practical and realistic educational opportunities for students on a countywide basis. “We are happy to provide affordable and accessible opportunities, and we anticipate expanding even further the kinds and types of programs we offer.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN