Vice President Jenkins named chair of selection committee

Chair, Rodney Jenkins

Earlier this week, Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai Community College, announced the commencement of the search for candidates to fill the role of Provost. In her communication with the faculty, Dr. Rhine revealed that the College has partnered with Cizek Associates, based in Phoenix, to assist in this process. Additionally, she designated Rodney Jenkins, Vice President of Community Relations & Student Development, as the chairperson of the selection committee.

Comprising of three faculty members, three staff representatives, and three administrators, the selection committee will spearhead this crucial process. Following their evaluation, the committee typically provides a list of three or four candidates to choose from.

Dr. Rhine indicated in her communication that the College will institute a mechanism for soliciting input on the candidates selected by the committee from the College once they are announced. It may be that input from the community will be sought at that point, a process the College has traditionally followed.

Provost has team of 13 and oversees Strategic Initiatives, Academics and Instruction, Instructional Support, Lifelong Learning, and the Performing Arts Center – Reports directly to the College president

Yavapai Community College has launched its search for its newly created position of Provost to replace former Vice President Dr. Diane Ryan.  Dr. Ryan resigned unexpectedly June 29 from the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs. 

According to the College, the Provost  will serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and direct its academic programs.  The Provost will also oversee Strategic Initiatives, Academics and Instruction, Instructional Support, Lifelong Learning, and the Performing Arts Center.  The Provost will be accountable for ensuring accreditations, curriculum development, assessment processes, transfer articulation, general education, community education, and dual credit programming.

A portion of the position, as listed by the Community College, appears below. Click here if you prefer to review the entire position description as listed.  

POSITION SUMMARY

Location: Prescott, AZ | Job Type: Full Time | Job Number: 2023-00452 | Department: President’s Office

Opening Date: 07/27/2023

The Provost serves as part of the Executive Leadership Team and directs the academic programs of the institution in matters pertaining to student success and support in conjunction with the Chief Workforce Innovation Officer (CWIO).

Reporting directly to the President, the Provost leads five direct reports and a team of thirteen.

The position oversees Strategic Initiatives, Academics and Instruction, Instructional Support, Lifelong Learning, and the Performing Arts Center and sustains excellence in all aspects of educational offerings. The Provost provides dynamic leadership and administrative oversight to the college academic departments and academic support services with the members of the Executive Leadership Team, planning, policy and budget development, and management for a comprehensive academic affairs program to meet the needs of a diverse, growing student body. Overall responsibilities include academic planning, bringing vision and strategic leadership to a broad range of key initiatives including enrollment management, online learning, utilization of open educational resources and development of an integrated learning core that connects academic and student service operations and initiatives to improve student access, retention, progression and completion.

The Provost will be accountable for ensuring accreditations, curriculum development, assessment processes, transfer articulation, general education, community education, and dual credit programming. In this capacity, they also provide oversight for Academic Divisions such as Arts and Humanities; Professional Programs and Visual and Performing Arts; Math, Science, and Computer Technology and Instructional Support. In addition, the Provost will represent the College on state and local educational organizations, Boards and committees as assigned.

Minimum Expectations & Requirements

• • • Earned Master’s degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution
    • Three (3) or more years’ experience at the Vice President level or equivalent in academic affairs in higher education
    • Five (5) or more years of progressive responsibility for instructional, administrative leadership experience in a higher education institution, including the supervision, evaluation, and mentoring of Staff and Faculty
    • Track record in effective strategic leadership, demonstrated by tangible and measurable outcomes • Budget management experience, including resource allocation, strategic planning and implementation
    • Experience in accreditation, curriculum development and delivery formats, assessment, and instructional program evaluation

Preferred Skills & Abilities

Earned Doctorate degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution

Proven ability to thrive in a progressive, forward-thinking, high-energy and highly collaborative work environment

Teaching experience, preferably at a community college

Experience working with/for Governing Boards

Proven excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated commitment to student success

Visionary, servant leader with a history of collaborative relationships and inclusive leadership and management style

Experience in program development, strategic planning and ensuring accountability among individuals or teams

Committed student-centered leader who exemplifies sound judgment, creativity, openness, flexibility, integrity, introspection, resourcefulness, and humility

Data-informed decision-maker with a high degree of emotional intelligence

Demonstrates a strong awareness of current pedagogical trends, technological advancements, and potential future opportunities.

Proven history of successfully guiding, coaching, and advancing staff to higher levels of performance and achievement.

