Yavapai College Positions for the Future

This past year was a landmark year for Yavapai College (YC), filled with outstanding accomplishments, partnerships and exciting things to come.

As president of YC, I can assure you that where we are today did not happen overnight. Our faculty, staff and administrators have worked tirelessly through the last several years to transform the institution’s collective approach into one that is forward-thinking, innovative and student-centered.

Please, make no mistake, rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic was not an easy task. Our faculty, staff, students and communities remained resilient throughout the most difficult times, making it possible to return to in-person classes and face-to-face services in fall 2021.

Not only did we return in person, but we hit the ground running.

We understand that the landscape of higher education is changing. Our workforce has many options available to reskill and upskill. The skills and degrees that businesses are now seeking have flipped in the last few years.

Our job as educators is to be flexible and adaptable, and at Yavapai College, we are working to do just that. Our new strategic plan, enacted this past year, lays the framework for what we believe is an innovative approach that addresses the needs of our students and our communities.

The strategic plan includes four pillars:

1. Belonging: Strengthen our commitment to individual and organizational efforts to build respect, dignity, caring, equality and self-esteem in all employees and students.
2. Living Wage: Ensure a program mix that prepares graduates to obtain living wage jobs.
3. Adult Learners: Respond to shifting community and workforce needs to serve adult learners.
4. Delivery: Redefine time, place and methods of educational delivery to create a more learner-centric environment.

Education, economic development and community activities and support continue to focus on student success as our No. 1 priority. Student success includes high school, current, future, traditional, non-traditional, lifelong learners, personal interest and everyone in between.

We know that individuals’ successes directly impact our communities’ future. The knowledge, skills and expertise they gain from Yavapai College will enhance the quality of life for us all.

Throughout the coming months, I will use this space to showcase some fantastic academic programs, student success initiatives, community events and more that allow Yavapai College to be a premier place to learn and grow.

I hope you continue to support Yavapai College’s endeavors and the future of many students who need accessible and affordable education in our communities. 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.