Author Archive for R. Oliphant – Page 22

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAUNCES FIRST VIRTUAL REALITY COURSE ON PRESCOTT CAMPUS TO USE SYNCHRONIZED HEADSETS TO LEARN ART IN DIGITIZED ENVIRONMENTS

Is also expanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including ChatGPT, into its visual arts programs

Yavapai Community College has launched its first virtual reality course in Art 201 on the Prescott Campus. This is described in its catalog as the study of “Western art from the Fourteenth to the Twentieth Century. Two-and three-dimensional art and architecture are evaluated in historical and cultural context. Application of design principles.”

Copyright 2023 Robert E. Oliphant Eyeonyavapaicollege.com

This is part of an experiment the Community College is conducting with the digital education provider VictoryXR. VictoryXR provides a virtual reality platform where students and teachers use synchronized headsets to learn in digitized environments.

The College also says that It  has also begun to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including ChatGPT, into its visual arts programs. The purpose is to expand students’ analytical capabilities and challenge their creative skill sets.

In the September 6 press release written by Michael Grady, Yavapai Community College President  Dr. Lisa Rhine said that: “Virtual and augmented reality are going to change almost every industry, including education. YC plans to be on the cutting edge of that change.”

The Community College will be launching other VR and AI-assisted learning opportunities, in fields ranging from Healthcare to the Skilled Trades, across its six campuses and learning centers this fall. “It is an incredible way to learn,” Rhine said.

To read the entire press release, which contains much more information, please click here.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP FOR ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT SELECTING MICHAEL TENETTE AND CHELSEY LUCAS AS ITS NEW DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS RESPECTIVELY

Tenette says he will work closely with County school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletic programs; Lucas to combine new position with head volleyball coaching responsibilities

In a news release issued on September 1, Yavapai Community College announced the appointment of its new Director and Assistant Director of Athletics. Mr. Michael Tenette will take the helm as Director of Athletics, succeeding Hall of Fame Director, Mr. Brad Clifford, who retired on June 15, 2023, after a dedicated 35-year tenure at the College. Meanwhile, Ms. Chelsey Lucas will assume the role of Assistant Director of Athletics, succeeding Mr. Tenette.

Michael Tenette joined Yavapai Community College in August 2021 as the Assistant Athletic Director. Prior to joining the College, he spent 14 years establishing a record of success by leading championship programs throughout the greater Sacramento area in Northern California. Additionally, Mr. Tenette has a history of leadership, serving as the Founder and President of highly effective AAU basketball and sports camp programs. He has also contributed as the Head Coach for various competitive high school basketball and football teams.

Tenette has indicated he intends to work closely with County school districts and community programs to increase engagement and participation in athletics.

In her new role as Assistant Director of Athletics, Ms. Chelsey Lucas will transition into her responsibilities while retaining her position as the head coach of the Volleyball team. In this expanded role, she will also take charge of overseeing Yavapai Community College’s athletic camps and clinics, enhancing our commitment to fostering athletic talent within our community.

Yavapai Community College hired Lucas as the 11th head volleyball in August 2022.  She came  from Grambling State University where she was the head coach of the Tigers.   Prior to coaching the Tigers, Lucas spent three years as the head volleyball coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff from 2019-22. From 2016-19, Lucas was the head coach at Alcorn State University. While at Alcorn State, Lucas guided the program to the SWAC Tournament in 2018, its first appearance since the 2015 season. In 2018, Lucas’s squad ranked second in the nation in aces per set with 1.98.  While at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Lucas led her team to the SWAC Tournament during all three of her seasons as head coach in 2019, 2020-21 and 2021.

GOVERNING BOARD HOLDS SECRETE EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL LEASE AND/OR PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTIES OR PROPERTY IN YAVAPAI COUNTY

Two minute videotape of session leaves County residents once again in the dark about what was actually being discussed | Lots of speculation about meeting with some thinking it might involve  land for new faculty housing village to be constructed just outside Prescott Valley while some think it is for new land for CTEC expansion at the Prescott airport | Others have no idea

Yavapai Community College’s District Governing Board hastily convened a secretive executive session on August 17, 2023, at the Rock House on the Prescott Campus. According to the agenda, the purpose was to discuss potential property leases or purchases by the College within Yavapai County.

Following the conclusion of this gathering, neither the Community College nor the Governing Board issued any statement regarding the meeting. Once again, residents of the County find themselves in the dark about how their property taxes, which constitute the primary source of support for the Community College, are being utilized.

