Author Archive for R. Oliphant – Page 28

STATE OF ARIZONA INCREASES ANNUAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, March 8th, 2023

Total of $6.4 million comes with strings attached 

Yavapai Community College Vice President of Finance and Administrative Serves Dr Clint Ewell reported to the District Governing Board at its Budget Workshop Meeting,  Friday, February 24, 2023, that the State of Arizona has increased its annual financial support for Yavapai Community College to $6.4 million.

According to Dr. Ewell, Dr. Rhine and her colleagues deserve recognition for their successful lobbying efforts, which resulted in the passing of Prop 207 and Rural Aid, securing nearly $4 million in funding for the college. However, Dr. Ewell pointed out that a significant portion of the new financial aid comes with restrictions on how it can be used, limiting it to specific programs. Additionally, Dr. Ewell noted that the state’s financial support for Operations and Maintenance is minimal.

You may view Dr. Ewell’s short one minute report (video clip)  by clicking here. 

Total of current state funding by program.

Categories : Budget

YAVAPAI COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT TIM CARTER ANNOUNCES THREE FINALISTS TO FILL THE THIRD DISTRICT YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOVERNING BOARD SEAT

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, March 4th, 2023

The three finalists are: Dr. Jack Dillenberg of Jerome, Mrs. Stephanie Harrison of Sedona, and Mr. Toby Payne of Clarkdale; Cathy Ransom from Cottonwood didn’t make final cut;  winner to be announced March 10

Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter has announced the finalists to fill the Third District Yavapai Community College Governing Board seat. They are Dr. Jack Dillenberg of Jerome, Mrs. Stephanie Harrison of Sedona, and Mr. Toby Payne of Clarkdale; Cathy Ransom from Cottonwood didn’t make the final cut;  winner to be announced March 10.

The following is a portion of Mr. Carter’s press release regarding the selection:

As has been the historical precedent for community college appointments, Superintendent Carter has appointed a five (5) member Candidate Review Committee. Committee members reside in District 3. The committee is made up of a taxpayer, a faculty member, a student, an elected official, and a person who works in the area of workforce development.

The committee met on Tuesday, February 28th in Cottonwood to review letters of interest, resumes, and letters of recommendation. The committee drafted a set of questions to be used for the interviews and determined three finalists who will be interviewed in Sedona on March 6th.

The candidates are listed in alphabetical order:

Dr. Jack Dillenberg of Jerome. Bachelor of Science from Tulane University, Masters Degree in Public Health from Harvard and Doctorate at New York University, College of Dentistry. Previous Assistant Director and Director with both the Arizona and California Department of Health Services and Dean Emeritus of the A.T. Still’s University’s Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Former Mayor of Jerome. Serves on the Arizona State Supreme Court Attorney Discipline Committee.

Mrs. Stephanie Harrison of Sedona. Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in Dental Hygiene and a Masters of Arts in Health Services Management from Webster University. Previous administrative work with both Delta College and the Community College of Denver, holding several senior leadership positions. Currently working part time with Dr. Whetman’s Dental Office in Sedona. She and her husband enjoy an active lifestyle. She is active with several outdoor groups.

Mr. Toby Payne of Clarkdale. A native of Phoenix. Attended Phoenix College. As an entrepreneur, founded Stage Sound and began touring with Andy Williams, Sammy Davis Jr., Waylon Jennings, etc. Designed and supplied the sound system for The Papal Visit at ASU. Clients include major sports arenas and churches of all sizes. Served on the Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board, serving as President twice. Married 41 years. Member Clarkdale-Verde Kiwanis Club.

Members of the public from District 3, will have an opportunity to email their views of the candidates to Mr. Carter (Tim.carter@yavapaiaz.gov) or to meet personally with him for a 10-minute meeting from noon to 4 pm on Thursday, March 9th at the Sedona Campus of Yavapai College. The meetings will be on a first come, first basis. Prior to making the final selection, the Superintendent will also meet separately with each of the currently seated Yavapai College Board Members for their input on the finalists.

The appointment should be announced by Friday, March 10th. The term begins upon taking the Oath of Office on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 and will be valid through December 31, 2024.  To continue beyond that date, the successful candidate will need to run for the seat in the 2024 general election for a new six-year term beginning January 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please call Mr. Carter at 928-925-6560 (cell).

