My family and I have been very warmly welcomed to our new home in Coconino County and are busy with our new role as the sixth president of Coconino Community College. My priority in assuming this post was to embark on an extensive tour of the communities CCC serves to better understand what is expected of a community college. Essentially, I was ready to learn. That means listening to students, faculty, staff, community members and leaders, alumni, partners, advocates and even critics. I asked them to talk about what they felt was effective for community colleges, what challenges colleges face, and what could be improved.

I heard your passionate story. I heard stories of dedication. I heard stories about how this university and its people have helped change the lives of many. I learned about his history of CCC, how the university’s locations and programs work as a whole. I had time to process all this information and put together a report for the first 100 days. It organizes what you have learned from all the conversations and meetings you have had or attended in the county.

Based on the lessons of the past and firmly rooted in current practices that support student success, I am committed to envisioning and implementing strategies and actions that will help the University and its students successfully navigate their future as an institution. Dedicated to challenging everyone. , our state and our country continue to emerge from the effects of the global pandemic.

Education is an opportunity for people to create meaning in their lives, and to get that opportunity, whether it’s to get certified in a new skill, to start the journey towards a four-year degree, or simply to pursue aspirations. People need access to education to keep it going. for personal enrichment. That’s why I’m in the field of education, and the moments I can contribute to students’ journeys to create meaning in life, whether it’s raising a family, becoming a better person, finding a passion, or jumping around. I feel happy. Get in a vehicle that will take them anywhere.

A successful first year is very important. Completion is the ultimate goal. Therefore, my report details the future plans considering access, first year success and completion. There are many partners to come, and this effort will require the selfless efforts of his entire CCC community.

The stories I’ve heard about CCC’s future focus fall into 11 categories:

Expansion of educational services – Focus on expanding educational services with a particular focus on Career and Technology (CTE) programs.

Enhance student support and success – Focus and invest resources (budget) on strengthening student support services to ensure educational success.

Make mental health a priority – The mental health of CCC students and employees must be a top priority in moving forward from the pandemic.

Strengthen communication and transparency – Maximize communication between employees to ensure the effectiveness of the university’s vision and mission.

Develop a growth mindset – Shift to a growth perspective, focusing on exciting new possibilities for the next 30 years.

Clearly communicate CCC’s vision – Articulate the educational vision of the communities we serve, based on a solid understanding of the community by our members.

Encourage collaboration and unify cultures – Dedicate the university not only to unifying culture within the university, but also to fostering collaboration.

Focus on professional development – Provide more opportunities for faculty and staff to further their professional development for the benefit of students.

Embrace history, focus on the future – Recognize CCC’s 30-year history and keep that history in mind as you focus on the next 30 years and beyond.

Democratizing data – Use data to provide insights on how best to move forward and make data publicly and easily accessible.

Strengthen and grow partnerships – CCC must continue to nurture and nurture its partnerships with businesses, non-profits and government agencies.

I would like to thank the CCC District Board, NAU President José Luis Cruz-Rivera, CCC students, faculty and staff, and most of all, the residents of the communities CCC serves. I look forward to working with you to make our university a place known for its desire to help all who come to our gates. May we all focus on the future of the university and respect CCC’s past. FBNMore

By Dr. Eric Heiser

For the full 100-day report, please visit: www.coconino.edu/president.

Dr. Eric Heiser is the President of Coconino Community College.