The lack of transparency has fueled wide-spread speculation about the nature of the acquisition. Is it land intended for expanding CTEC? Or could it be earmarked for the construction of the new faculty village just outside Prescott Valley? Or something else?  The veil of secrecy shrouding this matter leaves County residents with more questions than answers.

Regrettably, the sole record of this meeting is a brief video clip, lasting less than two minutes. It merely captures the Chair’s call to order, a seconding of the motion to call for an executive session, a reading of the agenda item, and a subsequent motion to adjourn. This paucity of information always raises concerns about the College’s commitment to openness and accountability in its dealings with the community it serves.

To see the video tape of the meeting, please click here.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO HOST SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT SEPTEMBER 21 ON PRESCOTT CAMPUS

Session free and open to public; will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Yavapai Community College will host a Small Business Summit in partnership with the Small Business Development Center on its Prescott campus on Thursday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. The Small Business Summit will be in Building 19, Room 147 at the Yavapai Community College Prescott Campus (1100 E. Sheldon St.) in Prescott. Seating is limited, so participants must RSVP online at https://clients.azsbdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=100430024.

Event highlights include a marketing panel, a lender panel, and a YC alumni-owned business panel, and networking opportunities.

To read the entire press release about the Small Business Summit, please click here. 

SOUTHWEST WINE CENTER ON VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS TO OFFER PRIVATE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE FROM 4:30 – 6:30 SEPT 13

Cost is $85 Per Person or $130 A Couple | educational and fun | Must register and be over 21

The Yavapai Community College is offering a private wine tasting experience at the Verde Valley Campus Southwest Wine Center on September 13th. It will also offer the same program in October and possibly November.

The cost is $85 per person or $130 per couple per program.  The session lasts 1.5 hours.

The College in its advertisement of the program says the following: “Our 1.5-hour Private Wine Tasting Experience provides an educational experience for attendees to further to develop their palate through sensory evaluation. As we move through a flight of SWC student-crafted wines, we will describe the essential components of wine tasting to deepen your connection with what’s in your glass. This session will focus on individual palate development and creating YOUR own unique ways of describing what you sense on YOUR palate.”

Participants must be 21.  You may register by clicking here.

YAVAPAI COLLEGE’S CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER LOCATED AT PRESCOTT AIRPORT HONORED WITH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD AWARD

Award made by the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Yavapai County Workforce Development Board

Dean John Morgan; Dr. Kimberly Moore

In a press release dated August 24, it  was announced that Yavapai Community College’s Career and Technical Education Center, located at the Prescott airport, was awarded the “Training Provider of the Year” Award by the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Yavapai County Workforce Development Board. The award was made at the Board’s annual banquet on August 10. John Morgan, Yavapai College Associate Vice President of Career and Technical Education, accepted the award on behalf of the College.

The Center is home to programs such as 3D printing, advanced manufacturing, automotive, aviation, CNC machining, construction science, diesel technology, electronics, engineering, fire science, gunsmithing, welding, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and more.

The Center was opened in 2007 and the College has been putting millions of dollars into developing the facility since then.  It is one of the finest training facilities of its kind in Arizona, if not the nation. The Prescott based Community College executives received approval from the District Governing Board this past year to add up to  20,000 square feet and spend at least  $10 million dollars on expansion.  In June the Governing Board also approved the purchase of land either adjacent to or near the Center, apparently for expansion.

Dr. Kimberly Moore, who was hired in June as the College’s new  Division of Workforce Innovation and Economic Development Officer, said the new Division “is overjoyed with the award and recognition provided by NACOG highlighting our Career and Technical Education Center programming that’s in-demand and meets industry needs, under the leadership of John Morgan. This recognition showcases the strong partnership that’s been formed with NACOG.”

In its press report the College described the facility as “the premier learning center for career and technical education (CTE) in Yavapai County.” 

To read the full press release from the College, please click here

 

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMENCES SEARCH FOR PROVOST CANDIDATES

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 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.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE UPDATES TUITION WAIVER POLICY FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Allows full-time faculty and staff (and the Blog assumes their dependents) to take as many credits as they need without having to pay tuition; Part-time faculty and staff also will benefit by 6 credit per semester waiver

Yavapai Community College president Dr. Lisa Rhine has announced a tuition waiver update for faculty and staff. It was not clear whether the benefit is immediately available or faculty and staff must wait until spring 2024.

According to a video message sent to faculty, full-time faculty and staff will have the current 6-credit cap per semester removed. This means that full-time employees (and the Blog assumes their dependents) will be able to take as many credits as they need using the tuition waiver.