Categories : District Governing Board

DR. RHINE DETAILS GROWING COMPETITION FOR YAVAPAI COLLEGE STUDENTS AS COMMUNITY COLLEGES NATIONALLY SEE ENROLLMENTS DECLINE BY 41% FTSE SINCE 2011

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, March 4th, 2023

ASU, NAU, Private industry and others all setting up programs to attract what were once traditional community college students taking more traditional community college courses; enrollment declining

CHART CREATED BY COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND SHOWN TO GOVERNING BOARD TO ILLUSTRATE CHALLENGES.

Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine outlined to the College District Governing Board during its February Workshop the increasing competition for tradition community college students that is coming from a wide variety of sources.  She noted that over the last decade, enrollment in four-year public and private colleges and universities has brown by 12 and five percent respectively.  Meanwhile, community college enrollment nationally had declined by 41% FTSE during this same period.

Arizona four-year college enrollment grew by 53% since 2011 (67,000 FTSE) while Arizona community college enrollment  fell by 37% FTSE since 2011.  

Arizona State University is moving into community college territory with its experimental Associate Degree in professional studies being offered to students at three high school groups. Northern Arizona University is likewise expanding its regional efforts to attract traditional community college students to its campuses.

There were many additional challenges coming from employers who, for example, want courses on specific topics immediately available to employees.  Employers are also looking to private education providers who design educational programs specifically to meet their individual needs.

Technology is another challenge as it is changing rapidly and improving rapidly so the community colleges must harness these changes.

The Blog has listed below some of the areas of concern touched upon by Dr. Rhine during her presentation.  You may view her short presentation on this topic to the Governing Board by clicking here.

AN OUTLINE OF CHALLENGES TO COMMUNITY COLLEGES

  1. Four year enrollments grow while two year enrollments decline
  2. ASU offering Associate Degrees & NAU encroaching on what has traditionally been the domain of community colleges.
  3. Public four-year colleges and universities grew by 12% since 2011 while private four-year colleges grew by 5% since 2011.
  4. Nationally, community colleges Full Time Student Equivalency (FTSE) declined 41% from its peak in 2011.
  5. Nationally, higher education shrank 12% since 2011. (Source IPEDS)
  6. Arizona Community Colleges FTSE declined 37% from its peak in 2011. (-50,000 FTSE)
  7. Arizona four-year college enrollment grew by 53% since 2011. (+67,000 FTSE)
  8. About 30,000 FTSE of Arizona four-year college increase comes from lower division Arizona residents.
  9. ASU looks to start two year Associate in Arts degree trial program, moving in on community college territory. The Associate Degree in professional studies will be offered to students at three high school groups.
  10. NAU, statewide partners launch Arizona Attainment Alliance, to improve educational attainment and drive economic mobility in Arizona. Asking for universal admission with the community colleges meaning that any student admitted to a community college would also be admitted into NAU.
  11. NAU Regional Centers: NAU Online and Innovative Educational Initiatives is seeking four (4) experienced and motivated Regional Director’s to join its team. The Regional Director is responsible for the development and cultivation of student and faculty centric strategic partnerships for the university.
  12. NAU says that there are four (4) positions available to be located within the following regions. Northern Region: Apache, Navajo, Gila, Coconino, Mohave; Central Region: Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai; Southeastern Region: Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee; Southwestern Region: Yuma, La Paz.
  13. There has been a proliferation of new producers and distributors of educational offerings.
  14. Increased demand for any time any/place educational offerings.
  15. There has been an increase in demand for “just in time” education. Used to teach students classes and courses in what is characterized as “just in case.” It used to be you took a course just in case you needed it in the future. Now is seems to be that students want educational courses just to prepare you for “that specific job.”
  16. Pivot from inputs to outputs. They want to see competencies in certain level skills that are valued by employers.
  17. Employer driven curriculum is in demand. In the past the College would tell a student that “this is what you need to know.” Now employers are telling the College that their employees need to know “X, Y and Z.”
  18. Technology is changing rapidly and improving rapidly so the community colleges must harness these changes.

