About YC

College Mission, Values, and Strategic Goals & Initiatives

Mission: Yavapai College transforms lives and strengthens the local economy through education.

Vision:  Yavapai College ensures that Yavapai County is a premier place to learn, work, and live.

Values:

• Excellence We foster positive relationships and accountability, anticipate and address stakeholders' needs, and create a supportive learning environment.
• Innovation We encourage creativity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of new ideas and solutions.
• Continuous Learning We promote continuous learning and intellectual curiosity through formal education and beyond.
• Belonging We treat others with dignity and consideration, fostering a supportive and collegial environment.

Strategic Goals & Initiatives

Goals

1. Belonging Affirms the importance of meeting students' basic needs as a foundation for academic success and community connection. By ensuring students have the support necessary to thrive, the College fosters an inclusive environment where individuals feel welcomed, valued, and supported. This commitment also extends to employees, cultivating a culture in which faculty and staff feel engaged, appreciated, and empowered in their work.

2. Adult Learners Focuses on expanding access and opportunity for non-traditional students, particularly those with some college experience but no degree. This goal acknowledges the unique circumstances of adult learners and prioritizes flexible, supportive pathways that enable them to successfully balance education with work and family responsibilities.

3. Living Wage Centers on preparing students for meaningful employment that provides economic mobility and long-term stability. In response to a changing workforce shaped by technological advancement and automation, the College is committed to equipping learners with relevant knowledge, skills, and credentials that position them for high-demand, well-compensated careers.

4. Delivery Goal Focuses on improving how the College provides high-quality educational programs and services to maximize student success. This goal emphasizes effectiveness, innovation, and continuous improvement in academic offerings and student support systems to ensure learners can achieve their educational and life goals.

5. Foundational Capability Focuses on sustaining Yavapai College's financial stability and operational strength to support its mission and strategic priorities.  It emphasizes the need for YC to grow core capabilities such as fiscal stewardship, talent management, data integrity, physical security, and a results-oriented culture of continuous improvement. 

These core capabilities will create the operational excellence needed to remain relevant and successful in today's fast-paced and highly competitive market.

View details at Yavapai College Strategic Planning.

District Governing Board

Board Members

• Ms. Deb McCasland, Board Chair
• Mr. Steve Bracety, Board Secretary
• Mr. William Kiel, Board Member
• Mr. Alton "Toby" Payne, Board Member
• Mr. Patrick Kuykendall, Board Member

The District Governing Board sets the strategic direction of the College through its board policies, priorities, and executive limitations of the president.

Visit the Yavapai College District Governing Board's home page at www.yc.edu/dgb.

College Administration

President

Lisa Rhine, Ph.D. College President (2019)

Executive Leadership Team

Douglas Berry, P.h.D. Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs (2023)

Marylou Mercado, Ed.D. Vice President of Workforce Development & Health Sciences (2018)

Jack Smith, M.P.A. Vice President of Community Relations and Legislative Affairs (2023)

Clint Ewell, Ed.D. Chief Operating Officer (2010)

Janet Nix, Ed.D. Chief Human Resources Officer (2023)

Associate Vice Presidents

Diana Dowling, M.Ed. Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management (2011)

Dean Holbrook, M.A. Associate Vice President of Instruction & Early College (2009)

Tania Sheldahl, M.Ed. Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students (1986)

District Deans

Perry Baker, Ph.D. Dean of Math, Sciences, Business, & Technology (2023)

Irina Del Genio, Ph.D. Dean of English, Humanities & Social Sciences, and the Verde Valley Campus and Sedona Center (2023)

Jason Ebersole, M.S. Dean of Health Sciences and Public Services (2009)

Alex Lewis, B.A.S. Interim Dean of Career and Technical Education Center (2018)

Stacey Hilton, M.S. Dean of Instructional Support (2000)

Jennifer Ritter, D.N.P. Dean of Health Sciences (2012)

Bryan Robertson, M.F.A. Dean of Visual and Performing Arts (2019)

Marnee Zazueta, M.A. Dean of Chino Valley Campus (2006)

