The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold what is described as a “Study Session” and then a “Business Meeting” at the Yavapai Community College Prescott Campus on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and run until 4:00 p.m. It will be held at the Rock House on the Campus. The study session normally precedes the business meeting.Boston University Physics Professor Dr. Shri Srikanth will review of some of the spectacular pictures and videos and discover what we’ve learned about Mars and our own blue dot in the sky
The “much and learn” free OLLI program on Thursday, April 18 at the Verde Valley Campus will feature Boston University Physics Professor Dr. Shri Srikanth, who will present, “A Guided Tour of Mars.” The program runs from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., in room M-137 of YC’s Verde Valley Campus.
“A Guided Tour of Mars” is part of the Verde Valley OLLI program’s Munch and Learn series, presented at Yavapai Community College, Sedona and Verde Valley, Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., through May 9. Attendees are invited to bring a bite to eat, or pick up lunch at the campus café, and dine while learning about a variety of topics: Community issues and programs; or developments in science and the arts.
Although the presentation is free to the public, you must register at 928-649-4275 to ensure seating.
Workshop runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., workshop fee $15; participation fee $65
The Sedona-Verde Valley Osher Life Long Learning Institute will offer a wine appreciation workshop on the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale on Wednesday, May 1. The workshop fee is $15 and the participation fee is $65. The workshop will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
You may register on-line at yc.edu/ollisvregister for the program.
Part of $15 million grant from U.S. Department of Labor to Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with six Arizona Community Colleges
In an April 2, 2024 press release, Yavapai Community College announced that the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College is offering a wide range of certificates and support programs through its QUEST grant, tuition-free. The REDC obtained funding to support qualified learners for needs related to travel, technology, childcare, tuition assistance, stipends for internships, and removing other barriers for dislocated workers.
The grant is available to persons who are: (1) Temporarily or permanently laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic disaster. (2) Underemployed with earnings under $50,000/year. (3) Considered dislocated workers as defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 3(15).(4) Veteran or family member (spouse or dependent). (5) Currently seeking employment.
According to the College, the courses are meant to certify and support learners seeking on-demand careers in a variety of fields, including 3D Printing, Accounting, Admin Professional, Assisted Living Caregiver, Automotive, Bookkeeping, Business Office, CDL, CNT, Computer Applications Specialist, Cyber Specialist, Cyber Tech, Diesel Tech, Electric Utility Tech, Electrical Instrumentation Tech, Electronics, EMT, Graphic Design, IMM, Integrated Systems Engineering, Legal Office Clerk, Legal Paraprofessional, Management, Media Production, Medical Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Records, Microsoft Office, Nurse Asst, Paramedicine, Phlebotomy, Programming, Welding, Windows Server Admin, and Licensed Practical Nursing.
To learn more or start the application process, visit ycredc.com/quest-grant.
Registration begins April 12 for June classes
Yavapai Community College’s summer enrichment program for children kindergarten-to-eighth grade, opens summer registration on Friday, April 12, for the Verde Valley semester running, June 3 – 27.
In its announcement, the Community College said it will offer a variety of classes for curious and active young people, including mountain biking, dance, Spanish language and culture, interactive science classes, hands-on gardening, comic book creation, and videography for kids.
The College also said that its instructors for this project will be experienced educators who create a teaching environment that is enriching and rewarding for all campers. Free breakfast and lunch are provided for all participants and their siblings under 18. In the Verde Valley, all activities are held at Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus, 601 Black Hills Drive, in Clarkdale. Classes run Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday June 3, through Thursday, June 27.
Scholarships are available for students with financial need at: www.yc.edu/kids.
Individuals interested in donating to the scholarship fund for children attending this program can contact Yavapai College Foundation at 928-776-2025 or foundation@yc.edu
For more information the Verde Valley College for Kids program, including registration and classes, please visit: www.yc.edu/c4k or contact Kathleen Freed, Community Education Coordinator, at 928-634-6537 or kathleen.freed@yc.edu.
So far, two persons pulled packet in District #1, one person in District #3
So far, at least three persons have shown interest in gaining a seat on the Yavapai Community College Governing Board. In District 1, the incumbent Ray Sigafoos has pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest. William Kiel has likewise pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest in District 1. Neither has yet filed a petition.
The election for these seats, if more than one person applies, is November 5, 2024. The first day to file petitions is June 10, 2024. The last day to file petitions is July 08, 2024. Candidates should re-check these dates with the County Education Superintendent.
In District three, the incumbent is Tobey Payne. Mr. Payne was appointed in March 2024 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Paul Chevalier. That term ends December 31, 2024. So far, Mr. Payne has not pulled a packet.
However, Dr. Jack Dillenberg, has pulled a packet and filed a statement of interest in District three. The following background information about Dr. Dillenberg was found on the Jerome Town Council website. (https://jerome.az.gov/dr-jack-dillenberg)
“Dr. Jack Dillenberg is Dean Emeritus of A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) after serving fifteen years as the Inaugural Dean. After dental school he served as a Dentist in the US Navy then practiced at a residential facility for people with severe disabilities before moving to Jamaica to work in a very rural clinic for their Ministry of Health.