 

 

 

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

DR. JOAN FISHER EARNS NATIONAL DISTINGUISHED COLLEGE ADMINISTRATOR AWARD

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, March 4th, 2023

Award made by national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for her commitment to the success of students

Dr. Joan Fisher has received the national Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) award  for Distinguished College Administrator. Dr. Fisher is dean of Business and Computer Systems, Professional Programs and Visual Arts at Yavapai Community College.  She oversees PTK, the College Honors Program and the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations.

Dr. Fisher was nominated by the Community College’s  PTK officers.

“… This award is really about your commitment to the success of all students. They know you have their backs when it comes to providing opportunities for them to succeed—thank you for that,” wrote PTK International President Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner in an award letter to Fisher.

Dr. Fisher spent 30 years as an  English faculty member before being selected as dean in 2017. She said that she is “blessed” by the recognition from PTK students and the national PTK organization, but believes that being responsive to students is part and parcel of an educator’s job. “If you’re asked by students to do something, your only response should be ‘yes,’” Fisher said, adding, “I always have time for students. I think that makes the difference for student leaders.”

The PTK students’ nomination of Fisher cites her advocacy for the chapter with college administration, hands-on help and resource assistance with chapter projects, and genuine enthusiasm for the chapter and its goals.

You may read more about the award to Dr. Fisher from the Community College’s press release, which you can access  by clicking here.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TO BE NAMED THE “JIM & LINDA LEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER”

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, February 28th, 2023

Purpose is to recognize the generous  endowment created for the PAC by local philanthropists Jim and Linda Lee

At its meeting on February 21, the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board gave unanimous approval to name the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the Prescott Campus in honor of Jim and Linda Lee. The decision to rename the PAC was made to acknowledge the generous endowment recently established by the Lees, which will be exclusively used to ensure the Center’s ongoing sustainability.

Community College Vice President of Community Relations Rodney Jenkins explained that the endowment will ensure that “top of line talent” is brought to the Community through the Performing Arts Center. The College approximates that more than 100,000 attendees now visit the Center every year.

Due to their generous philanthropic contributions to numerous community organizations, Jim and Linda Lee are widely recognized in the greater Prescott area. Among their notable endeavors, they have provided support for the Prescott POPS Symphony Orchestra School Grants, aimed at financing instrumental music in local schools, as well as the annual Music Memory program, benefiting third through fifth graders across the county. Additionally, they have pledged substantial assistance to the Prescott Chorale, which showcases masterpieces by renowned composers, and offer scholarships for eligible students in music and performing arts programs at Yavapai College.

Their contributions resulted in the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium located at the STEM Education Center on the at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Prescott. The 47-foot-diameter dome — the only planetarium north of Phoenix — has become a popular destination for domestic and international visitors.

They are major donors to the Arizona Opera and have underwritten several major opera performances over the years. They also are major supporters of the University of Arizona College of Medicine. They established the Jim and Linda Lee Memorial Endowment for Cardiovascular Disease. The purpose — to benefit the Sarver Heart Center founded at the U of A Medical Center in 1986, and now recognized as one of the world’s leading cardiovascular research institutions.

You may view the announcement made at the Governing Board meeting by clicking here.

Below is a mock-up shown to the Governing Board of how the Center will look once the names are in place.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION, Performing Arts Center

IS THERE A RISK OF GIVING THE CURRENT DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS EX OFFICIO VETO POWER BY FORMALLY ASKING THEM TO PROVIDE THEIR VIEWS ON PROSPECTIVE THIRD DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD APPLICANTS PRIOR TO THE FINAL APPOINTMENT DECISION?

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, February 26th, 2023

Does the current appointive process lend itself to a preference that the Board function more like an exclusive club rather than a diverse and representative body that accurately represents the interests of all County residents?

Editor: Robert Oliphant

OPINION: When applying to fill the vacant Third District Yavapai Community College District Governing Board seat, it is important for the applicant to be mindful of the potential veto power held by individual Board members. This is because Tim Carter, who makes the final appointment, will be formally asking for each member’s views about a candidate prior to the final selection.  If a Board member expresses strong negative views regarding a candidate, it may, and most likely will, impact that candidate’s  chance of being appointed.

Why should a west-county Board member have this kind of potential ex officio veto power over a prospective candidate from the Third District? After all,  not a single current Board member  lives in Sedona or the Verde Valley. Moreover, Mr. Carter already has an independent committee that will make recommendations to him made up of people who, it is assumed, reflect the values and views of most in the Verde Valley.

