Vice President Jenkins named chair of selection committee
Chair, Rodney Jenkins
Archive for ADMINISTRATION – Page 2
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.
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
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- 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
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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.
New Chief Resource Officer, new head of Workforce Division, and new Provost yet to be selected will join leadership team
Yavapai Community College is set to welcome three new executives to its leadership team as the fall 2023 semester commences. The additions include Dr. Janet Nix, who assumed the role of Chief Resource Officer in November 2022, and Dr. Kimberly Moore, who will spearhead the Division of Workforce and Innovation. Additionally, a third individual will join the team as Provost, succeeding Dr. Diane Jones.
Recall that Emily Weinacker, the former Chief Resources Officer, retired in September 2022. As per her updated LinkedIn page, she has transitioned into a new role outside the College as a “Spiritual Director in Training.” Taking her place is Dr. Janet Nix, whose appointment was officially announced on November 8, 2022. The College has added her to its leadership team.
Yavapai Community College announced in a June 13 press release that it is creating a new Division of Workforce and Innovation. Dr. Moore officially joined Yavapai on July 10, 2023 to lead that Division. Dr. Moore is currently the Vice President for Workforce Innovation at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Moore has also been added to the leadership team.
In a surprising turn of events, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Diane Ryan, resigned from Yavapai Community College for unknown reasons. Her resignation was confirmed in a press release issued by the College in July 2023. Despite her relatively short tenure, having joined the institution on September 3, 2019, Dr. Ryan leaves behind an exemplary record of remarkable achievements. Following her resignation, the College announced that it would seek a Provost to replace her. It is assumed the new provost will take the seat of Dr. Ryan on the leadership team.
Leadership Team in fall 2022
Anticipated new leadership Team in fall 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:
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.
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 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.
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.
Vice President Clint Ewell comments on moving funds during June 2, 2023, interview with Sedona Red Rock News; question remains what was meant by the use of “to other schools”
Due to its strict operational confidentiality policy, determining the exact allocation and utilization of the funds for the 10.6 adjunct positions that were removed from the budget of Yavapai Community College’s Verde Campus in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and purportedly reassigned to “other schools,” has posed significant challenges. However, the Blog has managed to uncover some information thus far.
Dr. Clint Ewell, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, addressed the issue of reduced teaching staff at the Verde Campus during an interview with the Sedona Red Rock News. The newspaper’s front-page article on June 2, 2023, which discussed the increase in property tax rates, featured Dr. Ewell’s explanation.
As a reminder, the Blog initially disclosed in its April 21, 2023, post the perception that a significant reduction of 10.6 teaching staff positions at the Verde Valley Campus was evident in the College’s 2023-2024 budget, based on a public discussion between Dr. Ewell and Community College Governing Board member Ray Sigafoos.
The issue was brought up during the April 11 Governing Board meeting in a discussion between Ewell and Governing Board member Ray Sigafoos. Sigafoos sought clarification regarding a reduction that seemed to be indicated by a chart provided by the College (refer to the chart below). Based on the discussion, many observers came to the consensus that it was reasonable to assume that 10.6 positions had been eliminated at the Verde Campus. (Click here to view that discussion.)
However, in response to the Blog story concerning the reduction, Dr. Lisa Rhine made an effort to address any potential misunderstandings. During the District Governing Board and Tax and Budget hearing on May 16, 2023, she provided a brief statement emphasizing that there had been no reduction in faculty at the Verde Campus. Dr. Rhine clarified that the funds were instead transferred to the budget allocated for the dean or deans. (Click here to see the video clip of Dr. Rhine making this statement.)
In a recent article published on June 2, 2023, in the Sedona Red Rock News, Dr. Ewell provided his explanation regarding the 10.6 adjunct faculty reductions. He is quoted as follows:
“We had budgeted for some adjunct faculty in the vice president of academic affairs, which also includes Verde Valley campus administration. What we decided to do is move some of the adjunct faculty budget out to the different schools within the college, where the assets are actually being used. When you look at that table and our budget, it looks like vice president of academic affairs, the number of positions went down 10. But in reality, those 10 positions were simply moved to other schools within academic affairs.”
Despite the provided explanations, some lingering questions remain. Firstly, it is unclear how many adjunct faculty were teaching on the Verde Campus in 2021 and 2022, and whether that number has decreased. Secondly, when Dr. Ewell mentions moving funds to “other schools,” it is uncertain whether he is referring to schools located specifically on the Verde Campus or elsewhere. Thirdly, upon careful examination of the table that supposedly demonstrates a reduction of 10.6 adjunct positions on the Verde Campus, it also indicates that 9.8 positions were added to the school of business, 2.4 to the school of health and wellness, and 1.3 to instructional support (resulting in a sum of 9.8 + 2.4 + 1.3 = 13.5). Furthermore, the table suggests an overall increase of 21.5 positions across various schools (10.6 + 8.6 + 1.5 + 0.7 + 0.1 = 21.5). However, this would seemingly leave a net reduction of eight positions overall (21.5 – 13.5 = 8). Please refer to the table below, highlighting the schools and Verde Campus in yellow.
Without a public records request and the College’s willingness to respond to it, it seems that residents of the County may never obtain the complete story behind this fund reallocation. The transparency and cooperation of the College are crucial factors in shedding light on the matter, but even then, the full details might not be readily accessible to the public.