Regular part-time staff will be eligible for a tuition waiver of 6 credits per semester for the employee and 6 credits per semester for dependents.

Casual part-time staff may earn eligibility for the first time as of April 1,2024. To qualify, they will need to have worked at Yavapai Community College  for one year or more and have a minimum of 500 hours of work in the 12 months prior to April 1, 2024.

GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPENS FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ARIZONA CYBERSECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER

Center can help monitor, detect, and inform rural municipalities of cybersecurity threats free of charge | Includes paid internships and real-world experience in monitoring, detecting, and informing against potential security threats and breaches

Glendale Community College has taken a pioneering step in the realm of cybersecurity education with the inauguration of its cutting-edge Cybersecurity Operations Center (GSOC). The center stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to both its students and the broader community.

In a groundbreaking move, Glendale Community College has forged a partnership that extends far beyond its campus borders. Leveraging its expertise, GSOC has opened its doors to rural municipalities in need of cybersecurity services. This visionary collaboration allows student interns to cultivate advanced skills while addressing the pressing issue of security breaches on clients’ networks and operations. The symbiotic relationship between GSOC and these municipalities is made possible through a STEM grant generously provided by the West Valley Information Technology and Advancing Technologies organization.

Unique among its peers, GSOC’s operational model transcends the ordinary. Serving as a nexus of collaboration, it embodies a hub of shared knowledge and expertise. This ethos of collaboration extends to the community, as GSOC offers its cybersecurity acumen as a service. Notably, this initiative is a pioneering effort in both the Maricopa Community College District and the state of Arizona, marking a significant leap forward in cybersecurity education and community engagement.

A particular focus of GSOC’s mission is to assist rural municipalities that might otherwise struggle to access critical cybersecurity resources. Through partnerships with GSOC, these municipalities stand to benefit from a comprehensive suite of services encompassing monitoring, detection, and timely notification – all without incurring any cost. This altruistic approach not only safeguards the digital landscape but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and support within the community.

At the heart of this groundbreaking endeavor are the student interns themselves. Embarking on a journey of growth and learning, they are poised to become Security Operations Center Analysts and Engineers. With a hands-on role in monitoring and detecting security breaches, they will garner invaluable experience that transcends the confines of a traditional classroom. The program stands as a beacon of innovation, providing a competency-based platform that nurtures skill development while simultaneously nurturing career pathways for students. Through this initiative, Glendale Community College is equipping its students with the tools to thrive in an evolving digital landscape while meeting the pressing needs of the community.

In the tapestry of education, community, and technology, Glendale Community College’s Cybersecurity Operations Center has woven a story of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. This pioneering initiative is not just about learning; it’s about forging connections, fostering growth, and safeguarding the digital frontiers of tomorrow.

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT COMES OF AGE ON PRESCOTT CAMPUS

Results from millions of dollars investing in developing the department are impressive and praiseworthy

Over the course of the last decade, Yavapai Community College has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the enhancement of its facilities and academic offerings on the Prescott Campus. This is  particularly true when it comes to the Performing Arts Department. Through millions in  financial investments and the recruitment of exceptional teaching talent, the Community College has pursued the establishment of an extraordinary performing arts program. Evidently, this ambition has been resoundingly realized.

The array of courses provided by the Department is nothing short of remarkable, especially for an institution of its kind. A diverse range of disciplines are offered including choral studies, dance, technical theater, general music, instrumental studies, and music theory .

Notably, the Department appears to have successfully created an environment conducive to excellence. The presence of a newly constructed  state-of-the-art technical teaching theater and the beautifully renovated 1,006-seat Bill and Linda Lee Performing Arts theater adds an air of sophistication to the productions created by the Department. Moreover, the comprehensive classroom resources contribute to an immersive and top-tier educational experience for performing arts students.

The Community College has also wisely actively engaged the local Prescott community in its initiatives. Opportunities abound for community members to participate and collaborate, further fostering a sense of integration between the institution and its surroundings. The Master Chorale, Community Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Women’s Chorale, which heavily involve the Prescott community, exemplify this synergy.

The Blog applauds the Community College for its remarkable achievements in developing a thriving performing arts program on the Prescott Campus. The dedication, resources, and collaborative spirit invested in this endeavor will undoubtedly bear fruit, especially in the Prescott area. As the college continues to harmonize its educational objectives with community involvement, its accomplishments are both impressive and praiseworthy.