Observers who have closely monitored the Board’s proceedings over the years may recall instances where members from the west county expressed notably negative opinions towards Paul Chevalier, particularly during his active advocacy for Sedona and the Verde Valley. Despite this, Mr. Chevalier, a lawyer, had the courage to stand his ground. Throughout his four years on the Board, he  remained a dedicated and well-informed watchdog for Sedona and the Verde Valley  in matters related to the Community College.

It is suspected that some of the current Board members will aim to prevent the selection of a candidate who possesses characteristics similar to those of Mr. Chevalier.  For these members, the ideal new representative will be someone who will strictly and silently abide by all of the Governing Board formal and informal rules. That representative will also avoid at all costs publicly expressing concerns about underfunding or underdevelopment in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Furthermore, the new representative must fit the mold of avoiding asking challenging questions regarding the distribution of limited resources, which have disproportionately favored the Prescott side of Mingus Mountain for over five decades.

The County Education District’s statement regarding the formal involvement of non-resident Board members in the appointment of a Third District Representative provides evidence to suggest that they may possess significant ex officio veto power in the selection process. Here is what that portion of the announcement says regarding the process and Governing Board input:

Prior to making the final selection, the Superintendent will meet separately with each of the currently seated Yavapai College Board Members for their input on the finalists. Members of the public from District 3, will also have an opportunity to email their views of the candidates to Mr. Carter or to meet personally with him for a 10-minute meeting from noon to 4 pm on Thursday, March 9th at the Sedona Campus of Yavapai College after the finalists have been announced.

Anyone can, of course, provide Mr. Carter with his or her views on any candidate.   The problem here is that using a formal process of precisely seeking out the views of Board members prior to the final appointment has the appearance of providing them with too much ex officio veto power in the overall process. That, is seems to me, is a concern.

Categories : Editorials/Essays, OPINIONS

DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD LEAVES COUNTY RESIDENTS GUESSING ABOUT PLANS TO PURCHASE PROPERTY IN PRESCOTT VALLEY AND LEASE LAND SOMEWHERE IN THE VERDE VALLEY

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, February 25th, 2023

Governing Board in the form of a motion vaguely suggests land purchase in Prescott Valley and leasing land somewhere near the Verde Valley involves obtaining affordable housing for students and staff

After a two-hour closed door executive meeting at the February 24, 2023, District Governing Board Workshop, the Board issued a  vague statement in the form of a motion unanimously approved suggesting that the proposed purchase and lease of land  referred to  in the agenda involved obtaining affordable housing for staff and students.  Not another word was uttered, except for the President thanking the Board.

The notice on the agenda for the Workshop read in part that the Board  was going to meet in an executive session to discuss and consult about the  “Potential Purchase of Real Property in Yavapai County near Prescott Valley,” and “Confirm Instructions to College Representatives Regarding Negotiations for Potential Lease of Real Property in Yavapai County near Verde Valley.”

The motion made by District One Representative Ray Sigafoos after the Board returned from  its closed-door deliberation, said: 

“We have spent the last hour and a half or two discussing options for, trying to address the affordable housing situation with our employees potentially and currently and also our student body.  We have developed some options that we have given direction to the staff to implement and I would move that the a, this a, directions be given as we have identified them and to carry forward and bring back the results.”

The motion was seconded, there was no discussion,  and unanimously approved.  The Board then moved on to other matters.

County residents were left to wonder what the Board was up to.  However, following its pattern of keeping as much information about sensitive topics from the public as possible, the public was left in the dark.

You may view the brief motion made at the Workshop by Mr. Sigafoos by clicking here.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION, GOVERNING BOARD

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. RHINE REVIEWS HER RECORD AFTER FOUR YEARS

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, February 25th, 2023

Long list of accomplishments in so short a time is notable

Dr. Lisa Rhine

Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai Community College, reflected on her achievements during her first four years in office at the District Governing Board workshop on Friday, February 24. Her presentation was impressive as she shared many of her notable accomplishments with the Board. That  portion of her presentation that focused on her accomplishments may be viewed by clicking here.

