Weeds everywhere, dead plants in pots, abandoned blocks, gravel paths eroding following thousands of dollars invested two years ago in Butterfly Gardens area of Campus

Concern is growing about the lack of care for the area on the Verde Campus generally referred to as the “Butterfly Gardens.”  About two years ago the College invested thousands of dollars in landscaping and planting desert flora in these gardens.

During the Blog’s most recent May visit, there were two large unplanted dead trees in large pots that had been in the area for months.  The Blog also found a large pile of concrete bricks that had likewise been left in the area for months. 

As the photos below show, weeds are growing profusely in the gardens and the gravel path through the gardens is showing serious weather erosion with weeds growing in it.

With an overall maintenance budget of more than $3 million dollars, the Blog finds it hard that the College can  justify this apparent lack of care for these gardens by the Prescott maintenance unit that is apparently in charge of the Verde Campus. This is especially true after taxpayers shelled out thousands of dollars for the gorgeous  landscaping and beautiful plantings.

(Photos taken May 19, 2017.)

Interim Dean receives permanent appointment (A Verde Valley Advocate)

The College has announced that Dr. Barbara Waak has accepted the position of Associate Dean for the Verde Valley Campus. Dr. Waak will begin her duties immediately.

Dr. Waak was a finalist in the College’s national search in 2015 for this position behind Dr. Kelly Trainer. She was appointed interim Verde Valley Campus Dean in August, 2016 after Dr. Trainor tendered his resignation. She has served in that capacity since her appointment.

Dr. Waak is entering her 23rd academic year on the Verde Valley Campus. She has served in many capacities over her tenure at the College, including Faculty Senate President and Dual Enrollment Liaison for the English Department. She is also an alumni of Yavapai College, attaining an A.A. in education with honors. Dr. Waak earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and English/Linguistics from Northern Arizona University. She went on to receive a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2005.

When interviewed by Zachary Jernigan for the May 3, 2017 edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra, Dr. Waak said that she was “very dedicated to this (Verde) campus.” Waak also told the reporter that many in the Verde Valley feel that they have been forgotten by the College’s administration in Prescott and need a local advocate.