Archive for Yavapai Community College – Page 2
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.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.
College mostly shrouds “Sensory Integration Accelerator” project in secrecy; PR Department ignores request for more information; Community caught off guard by Board’s November 2022 approval in concept of all priority capital projects with no mention of this expansion; Minimal disclosure to taxpayers prior to or at the May 2023 budget approval meeting
During the May 2023 Yavapai Community College District Governing Board meeting, where the budget for the upcoming 2023-24 year was approved, one of the most unexpected developments was the decision to allocate $10 million over three years for the expansion of the existing 108,000 square foot, eight-acre Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). This expansion aims to increase CTEC’s size by an additional 20,000 square feet. The suddenness of this decision caught many attendees by surprise, leaving them with limited information about the specific details and rationale behind the expansion.
No explanations were provided prior to the May 2023 budget meeting supporting the sudden decision to increase the size of CTEC, especially considering that the College already possesses 108,000 square feet at that facility. Similarly, no clarifications were given at the meeting regarding why the specific amount of $10 million was chosen, nor was there any disclosure regarding the portion of funding that might come from state grants. Furthermore, it remained unclear whether the $10 million would be spent regardless of the availability of state funding.
Another surprising revelation emerged from a confidential executive meeting of the Community College District Governing Board on June 8. During this meeting, a decision was made to acquire a property in Prescott, located west of the airport. The exact purchase price of the property remains undisclosed. The purpose of this acquisition is currently unknown, but there are speculations that it might be intended to expand the footprint of CTEC. The lack of transparency surrounding this decision has left the community uncertain about the college’s intentions with the newly acquired property. (For more information about the purchase, please click here.)
Adding to the residents’ surprise was the fact that the expansion of CTEC was never discussed during the important District Governing Board meeting held November 2022. At this meeting the Board considered all priority projects submitted to them by the College administration and experts hired by the College. The Board then went ahead and approved all of the priority capital projects in concept. Despite the presentation of a detailed chart allegedly prepared by the College experts for that meeting, which outlined the various priority projects and their estimated cost, the CTEC expansion was conspicuously absent from the chart or any discussion.
This is what information the Blog has been able to gather so far:
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- At the May 2023 budget approval meeting, page 74 of the budget book states: “Yavapai College will expand the Career and Technical Cetner (sic) (CTEC) by up to 20,000 square feet. Within the expanded space, the college will construct new programs and move a few existing programs to meet Freeport’s current and future workforce needs. Specifically, the space will be used to train technicians with the newest automation and Al technologies.”
- At the May 2023 budget hearing, Dr. Clint Ewell provided the following short explanation for the sudden addition: “Last, but not least, we’ve been working on some leads with the State regarding workforce accelerators, which is some state funded money to help local businesses advance their workforce training skills. So we’re partnering with free Port Mac Moran and putting our name in the hat. We’re hopeful, perhaps even optimistic, that we will get money to help them train their next generation of automation technicians and using artificial intelligence to help diagnose what’s going on with their processes.”
- Finally, Chair Deb McCasland made a vague comment at the end of the budget approval process regarding potential state funds. She said: “And just another point on the capital projects. We are estimating that we will receive 16.4 million dollars to support the capital improvements from outside sources non taxpayer dollars. So we are being very frugal. . . .”
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The Community College’s persistent adherence to secrecy raises numerous concerns. Such opacity undermines the trust that residents have placed in the institution. By choosing to withhold information or failing to meaningfully provide it, such as detailed reasons it suddenly decided to allocate $10 million in taxpayer dollars to a particular project, the Community College not only fails to foster an environment of openness and accountability but also exacerbates the skepticism and unease felt by community members. Transparent and inclusive decision-making processes are essential for building trust and ensuring the collective well-being of all stakeholders.
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.
Tells Governing Board at May 16 District meeting that Verde Campus must have at least 15 students and 5 qualified instructors living in the Verde Valley before program will be returned from Prescott. Is this an example of the classic chicken and egg dilemma?
What comes first? The chicken or the egg?
The question of what happened to close down the Yavapai Community College Fire Science training program more than a year ago on the Verde Campus was answered by Community College president Dr. Lisa Rhine at the May 16 Governing Board meeting.
Dr. Rhine said that the program once alternated between the Verde Campus and Prescott. However, over the past several years there has been a decline in student enrollment in the Verde Valley and a decrease in qualified instructors for the program. Therefore, the program was permanently moved to Prescott.
Addressing the Sedona/Verde Valley’s community hopes for reinstating the program, she indicated that the current fire science director is aware of the issue and is working with all the fire chiefs and advisory boards to try and return the fire science back to the Verde Campus. She said that if the Verde Valley Campus can produce 15 students and five qualified instructors who live in the Verde Valley, it will be returned.
Critics argue that the situation at the East County Verde Campus and the Sedona Center resembles the classic “chicken and egg” dilemma. The prevailing sentiment is that the program’s revival hinges on a fundamental condition: if the students and instructors are available, the program will be reinstated. However, detractors find fault with the approach that instead prioritizes the return of the program first, with the promise of subsequent support to cultivate a student body of 15 and recruit five qualified instructors.
You may hear and view Dr. Rhine’s brief statement regarding the Fire-Science program at the May 16 District Governing Board meeting by clicking here.
Yavapai Community College has announced its summer hours. All locations will be closed on Fridays beginning May 12 and ending August 4. In addition, the locations will be closed May 29, June 19, and July 4. There will be no classes the week of July 4.
