The Gila County college campus’s longstanding relationship with Eastern Arizona University will end next summer.

At its special meeting on May 8, 2023, when it entered the Executive Committee, the Gila County Transitional Community College School District (GCPCCD) Board of Directors resolved to terminate its educational services and program contract with EAC on June 30, 2024. bottom. This decision was made two months after the GCPCCD. was formed in 2003 and celebrated its 20th anniversary. The contract remains in effect until its termination date, and a GCPCCD press release states that the board recommended not changing the contract.

The two universities will work together over the next 13 and a half months to enable Gila County students to earn certificates and degrees, according to a press release.

Additionally, while the Board has emphasized its relationship with the EAC, it felt that a “different type of educational partnership” would benefit school districts seeking full institutional status with Arizona and regional accreditation by the Higher Education Commission. added. Such a partnership would “put the university in a better position for a more sustainable post-secondary education future,” the release said. At this time, the nature of that cooperation is not yet clear.

Information Town Halls will be held in late July 2023 at the EAC Gila Pueblo and Payson Campuses to communicate plans, answer questions, and address concerns of students and staff.

“While it was the EAC’s intention to continue providing educational services under its current contract, the university will work to develop a plan to close operations in Gila County and will support faculty, staff and students in this effort.” EAC said in its own press release. . “Eastern Arizona University wants Gila County residents to know that it has been a privilege to work with them over the years.”

As everyone on campus was preparing for May 11 commencement, Dr. Phil McBride, senior dean of the EAC Gila Pueblo and Payson campuses, told Silverbelt that the university said it would work with the Higher Education Commission and the GCPCCD during the graduation ceremony. It’s a transition “to protect existing students and ensure they have the education they need to get their certificates and degrees.”