“Prior to joining ASDOH, Dr. Dillenberg was Associate Director for public health programs in the California Department of Health Services and prior to that served as an Area Health Officer serving the west area of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
“During most of the 1990s, Dr. Dillenberg served in several capacities in the Arizona Department of Health Services, including four years as its Director.
“Dr. Dillenberg is the recipient of a great number of honors and awards, including the Arizona Medical Association Humanitarian of the Year, the Fresh Start Foundation Man of the Year, the Harvard School of Public Health Alumni Award of Merit and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. Most recently, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry 2019 Distinguished Service Award.
“He currently is the executive clinical director for the newly created non-profit Pacific Dental Services Special Needs Dental Clinic in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Dillenberg serves as the Board President of Global Smile, Health a 501c3 nonprofit making a difference in global oral health. He also serves as the Global Ambassador for the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, and currently is the Board Vice-Chairman for the Brighterway Institute. He has served as Mayor of the Town of Jerome, Arizona and was selected as a Public Member of the Arizona State Supreme Court Attorney Discipline Probable Cause Committee.”
Replaces highly recruited Dr. Kimberly Moore who left job in July after only seven months
Dr. Marylou Mercado
Dr. Kimberly Moore
Yavapai Community College has named Dr. Marylou Mercado as its Vice President of Workforce Development and Health Sciences. Dr. Mercado replaces Dr. Kim Moore, who was highly recruited by the Community College but left her position after only seven months.
Moore was hired to head the newly created Division of Workforce and Innovation and act as its Chief Workforce Innovation Officer back in July 2023. Moore’s resignation was announced on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 by Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine. She said: “I am writing to inform you that Dr. Kimberly Moore is no longer employed at Yavapai College.” The only explanation offered by Dr. Rhine for the sudden departure was, “I understand that the past few months of operations in these areas have been challenging.” She did not further address the issue.
Dr. Mercado served as the interim replacement for Moore during the last two months. Before stepping into the interim position, she was the Associate Vice President of Health Sciences and Wellness.
Dr. Mercado will oversee the Division of Workforce Development and Health Sciences, which includes the areas of Career and Technical Education, Health Science and Wellness, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Adult Basic Education.
In the announcement that Dr. Mercado was taking over from Moore, President Dr. Lisa Rhine said: “I am excited to add Marylou to our Leadership Team. She is a perfect fit for YC and our communities. She is an outstanding leader and person, and her unwavering support for student success and awareness of community needs will play a large role at YC moving forward.”
Dr. Mercado has been at YC since 2018, where she has held positions of Director of Nursing, Dean of Health Sciences, Math, Engineering, and Adult Basic Education, and Associate Vice President of Health Science.
Demolition of Building 19 on the Prescott Campus will begin the week of May 13 in preparation for construction of the $15.3 million Center for Learning and innovation
After two years, the renovation of Building “M” on Verde Campus is nearing its final stages. Personnel are expected to begin moving back into the newly refurbished premises throughout June and July, in readiness for the upcoming fall semester. The last renovation of Building “M” took place during the 2011-12 academic year.
The Community College says that the revamped facility will boast state-of-the-art digital technology aimed at enriching the student experience “through accessible content.” Additionally, it will offer contemporary learning spaces, study rooms, and student support services akin to those provided at the current Learning Center.
In a move approved by the Community College District Governing Board, approximately $3.1 million was allocated for the renovation of Building “M” in May 2022. The structure will be rebranded as the “Center for Learning and Innovation.”
Furthermore, the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board approved spending $15.3 million in May 2023 for a more expansive facility, somewhat resembling the Verde Valley Center for Learning and Innovation, on the Prescott Campus. Demolition of Building 19 on the Prescott Campus, where the Center will be located, is scheduled to begin May 13, in preparation for construction.
Project a part of improving student/staff/faculty facility
Work has almost been completed by the Facilities management team on constructing a small gazebo for the trailer park on the Verde Campus. The photo below (cut from the Community College Facilities Management March 2024 Newsletter) shows the staff at work on the gazebo earlier this year.
Facilities Management crew at work on constructing gazebo.
Program will run from 12:30 to 1:45 in room M-137 and is free to the public but pre-registration required
The public is invited to attend a free lunchtime presentation from Yavapai Community College’s new Provost, Dr. Douglas Perry, on the state of modern education, and his ideas on the College, its potential and where it can go from here. His presentation, “Provost Perspectives: My Journey and Our Future,” will be held on Thursday, April 4, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., at Room M-137 on Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus.
Dr. Berry’s presentation is part of the Verde Valley Osher Life Long Learning (OLLI) revamped “Munch and Learn” program. The Verde campus is located at 601 Black Hills Drive, in Clarkdale. There is no charge for the Provost’s address, but registration is required to ensure seating. Please call (928) 649-4275 or visit www.yc.edu/olliopen to register.