Photo credits Lori Dugan and Taylor Ellett/EAC: Eastern Arizona College President Todd Haney has appointed Kevin Peck (left) as Dean of Business, Computers, Industrial Technology Education, and Prisons Programs. Haney also appointed Eric Bejarano as the new director of his EAC Small Business Development Center.
Chris McBride/EAC
Thatcher — Eastern Arizona College has appointed Kevin Peck, former Director of the Small Business Development Center (EAC SBDC) at Eastern Arizona College, as Dean of Business, Computers, Industrial Technology Education, and Prisons Programs. Eric Bejarano has been appointed to replace Peck as his new EAC SBDC Director.
Meet the new leader of the EAC.
Kevin Peck
As former director of EAC’s SBDC, Peck has spent the past 12 years helping local entrepreneurs realize their business dreams. He provided one-on-one consulting, training, and technical assistance to hundreds of local businesses, resulting in job creation and economic growth.
“Kevin is widely recognized for bringing together public-private partnerships and creating innovative programs to support small businesses and our communities,” said EAC President Todd Haynie. and management skills will greatly benefit the EAC and the community.”
Under Peck’s leadership, EAC’s SBDC has played a key role in the state’s pandemic response. His work helped businesses affected by COVID-19 secure federal funding, and no local businesses had to close because of the pandemic. For his achievements, Peck earned him the 2020 America’s Small Business Development Center State Star Award. This award recognizes his one individual from each state for exemplary service and going above and beyond to support small businesses.
“Over the past few years, Kevin has reimagined the services provided by small businesses in our community and helped them thrive during unprecedented times of upheaval. His tenure has been focused on results. Characterized by collaborative leadership, I look forward to seeing the University grow under his new leadership role.”
Peck has also taught at both Eastern Arizona College and Arizona State University as part of a four-year degree program in organizational leadership. He is currently president of the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center Foundation, past president and current treasurer of the Safford Rotary Club, member of the Graham County Economic Development Organization, and a member of the SEAGO Economic Advisory Board.
A lifelong Arizonan, Peck graduated from Snowflake High School and Eastern Arizona College. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and his MBA from Western New Mexico University. He and his wife Jodi have been married for 32 years and he has four daughters and eight of his grandchildren.
Eric Bejarano
Eric Bejarano has lived in the Gila Valley for seven years. Born into a military family, he discovered his passion for law enforcement after high school and joining the U.S. Marine Corps. After he retired from the Tucson Police Department in 2014, Bejarano transitioned to emergency medical services. For the last eight years he has served as Regional Manager for LifeNet/Native Air – Air Methods, primarily in Southern Arizona, but also in Western New Mexico and Central Arizona.
“EAC’s SBDC is the first SBDC in the state and builds on the foundation laid by past leaders and partners,” said EAC President Todd Haney. “Eric’s leadership will build on this solid foundation. He brings a wealth of experience at a critical time for business supporting the university’s initiatives in entrepreneurship, economic development and student engagement. “
Bejarano contributes to her community as a member of the Gila Valley Rotary. He is also Chair of the Building Community Youth He Leader, the Graham County Chamber of Commerce Commission, and a member of the Graham County Victim Compensation Commission. Additionally, Bejarano is committed to partnerships with the Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, the Arizona Governor’s Department of Highway Safety, and LifeNet to provide our community with child passenger safety training monthly.
“EAC’s SBDC has been a catalyst for strengthening small businesses in our communities since 1988,” Bejarano said. “My goal is to continue to help new entrepreneurs realize their dreams of owning a business and help current businesses stay competitive in an ever-changing economy.”
Bejarano holds a bachelor’s degree in justice system policy and planning and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on counseling and relationships from Northern Arizona University. He has been married to his wife Trinity for his 28 years and has his six children of four girls and his two boys and a six-month-old granddaughter.
“I always try to put others ahead of myself. As a Marine, I believed in a simple motto: ‘Semper Fidelis,’ or ‘Always Faithful.’ As a police officer and Rotarian, my motto is “Service Above Self.” Ultimately, it’s important to me to have a positive impact on other people’s lives. “
About EAC SBDCs
The Eastern Arizona College Small Business Development Center is part of a national and statewide network of small business assistance providers. The center’s primary goal is to provide local small businesses with the tools and training they need to succeed. The Center is funded by Eastern Arizona College with the support of grants provided by the US Small Business Administration.
SBDC provides free counseling to help entrepreneurs find answers to many questions that arise when starting or running a business. SBDC works in partnership with SBA, local chambers of commerce, and other community partnerships.
To take your business to the next level, please contact us at sbdc@eac.edu or call us at (928) 428-8590.
About Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College, Arizona’s first community college, has been helping students realize their dreams since 1888. With campuses in Thatcher, Grove, and Payson, EAC’s qualified and caring instructors prepare students for the most in-demand careers and advanced studies at university. EAC is Arizona’s #1 nursing school, Arizona’s only arts program featuring marching bands, and an engineering program that speeds students up for success in colleges and top companies, with over 80 certifications and certifications. offers a degree. Students grow at her EAC and develop lifelong friendships. EAC’s vibrant student experience includes on-campus housing, over 30 clubs and organizations, active campus activities, and nationally-ranked athletic and esports teams. At EAC, most students graduate with zero debt. Let EAC provide an affordable way to claim your dreams. Contact admissions@eac.edu today or call (928) 428-8272.