 For those interested in her complete presentation, the video of the entire meeting will be available on the District Governing Board website when it is posted.

 Some highlights of her achievements include:

  • Broke ground for Verde Campus Career Technical Trade Center.

  • Began renovation of Building “L” on the Verde Campus.

  • Made  athletics and Division of Student Affairs responsible to Vice President Jenkins.

  • Created a true enrollment management unit under Vice President Jenkins.

  • Restructured the Academic Division and realigned the deans.

  • Moved Human Resources unit to be a direct report to the President.

  • Increased annual Associate Degree completion rates by 58% since 2019.

  • Increased completion of annual Arizona General Education certificates being awarded by 84%.

  • Improved first to second year retention rates by 5 percent.

  • Increases Hispanic student enrollment by 24 percent.

  • Increased Foundation invested assets by 37%.

  • Increased Foundation scholarships by 35%.

  • Decreased student default rate on loans from 25.5 percent down to 3.7 percent.

  • Re-accredited nursing program and just completed HLC re-accreditation of the Community College as a whole with no monitoring, which is rare.

  • Added Community College Promise program.

  • Selected as finalist for prestigious national Bellwether award for developing the Promise program.

  • Added Early College program.

  • Expanded Advisor support and support for first generation students and connections to community support.

  • Added three new athletic teams along with support staff.

  • Created College Council.

  • Received an award for budget reporting.

  • Received permission to offer the first four-year Bachelor’s degree in business.

  • Nominated for national award for student success initiative by the American Association of Community Colleges organization.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOVERNING BOARD SCHEDULES BUDGET WORKSHOP FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 FOR 9:00 A.M. TO 4:0O P.M AT PRESCOTT CAMPUS ROCK HOUSE AND WILL LIVE STREAM THE MEETING

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, February 23rd, 2023

The agenda includes decisions regarding purchasing more land in Prescott Valley and leasing some additional land near the Verde Valley

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board has scheduled a budget workshop for Friday, February 24 to begin at 9:00 a.m. on the Prescott Campus at the Rock House.  The Governing Board web page says the workshop is scheduled to run until 4:00 p.m.  The meeting will also be live streamed because of the poor weather conditions in the County. 

Among items to be discussed is the purchase of additional land in Prescott Valley for the College and possibly leasing some land near the Verde Valley.

Under Arizona law, the public has a right to attend, listen, tape record, or videotape these meetings. The public may not disrupt the meeting. See Ariz. Att’y Gen. Op. No. I78-001. There is no Call to the Public scheduled for this meeting.   

The full agenda for the meeting can be found on the Community College web site, which you can reach by clicking here.  https://www.yc.edu/v6/district-governing-board/sub/2023/02/dgb-workshop-agenda-packet—february-24-2023—revised.pdf

NOTE: Due to inclement weather conditions, the board has decided to livestream this meeting. YouTube stream of Workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEbPN6nOYvo. 

 

 

Categories : Meeting Notice

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOVERNING BOARD SCHEDULES STUDY SESSION AND BUSINESS MEETING FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT CHINO VALLEY CENTER

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, February 18th, 2023

Board convenes at 1:00 p.m. and anticipates ending sometime around 4 p.m.

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold a study session and business meeting at the Community College’s Chino Valley Center on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, beginning  at one P.M.   The Chino Valley Center is located at 2275 Old Home Manor Drive Chino Valley, Arizona 86323

There will be an Open Call to the public prior to the business meeting around 1:00 p.m.  At the Open Call members of the public may address the Board for up to three minutes.

Members of the Governing Board are not supposed to discuss or take legal action on matters raised during an Open Call to the public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. A citizen wishing to address the Board should complete a “Request to Speak” form, and give it to the Recording Secretary. The speaker should be prepared to limit his or her remarks to the designated time (at noted above, usually three minutes).

Under Arizona law, the public has a right to attend, listen, tape record, or videotape these meetings. The public may not disrupt, but may speak during the call to the public at the beginning of this meeting if the call is on the agenda. See Ariz. Att’y Gen. Op. No. I78-001.

The full agenda for the afternoon  meeting can be found on the Community College web site, which you can reach by clicking here. 

Among the items to be presented are “Chino Valley Program Highlights” and “3D Concrete Printing at Yavapai College.”

Categories : District Governing Board
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