Author Archive for R. Oliphant – Page 25

PLEIN AIR PAINTING WORKSHOP AUGUST 1-3 AT YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S SEDONA CENTER

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, July 13th, 2023

Offered by OLLI with workshop to begin at 7 a.m. each day

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is offering a three-day “Plein Air Painting Workshop” at Yavapai Community College’s  Sedona Center beginning August 1 at 7 a.m.  The workshop will the directed by Dawn Sutherland.  It will be run August 1-3.

Ms. Sutherland will demonstrate two basic approaches to beginning a painting, using a viewfinder, sketchpad, and thumbnail sketches, designing a good composition, and carrying it through to a nearly finished painting in each session. Topics taught throughout the workshop are values, shapes, and edges. How to capture a sense of distance and depth in a painting, plus working effectively with shadows will be stressed. Students should have good familiarity with their equipment and some previous painting and workshop experience. 

Categories : OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning)

GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK DR. DIANE RYAN; YOU DID A REALLY SPLENDID JOB!

By R. Oliphant
Friday, July 7th, 2023

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.

Categories : Yavapai Community College

COLLEGE WITHHELD INFORMATION FROM BLOG REGARDING RESIGNATION OF DR. DIANE RYAN FOR UNKNOWN REASONS

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

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:

 

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

YAVAPAI COLLEGE TO SEEK PROVOST TO LEAD THE DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS TO REPLACE DR. DIANE RYAN

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

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 Blog requests for information, 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.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

CULTIVATING TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY: YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S PATH TO SUCCESS WITH SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY AND COUNTY RESIDENTS

By R. Oliphant
Friday, June 30th, 2023

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.

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE LOSES OUTSTANDING VP OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS DIANE RYAN AS MEMBER OF LEADERSHIP TEAM

By R. Oliphant
Friday, June 30th, 2023

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 has 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 until June 29, the College posted the following notice on its executive leadership website page (click here to see page.)

The residents of the 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.

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. 

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREATES NEW WORKFORCE AND INNOVATION DIVISION; HIRES TALLAHASSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE VP DR. KIMBERLY MOORE AS NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF DIVISION

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, June 29th, 2023

College says new  Division was created to respond to meet “the shifting needs of industries and to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to become a national leader in workforce and innovation”

Yavapai Community College announced in a June 13 press release that it is creating a new Division of Workforce and Innovation. To head the new division, it hired Dr. Kimberly A. Moore as its Chief Workforce Innovation Officer. Dr. Moore will officially join Yavapai on July 10, 2023.

In its press release, the College said that “the new division will encompass areas of the College that already have a strong presence across Yavapai County, such as the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), with the expectation that operations will expand and additional areas will be added that support the development of a nimble workforce system.”

Dr. Moore is currently the Vice President for Workforce Innovation at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Florida. Before being hired by Tallahassee, Dr. Moore worked as  the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Workforce Plus, a local Tallahassee economic and workforce development board supporting businesses and job seekers alike, becoming the first woman, minority and youngest in Florida to hold this key position.

Dr. Moore has been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for her service and commitment to excellence with accolades including: Tallahassee’s Top 26 Women in Business (2007), the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Leadership Pacesetter Award (2009), the Dr. Reginald Rolle Memorial Economic Development Champion of the Year Award (2010), Florida Diversity Council’s 2014 Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Woman Award, Tallahassee Woman Magazine’s 2016 ‘Women Who Mean Business’ Innovator of the Year Award, 2017 inductee to the Tallahassee Community College’s Hall of Fame, 2019 Economic Innovator of the Year, Florida State University – Omicron Delta Kappa (Honoris Causa) – 2020,  2021 Idahlynn Karre Exemplary Leadership Award, 2021 TCC Eagle Award and 2022 Trailblazer Award.

You may read the entire Yavapai Community College press release announcing  this appointment by clicking here.  

Categories : ADMINISTRATION

THE CONSEQUENCES OF YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS FAILING TO ASK SIGNIFICANT QUESTIONS ABOUT PROJECTS AND THE BUDGET: HOW THAT MAY IMPACT YAVAPAI COUNTY RESIDENTS AND THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

A short essay by Robert Oliphant

Introduction:

Editor: Robert Oliphant

In a democratic society, officials, such as those members elected or appointed to the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board, play a vital role in representing the interests and concerns of the public. One crucial aspect of this responsibility is to ask meaningful and relevant questions when presented with important items presented by the Community College President and her staff. Failing to do so can have profound effects on the citizens of Yavapai County, impacting transparency, accountability, decision-making, and public trust. In this  short essay I explore the consequences of such failures by the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board, which failures appear obvious to a close observer, and emphasize the importance of these politicians actively engaging with their constituents and the executives who run Yavapai Community College.