Free and open to the public
🙂 Yavapai Community College has announced an open house recruiting and familiarization day will be held on Saturday, April 22 at Yavapai Community College’s Verde Valley Campus (601 Black Hills Drive, Clarkdale) from 9 to 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The press release containing the announcement from the College reads as follows:
Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus and learn what it’s like to be a Yavapai College Roughrider. Meet the people who will help you learn more about the programs that YC has to offer. Participants may secure assistance in completing an application to Yavapai College, and can learn more about scholarships, financial aid, and how to pay for college.
Visit www.yc.edu/openhouse for more information.
“We’re excited to be able to provide members of the community the opportunity to see for themselves the wide variety of academic offerings and top-flight facilities at YC,” said Dr. Diane Ryan, Yavapai College Vice President of Academic Affairs.
The campus features well-equipped classrooms, computer labs, a modern library, a new student union, an art gallery and arts center, learning center, fitness center, veterans’ program, the iconic Mabery Pavilion and other community gathering places, a robust data center, and state-of-the-art labs.
The Verde Valley Campus is home to a state-of-the-art 10,000 sq. ft. Skilled Trades Center. This facility is used to train students in career and technical education programs. These programs include Residential Trades/Construction, Residential Electrical, Residential HVAC and Residential Plumbing.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
Inflation, additional sports programs, significant increase in employee salaries, no increase in four years, will be argued as driving forces that need increase in primary tax money from County residents
Yavapai Community College indicated at the March 2023 District Governing Board meeting that it will be seeking a 5% primary property tax rate increase in May of 2023. It will most likely argue that it needs more operating revenue, and the only available source appears at present to be Yavapai County residents’ primary property taxes.
The anticipated arguments that the Prescott-based executives will make to the Governing Board are along these lines: First, the College will note to the Governing Board that it has not asked for a primary tax rate increase for four years. Typically, it will argue, it asks for an increase every three years. Second, it will argue that each year, when the College does not increase the property tax as allowed by law, the amount not used is carried forward. Thus, at present the College could ask for an 18 percent increase, which the College will tell the Board it would never use. Thus, citizens implicitly should be grateful the increase is only 5%. Finally, it will emphasize that inflation is a main cause of the need for more funds.
It will not consider any major budget cuts, such as reducing or eliminating a sports program.
State law provides the Governing Board with exclusive power to increase the County primary tax rate. The increase needs only a majority of the five member Governing Board to vote in favor of it. While citizens will be given an opportunity to express their opinion about the tax rate increase at the May public meeting, there is no history of citizen opposition affecting whatever increase the College has requested.
Fund provides scholarships for student veterans and their families pursuing life-lifting education and career training at Yavapai Community College
The Prescott Regulators & Their Shady Ladies nonprofit organization recently donated $10,000 to the Yavapai Community College Foundation in support of the Foundation’s Veterans, Military and Family Fund. This is a scholarship fund created for student veterans and their families pursuing life-lifting education and career training at Yavapai Community College. The contribution is the largest to date deposited in the Veterans, Military and Family Fund.
The Prescott Regulators & Their Shady Ladies established the scholarship for veteran students in 2016. “Several of the members of our group themselves are veterans. That’s why we chose to support veterans at Yavapai College,” said Monty Packard, the group’s sergeant of arms.
Scholarship recipient thank-you letters and success stories, which are shared at meetings and functions, are all the reward and inspiration members need, said Paige Phares, the organization’s president. “I know that helps our fundraising.”
Photo from website.
The Prescott Regulators & Their Shady Ladies, Inc. are an award winning 501(c)(3) re-enactment group. They are the “Official Old West Ambassadors of Prescott” and for over 12 years have represented Prescott in parades, re-enactments and events around the State of Arizona.
They were chosen by the State of Arizona as one of only three Western re-enactment groups to perform at the State’s Centennial Celebration “BestFest,” both in Prescott and in Phoenix. The organization has been honored by “True West Magazine” as the “Best In The West” re-enactment group twice in the last five years and hosted the “Western Area” of the City’s Sesquicentennial Celebration.
No explanation offered for sudden need to modify existing contract
Dr. Lisa Rhine
Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine renegotiated a portion of her existing five-year contract with the College District Governing Board at a secret executive meeting held during a “workshop” Monday, November 14. Despite everyone on the Board being “satisfied with her performance,” the President, and apparently at her lawyer’s advice (who was not present), persuaded the Board to insert a new severance provision.
The severance provision would ensure that she receives hundreds of thousands of dollars if she is fired for poor performance. No reason was offered by anyone regarding a need for this unusual and substantial severance provision. Recall she is already by far the highest paid executive in Yavapai County and only last May received a 10% increase in her salary. It is surmised that she is earning somewhere around $300,000 a year in salary and benefits.
Because the executive session regarding the contract was held in secret, little is known by the public about either the reason for the severance or the actual dollar amount of the severance package. What is clear is that if Dr. Rhine is fired for poor performance, this provision ensures she will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in severance.
The final motion agreed upon by the Governing Board 4-1 reads that “there would be a two-year severance payout with cause only for poor performance or 50% of the President’s remaining obligation by the College, whichever is greater.”
You may view the brief nine-minute discussion following the secret executive meeting regarding Dr. Rhine ‘s salary by clicking here.