Yavapai College Foundation

Executive Members: FY24/25

• April Rhodes, President
• Tracey McCollum, Vice President
• Deanna Tarrant, Treasurer
• Dr. Lisa Rhine, Yavapai College President
• Nicole Kennedy, Yavapai College Foundation Chief Development Officer

Ensuring Excellence in Education and Empowering Our Communities: A Legacy of Support at Yavapai College

Since 1971, the Yavapai College Foundation (YCF) has been a cornerstone of excellence in education, enhancing the lives of Yavapai College students, faculty, and the surrounding communities. The Foundation's impact is made possible by the generous support of alumni and other champions in the community who provide critical resources through scholarships, auxiliary organizations, and community projects.

As both Yavapai County and Yavapai College continue to grow and evolve, the need for a strong, financially supported Foundation has never been greater. By supporting Yavapai College, you are directly investing in students who will go on to become invaluable assets to our community. Our students pursue careers in vital fields such as healthcare, public safety, technology and computer science, skilled trades, and more. Your contributions help them gain the education and skills necessary to drive the growth and prosperity of our community.

Here's how you can make a difference:

• Make a Gift Today: Every contribution ensures that students and faculty have the resources they need to succeed and thrive.
• Designate Your Gift: Direct your donation to a specific priority or project, such as healthcare programs, public safety training, or technology initiatives, that aligns with your values and vision.
• Include YCF in Your Legacy: Name the Yavapai College Foundation in your will or planned gift, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

Scholarships: Fueling Dreams, Building Futures

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Yavapai College Foundation administers a range of scholarship funds that help hundreds of students each year. In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, more than $1 million will be provided in scholarships and program support. This financial assistance ensures that students can pursue careers in fields that are essential to our community's future.

Together, we can continue building a brighter future for Yavapai County, where students graduate ready to take on tomorrow's challenges and contribute to the strength of our community. Join us in supporting education, shaping futures, and empowering our community. Your gift today has the power to create lasting change for generations to come.

Join and donate to YCF @ www.yc.edu/foundation.

Campus and Center Locations

For callers outside the 928 area code, please call 1.800.922.6787

The following locations are high school locations that offer Yavapai College programs to their students:  

The following location for the Prison Education Program that Yavapai College offers:  

Affiliation and Accreditation

Yavapai College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411

Phone: 800.621.7440/312.263.0456 | Fax: 312.263.7462
Email: info@hlcommission.org
http://hlcommission.org

Program Accreditation

Nursing Program

The RN-BSN program received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing effective November 16, 2023.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404.975.5000

Fire Science Program

Yavapai College first received accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress in 2001.

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
1700 E. Tyler
Oklahoma State university
Stillwater, OK 74078-8075
Phone: 405.744.8303
Fax: 405.744.8802

Radiologic Technology Program

Yavapai College first received accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology in 2011.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312.704.5300
www.jrcert.org

Emergency Medical Technician Program

Yavapai College first received accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for Emergency Medical Services Professions in 2012.

CAAHEP - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
1361 Park Street
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: 727.210.2350
Fax: 727.210.2354
www.caahep.org

CoAEMSP - Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for Emergency Medical Services Professions
8301 Lakeview Parkway
Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
Phone: 214.703.8445
Fax: 214.703.8992
http://coaemsp.org

Automotive Program

Yavapai College received accreditation Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASE) in 2021.

ASE Automotive Service Excellence
1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE
Leesburg, VA 20176
703.669.6650
info@aseeducationfoundation.org

RN-BSN Program

Effective November 16, 2023, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on November 16, 2025. 

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.975.5000
http://www.acenursing.org

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Yavapai College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment of, or employment in, its services, programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability or genetic information or any other legally protected status in compliance with the laws of the United States and the State of Arizona.  Inquiries regarding the College's equal opportunity employment practices should be directed to the Yavapai College Human Resources Office at (928) 776-2344 or janet.nix@yc.edu.  Student inquiries regarding the educational programs and activities of the College should be directed to the Yavapai College Community Standards & Title IX Office at (928)776-2211 or monica.belknap@yc.edu.  

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Yavapai College prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination and information about reporting can be found at www.yc.edu/T9