Transparency and Accountability:

When Yavapai Community College District Governing Board members  neglect to ask significant questions about an item presented to them during a business meeting by the Yavapai President or her staff, as they do so often, it hampers the transparency and accountability that are vital to a functioning democracy. The Board members are accountable to the people they serve, and by not questioning the details and implications of an item presented to them by the Community College executives, they fail to fulfill their oversight role. A concern with this behavior by Board members in this regard is that the lack of scrutiny can lead to potential abuses of power, corruption, and, just as important,  the erosion of public trust in the system set up to govern the Community college.

Impaired Decision-Making:

Significant decisions often require a thorough understanding of the complexities involved. By not asking pertinent questions, Yavapai Community College District Governing Board members miss the opportunity to gather essential information, perspectives, and expert opinions. As a result, decision-making processes can become compromised, potentially leading to flawed policies, inadequate resource allocation, and missed opportunities for improvement. Ultimately, this failure to ask important questions diminishes the quality and effectiveness of governance, negatively impacting the  well-being of the residents of Yavapai County.

Public Trust and Confidence:

Public trust in the members of the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board  is essential for the functioning of a democratic society. When the members fail to ask significant questions, it creates an impression of complacency, negligence, or a lack of genuine concern for the public’s interests. This can erode public trust and confidence in the oversight system as a whole. The public expects their elected or temporary appointed District Governing Board representatives to be diligent, knowledgeable, and engaged. When they fall short of these expectations, it can lead to disillusionment, apathy, and a diminished sense of civic participation.

Missed Opportunities for Public Input:

Asking important questions allows the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek public input on critical issues. When they fail to do so, they miss the opportunity to involve the public in decision-making processes. The public’s diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise can provide valuable insights and ensure that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the broader population. Without these perspectives, decisions risk being disconnected from the realities of the public, further undermining democratic principles.

Conclusion:

The failure of members of the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board  to ask significant questions about items presented by unelected officials in the guise of the College President and her staff  has far-reaching consequences for the public. It diminishes transparency, weakens accountability, impairs decision-making, and erodes public trust. Members of the Governing Board should recognize their responsibility to be diligent, inquisitive, and engaged representatives of the people. By actively asking important questions, they can foster transparency, ensure accountability, make informed decisions, and strengthen public trust in the democratic process. Only through such proactive engagement can the Board members themselves effectively address the complex challenges facing the residents of Yavapai County  and create policies that genuinely serve their interest.

Categories : Editorials/Essays

EXTRAORDINARY TURNOVER IN YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CONTINUES WITH RESIGNATION OF ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BRAD CLIFFORD, WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED JUNE 15; IS RECRUITING “MANDATE” AFFECTING THE PROGRAMS?

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

Mr. Clifford’s resignation follows the hiring of new head coaches in volleyball, baseball, softball, basketball over the past two year, the apparent resignation  of Academic Administrator Scott Farnsworth months ago, and the firing of long-time tennis coach Chris Howard this spring

Yavapai Community College Athletics Department’s Hall of Fame Director of Athletics, Brad Clifford, has announced his resignation after dedicating over 35 years to the institution. The news was revealed in a press release issued on June 15. (You may read the entire press release by clicking here.) Clifford’s departure comes in the wake of significant changes within the athletic department, including the hiring of new head coaches for volleyball, baseball, softball, and basketball, as well as the resignation of Academic Administrator Scott Farnsworth several months ago and the firing of long-time tennis coach Chris Howard this spring. 

Yavapai Community College boasts an array of head coaches overseeing various sports, including women’s softball, volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s soccer, men’s soccer, baseball, and E-sports. Notably, on August 29, 2022, Chelsey Lucas was appointed as the 11th head volleyball coach, followed by Kali Pugh on September 20, 2022, as the 11th head softball coach, and Patrick Woods on September 21, 2022, as the seventh head baseball coach. Jay Joiner assumed the position of head men’s basketball coach in November 2022 but announced his departure on March 30, 2023. Ken Davis was subsequently hired in May 2023 as his replacement.

