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Interim president for Mesa Community College Kimberly Britt announced on Feb. 27 a collaborative relationship between MCC, South Mountain Community College and Glendale Community College in an effort to combine resources for a joint search for a new Vice President of Academic Affairs at each of the three colleges.

https://mesalegend.com/maricopa-county-community-colleges-announce-collaborative-hiring-process/

Santa Fe College Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning, Dr. Lisa Armour, has been selected as the new Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at Maricopa Community Colleges in Tempe, Arizona.

Dr. Armour has held leadership positions at SF since her arrival in 2011, serving as Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Assessment, Research and Technology. In June of 2021, she stepped into the role of interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, before returning to her position of Vice President in the newly named division of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning.

https://news.sfcollege.edu/2023/10/25/vp-armour-named-executive-vice-chancellor-and-provost-at-maricopa-community-colleges/

The Maricopa Community College system is helping the state’s fast growing semiconductor sector ensure the talent pipeline remains full to meet employers’ demands.

Three colleges in the system are offering courses as part of the Semiconductor Quick Start program, which can prepare students for entry-level employment in the semiconductor industry in as little as two weeks or 40 hours.

https://chamberbusinessnews.com/2023/07/19/maricopa-community-colleges-helping-to-meet-employment-demands-of-semiconductor-industry/

I have been working in education in Arizona for my entire career. I started as a high school math teacher, and in the years since, I have risen to become the chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) – one of the largest community college systems in the nation.

https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2023/07/14/community-colleges-partner-with-semiconductor-industry/

PHOENIX — Maricopa Community Colleges are now offering programs to earn bachelor’s degrees.

Starting this fall, students can enroll in classes and graduate from MCC with a bachelor’s degree through programs like:

• Behavioral Sciences
• Early Childhood Education
• Data Analytics and Programming
• Elementary Education and Special Education
• Information Technology
• Nuclear Medicine Technology and Computed Tomography
• Public Safety Administration

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/students-can-apply-for-bachelors-degree-at-maricopa-community-colleges

Opinion: Arizona has some of the nation's largest hospital staffing shortages. New state funding is helping to address critical nursing needs.

By: Steven R. Gonzales

Arizona, like many states across America, is facing a nurse shortage. 

The pandemic has taken a toll on existing nursing staff due to staffing shortages, employee burnout and retirement. Despite the number of nursing graduates entering the workforce, it is clear that Arizona needs to catch up with current demand levels.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2023/03/10/maricopa-county-colleges-tackling-nursing-shortage-degrees-funding/69991523007/

'Critical Race Theory’ ban would outlaw teaching about the alleged Buffalo shooter’s racist motivations

The effort to stamp out ‘critical race theory’ would also apply to universities, guest speakers and staff training

Teachers should not be allowed to explain to their students that the mass murder in a Buffalo grocery story this month was allegedly committed by a white supremacist who targeted and killed Black people in a largely Black neighborhood — and legislation approved Wednesday by Republicans would punish teachers who mentioned that. 

Mesa Republican state Rep. Michelle Udall said it would “not be appropriate” to explain the motives behind those deaths in Arizona classrooms. And legislation she championed, Senate Bill 1412, would bar educators from teaching that casts “blame based on race, ethnicity or sex” in all Arizona public schools. That, she said, would include instruction on what happened in Buffalo.

Read full article here.

PHOENIX — Just days after announcing a shakeup of finalists for the job, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has named the new president of Phoenix College.

Kimberly Britt, who has been the vice president of academic affairs at Phoenix College and the accreditation liaison officer at the MCCCD, will take over the top position at the college from Clyne Namuo, who has been serving as interim president since March 2021.

https://www.abc15.com/news/business/mcccd-names-new-president-of-phoenix-college

Intel, Maricopa Community Colleges partnership encourages inclusion in semiconductor industry.

Intel is aiming to reduce barriers to employment and grow the potential employee pool in the quickly-growing semiconductor industry through a community college partnership. Intel and Maricopa County Community College District officials hope the partnership will show participants that they have a place in the industry regardless of gender, race or economic background.

Read More Here

Opinion: From 4-year degrees to semiconductor bootcamp, Maricopa County Community College District is offering innovative programs to train in-demand workers.

Maricopa County Community College District provides the most cost-effective higher education in the state. We are Arizona’s largest workforce training provider in multiple industries.

Nonetheless, we’re driven to do more by connecting students to innovative programs with sustainable and growing careers. The latest proof: the community college district has selected its first bachelor’s degrees for development.

The baccalaureate degrees, paved by legislation Arizona lawmakers passed last year, are in seven areas – ranging from programming and data analysis, nuclear medicine technology and computed topography, to early childhood education and dual certification in elementary/special education.

Over the next year, the district will be creating the courses and requirements for each four-year degree with a goal of offering the new degree programs beginning in fall 2023.

COLLEGE WORTH IT?:

Years ago, I would have said no. Now, it's absolutely yes

These programs will further support our students, many of whom would not typically transfer to a university after earning a two-year degree. Now, they will have the convenience and affordability to continue after their associate degree at one of the district’s colleges.

Semiconductor, AI programs are cutting edge

It’ll build on our already impressive track record of innovation and career development.

Last month, first lady Jill Biden visited Intel in Chandler to highlight continued investments in manufacturing and workforce development as a driving force behind Arizona’s and our nation’s strong economic security and job creation. Leaders from the community college district and Intel briefed Biden about the upcoming Semiconductor Technician Bootcamp partnership that will lead to high demand jobs with competitive wages.

Responding to Arizona’s rapid expansion in semiconductor manufacturing in recent years, MCCCD identified industry partners to develop innovative and accelerated curriculum, including a series of 10 four-hour classes with nighttime options available.

DON'T CELEBRATE YET:

Community colleges still face restrictions

Another example of our cost-effective, cutting-edge education is within the artificial intelligence industry. Just last fall, the district put the certificate and degree in motion for the first artificial intelligence program in the country; we already have plans to expand the program as the first student class begins graduating.

The program – a partnership of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, Intel and the Arizona Commerce Authority – will not only prepare these students for a lifetime of opportunities but also open doors for employers to quickly tap a prepared workforce.

Despite challenges, we're finding new opportunities

The students of MCCCD are among the brightest and hardworking emerging leaders of the modern era, and we continue to capitalize on our investments to further their career opportunities.

This legislative session, the community college district has led on legislation that appropriates $8.6 million for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and workforce programs. It is yet another example of how the district continues to be a national leader in community college education.

There is no investment in Arizona’s economic future without investing in our students.

Through the pandemic, one of the most challenging periods our nation has seen, we have created new, dynamic opportunities for our students, our community and our state. Where we can do more, the Maricopa County Community College District will continue to find a way.

Marie Sullivan is president of the Maricopa Community College District Governing Board. Linda Thor and Susan Bitter Smith serve as board members. Reach them at marie.sullivan@domail.maricopa.edu, sbsmith@technicalsolutionsaz.com and linda.thor@domail.maricopa.edu.