Your legacy of achievement will serve as a testament to your  exceptional leadership

In a surprising turn of events, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Diane Ryan, has tendered her resignation from Yavapai Community College, as confirmed by a recent press release issued by the College. Despite her relatively short tenure, having joined the institution on September 3, 2019, Dr. Ryan leaves behind an exemplary record of remarkable achievements.

Dr. Diane Ryan

Dr. Ryan’s departure comes as a shock to many, given her highly effective leadership during her time at Yavapai College. She spearheaded the development of several major initiatives, notably the Open Educational Resource (OER) program and the online Bachelor of Science program.

One of Dr. Ryan’s outstanding accomplishments was the introduction and implementation of the Open Educational Resource program, which has garnered unanimous praise from students, faculty, the administration, and the District Governing Board. This initiative aims to provide teaching and learning materials that are either in the public domain or released under a license that allows for their free use, modification, and sharing.

In November 2019, which was only two months after she was hired, Dr. Ryan was entrusted by Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine with the responsibility of leading an initiative to reduce the cost of student textbooks. Dr. Ryan wasted no time and promptly unveiled her plans for the project at an Osher (OLLI) Brown Bag Buzz program on the Verde Campus. Her ambitious goal was to save each student up to $1,600 annually on textbook expenses.

Demonstrating her commitment, Dr. Ryan swiftly progressed with the development of the OER plan. By the February 2020 meeting of the Community College Governing Board, she reported that faculty members had already started training in the use of OER, with the expectation of implementing these materials in fall 2020.

The impact of Dr. Ryan’s diligent work was almost immediate. On September 14, 2021, College President Dr. Lisa Rhine informed the District Governing Board that the OER project had already saved students over $300,000. Since then, the savings on textbooks has only climbed.

Thanks to Dr. Ryan’s efforts in training faculty and implementing the cost reduction plan, the project received additional funding. In August 2022, Yavapai College announced the receipt of a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education Fund. These funds were intended for collaboration with seven other community colleges to further develop OER materials.

There is no doubt that Dr. Ryan’s unwavering commitment has resulted in huge savings for students, amounting to thousands of dollars in textbook costs.

In addition to the OER program, Dr. Ryan was also tasked with directing and developing the College’s online Bachelor of Science program. Once again, her dedication bore fruit. On January 11, 2023, Dr. Ryan announced the creation and approval of a four-year online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program, with all textbooks utilizing OER materials.

The Bachelor of Science program offers numerous benefits, with one noteworthy advantage being the absence of textbook costs throughout the four-year curriculum. Dr. Ryan assured the College that all required books for the entire program would be provided free of charge, thanks to the integration of Open Resources materials into the curriculum.

Dr. Ryan’s resignation is undoubtedly a significant loss for Yavapai Community College. As a highly respected leader, she has made invaluable contributions to the institution, earning the admiration and appreciation of students, faculty, staff, and the community at large. Her absence will be deeply felt, and her legacy of achievement will serve as a testament to her exceptional leadership.

Finally issued press release on June 29 knowing Blog had asked for accurate information in re her leaving on June 27 and 28 – but does not even have courtesy to send Blog the release

It is puzzling, isn’t it.  Why did Yavapai Community College withhold information from the Blog when it contacted it on June 27 and 28 asking for information confirming the status of Dr. Diane Ryan?  Was there some reason for the  delay?  For trying to hide the resignation?  Umm?

Then, on June 29 the College finally issued a press release. However, it did not have the courtesy to send  a copy to the Blog despite knowing the Blog had specifically asked for information.  What reason or reasons are behind this kind of behavior?  No one knows.

Here are the two emails sent by the Blog to the College asking for information that were not answered:

According to June 29 press release, Dr. Ryan’s resignation  “was a surprise and unexpected decision”

Yavapai Community College in a June 29 press release (not furnished the Blog by the College) says that it will seek a  Provost to replace Dr. Diane Ryan who resigned.  President Dr. Lisa Rhine said Dr. Ryan’s resignation “was a surprise and unexpected decision.”

The press release issued by the College to local press but not to the Blog despite requests for information by the Blog, in part, reads as follows:

Prescott, Arizona (June 29, 2023) – Yavapai College seeks Provost to lead the Division of Academic Affairs.  The transition is due to the decision by Dr. Diane Ryan to resign.

Dr. Janet Nix, Yavapai College Chief Human Resources Officer, will identify a firm that will conduct the national search, and a timeline of the process will be announced soon. In the interim, each member of the College’s executive leadership team will assume some of the duties and responsibilities of the Academic Affairs Division as the process is being defined and implemented.