Alongside these new coaching hires, Academic Administrator Scott Farnsworth left the college a few months ago under undisclosed circumstances. Furthermore, earlier this year, the Community College decided to part ways with long-time tennis icon Chris Howard, terminating his employment.

In a commentary in the Verde Independent newspaper dated September 7, 2022,  Yavapai Community College District Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland explained that the athletic coaches were asked five years ago “to focus more attention on recruiting local student athletes (county/state).” A “mandate” was  instituted “that required 25% of all student athletes recruited had to be from local high schools,” she said.  Furthermore, the coaches were told “that the support for out-of-state and international students will decrease as we increased the scholarship support for local student-athletes.” (Click here to read the full Blog story.) 

“Those three coaches who decided to leave the college ignored those mandates,” wrote McCasland. The Blog believes the three coaches Ms. McCasland is referring to but not identified by name in her commentary are Ryan Cougill, Miles Kizer, and Doug Eastman.

During the October 2022 Yavapai Community College Governing Board meeting, Rodney Jenkins, Vice President of Community Relations at the Community College, made a statement that appeared to insinuate that the previous coaches had actively worked to undermine the mandate. Jenkins said that the previous coaches “did everything they could to sabotage our program.” Jenkins’ remarks seemed to reference the mandate mentioned by Chair McCasland in her commentary published in the Verde Independent.        program.” Jenkins was apparently alluding to the mandate Chair McCasland wrote about a month earlier in the Verde Independent.

Categories : Athletics

IN SECRET EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD JUNE 8 GOVERNING BOARD AUTHORIZES TWO NEW MAJOR PROPERTY PURCHASES IN PRESCOTT WITHOUT REVEALING ANTICIPATED PURCHASE PRICE TO COUNTY RESIDENTS – RECALL BOARD ALREADY AUTHORIZED PURCHASE OF LAND IN PRESCOTT VALLEY FOR EXPANSION

By R. Oliphant
Friday, June 16th, 2023

Blog believes one parcel of land  located “west” of the Prescott airport is for CTEC expansion;  Board says  second parcel of land is for “student” housing project; recall Board had previously approved construction of faculty housing village of 10 units  in Prescott Valley

On June 8, 2023, the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board met in secret executive session to approve more land purchases on the west side of Mingus mountain.  The  additional land will continue the expansion of the footprint of the College on that side of the County.  As an excerpt from the formal agenda, which appears below, shows both pieces of land were identified as located in Prescott.

the conclusion of the confidential executive session, two motions were presented. The first motion involved the acquisition of property located in Prescott to the “west of the airport.” Following a second to the motion, no further discussion took place that could have enlightened residents about the expenditure. The Board unanimously voted in favor of approving the motion. (See video clip by clicking here.) 

It is suspected that the aforementioned motion pertains to the expansion of the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) at the Prescott airport. It is worth recalling that executives from the Community College discreetly included a last-minute request for ten million dollars in the 2023-24 budget for a vaguely worded project at CTEC. Despite the substantial nature of this request, it proceeded through the budget process in May with minimal public discussion or explanation. Remarkably, the Board members failed to pose any meaningful public questions regarding it.

The second motion on June 8, presented after the secret meeting closed and the Board returned to the public, was focused on pursuing the purchase of property designated for “student housing,” according to a comment by Board Chair Deb McCasland made just before adjourning..  Once again, after a second to the motion, no discussion occurred among the Governing Board, and the vote on the motion was unanimous. (See video clip by clicking here.)   

Unfortunately, during the public portion of the June 8 meeting, no questions were raised, depriving the public of the opportunity to gain insight and clarification about the purchases from their elected representatives. Consequently, community members are left to engage in speculation concerning the amount of taxpayer funds being allocated to these projects and whether there exists any substantiating data to support such expenditures. The lack of transparency in this regard leaves the public in a state of uncertainty and unable to make informed judgments regarding the use of their tax dollars.

A  notable observation is that these land acquisitions were not clearly deliberated upon during the public budget hearing held in May. This omission raises concerns about the transparency and inclusiveness of the budgetary process. The absence of any discussion or mention of these specific purchases during the public forum further fuels the public’s curiosity and skepticism regarding the decision-making behind these expenditures. It highlights the need for greater accountability and disclosure to ensure that the public’s voice is heard and that their concerns are adequately addressed in matters of budget allocation.

Categories : Housing
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