We are starting the academic year at Coconino Community College with grateful hearts and with excitement for so many reasons. On that list are a few developments I’d like to share.
First, a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to longtime CCC employee, supporter and District Governing Board member Lloyd Hammonds, and enthusiastically welcome Joey Smith, who will be stepping into Lloyd’s DGB seat for District 5.
Joey, a member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation in Camp Verde, was born in Flagstaff and raised in Page. Smith began his college education in the community college system at Mesa Community College and received undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice from Arizona State University. He’s married to his high school sweetheart, Bronwyn Smith, who is a member of the Navajo Nation and grew up in Page. She works as a pharmacist at the hospital in Tuba City. Smith is a member of the management team at Antelope Point Marina in Page. Previously, he served on the CCC Foundation as a board member.
Lloyd will be deeply missed. He has long had a strong personal commitment to the community college. Prior to beginning his service on the Governing Board in 2012, he was the Dean of CCC in Page from 1998 through 2012.
Second, our new Vision, Mission, Values and Guiding Principles designed to convey our passion for learning, focus our purpose and strengthen the college were approved by the District Governing Board on Aug. 21. The new statements are a culmination of the many wonderful ideas and thoughtful input shared over the past year from our internal college community (including students, faculty and staff), as well as many external friends of the college. This process has led to clear communication of who we are and how we will serve Coconino County going forward.
Here they are:
Shaping the future of Coconino County. Empowering Individuals. Inspiring Communities.
Education with Purpose!
Mission
Coconino Community College is committed to providing accessible and affordable educational programs that prepare students for the future. Deeply engaged with the communities we serve, we promote student success through a welcoming and inclusive learning environment designed for innovative programing, career and workforce development, university transfer education and continued life-long learning opportunities.
Valuing People: Diversity Statement
Coconino Community College recognizes and respects diversity and the value it brings to our communities. We appreciate and welcome cultures, identities, beliefs, experiences and all that makes us unique. CCC champions and takes action to build an inclusive work and learning environment. We are allies and advocates, navigating a respectful dialogue about our shared humanity.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
These principles guide the way we work and learn together at Coconino Community College through our commitment to:
Put Students First
Listen, Learn and Collaborate
Act and Respond with Integrity and Resilience
Communicate with Honesty, Dignity, and Respect
Demonstrate Exceptional Stewardship of Public Resources
Continually Strive for Excellence as a Community of Learners
Provide a Safe Environment that Reinforces Learning and Innovation
Finally, I want to give special mention to the 2019 CCC Distinguished Service Award winners. Gail and Norm Lowe were selected for their outstanding contributions to the mission of CCC.
They exemplify the term “CCC Champions.” They dedicate countless hours to helping take the message of the College to the four corners of Coconino County and beyond and to let people know that, they too, can benefit from their community college – whether they’re interested in transferring to a university, learning a new job skill, or expanding their horizons. I am truly grateful for their amazing service to the college and to our students.
So, I invite you to come join us over the next year to meet Joey, Gail and Norm and as we develop our new strategic plan, “Coconino Community College: Strength in Numbers 2020-2025.” We are counting on you as you continue to support “your” Community College along the path to an even brighter future!
CCC is a great place to be. Onward! Náás! Adelante! FBN
By Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D.
Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D., is the president of Coconino Community College.