“This was a surprise and unexpected decision. I respect Dr. Ryan’s decision to move on. I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. I also see this as a timely opportunity for the College to continue moving forward in a positive direction as we search for a new leader for academic affairs,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College.

Over the past five years, the Division of Academic Affairs has made significant changes, including expanding the use of Open Educational Resources, which provides free textbooks and resources to students, and launching the college’s first baccalaureate degree in Business.

Why continue blatantly disregarding simple questions from residents and the media so it can maintain a total veil of secrecy over operations?

Editor, Robert Oliphant

Opinion: Yavapai Community College faces significant challenges due to its persistent lack of transparency and willingness to share meaningful information about its operations with the Sedona/Verde Valley residents and the wider Yavapai County community. This behavior, coupled with the District Governing Board’s complicity, is causing a myriad of problems for the institution.

Numerous instances highlight the College’s reluctance to provide essential information. For instance, the former Third District representative, Paul Chevalier, had to resort to Arizona’s public records law to obtain information about a project in his own district. Moreover, the College has outright dismissed inquiries from media outlets and residents, opting to selectively respond to questions when it suits their interests.

The most recent example is the College’s refusal to address a straightforward request from residents regarding the employment status of Vice President Dr. Diane Ryan. Instead of promptly clarifying the situation when residents noticed her absence on the College’s website, the institution chose to ignore the query altogether, leading to confusion and frustration among the community.

This lack of transparency fosters a sense of widespread distrust among residents. Yavapai Community College plays a vital role in providing educational resources and opportunities to Yavapai County, and its failure to be transparent undermines the public’s trust and faith in the institution. By concealing information, the College inadvertently creates a breeding ground for misinformation, as residents seek answers from unreliable sources, leading to a distorted understanding of its activities and decisions.

As a taxpayer-supported institution, Yavapai Community College has a duty to prioritize the interests of its residents. A transparent approach, characterized by open communication and cooperation, is essential in demonstrating the College’s commitment to the community it serves. Residents have a right to be informed about the College’s inner workings, especially when it directly impacts their lives and educational opportunities.

To rebuild trust and foster a positive relationship with Sedona/Verde Valley and County residents, Yavapai Community College must embrace transparency. Addressing residents’ concerns promptly and providing accurate and detailed information will begin to restore faith in the institution’s operations. Transparent communication is not only vital for good governance but also a crucial step towards strengthening the bond between the college and its residents throughout Yavapai County.

The College must recognize that its current lack of openness generates a host of problems that can be detrimental to its own success. By adopting a more transparent and cooperative stance, the College can rectify the situation, dispel misinformation, and put an end to damaging rumors. Genuine engagement and open communication about its operations will enable the college to fulfill its purpose as a valuable educational institution, benefiting both the Sedona/Verde Valley community and the entire County.

Officials refuse to make any comment until June 29 as VP Ryan’s position is suddenly posted as “vacant”; Third District Governing Board Representative also had no comment

It appears that Yavapai Community College has lost one of its most esteemed members of the College’s leadership team, Dr. Diane Ryan. As the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ryan played a pivotal role in spearheading various initiatives that significantly impacted the institution. Although making no official announcement prior to June 29 when a press release was issued, the College posted the following notice on its executive leadership website page (click here to see page.)

The residents of Yavapai County are left to wonder whether Dr. Ryan took a new job at another school, was demoted to another position, fired, or simply retired. Speculation and rumor abound as College keeps lid of secrecy over the posting of her position as “vacant” with no explanation to the public.

Ryan, who was the Vice President of Academic Affairs, led the College’s enormously successful endeavor  to introduce and develop the educational resources (OER) textbook program. This innovative program has already saved students thousands of dollars in textbook costs. The positive impact of this initiative will continue to benefit students for years to come

Under Dr. Ryan’s adept guidance, the College also achieved a major milestone with the development and approval of a four-year online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program. This program opens up new opportunities for students seeking to pursue higher education and aligns with the institution’s commitment to meeting evolving educational needs.

In light of Dr. Ryan’s apparent sudden departure as Vice President, the Blog reached out to Yavapai Community College for comment. Unfortunately, the College Public Relations unit declined to provide any information regarding her departure, leaving the circumstances surrounding her exit unclear. The Blog also sought input from Toby Payne, the newly appointed Sedona/Verde Valley Representative on the Yavapai Community College Governing Board, however, he too declined any comment.

Dr. Diane Ryan’s contributions to Yavapai Community College from 2019 when she was hired to 2023 are significant. Her visionary leadership and dedication have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Yavapai Community College. As the college moves forward, one hopes it will strive to build upon the strong foundation laid by Dr. Ryan and her tireless contributions.