At a special meeting on Monday, August 15, 2022, the Gila County Transitional Community College District (GCPCCD) Board of Trustees approved and awarded Dr. Janice Lawhorn of Lawhorn Consulting, LLC the contract of Interim College President. Dr. Lawhorn entered college with extensive experience in higher education and at Eastern Arizona College where he has held a variety of teaching and leadership positions for over 20 years. She also served as Senior Dean of Gila County Grove Her Campus and Payson Campus from 2020 until 2022.

In November 2002, voters approved a levy to help financially.port A provisional community college district was established in Gila County. Therefore, in June 2003, the Gila County Transitional Community College School District was established. Under Arizona law, an interim school district is considered the same as a fully organized school district, with one major exception. Since 2005, GCPCCD has contracted with Eastern Arizona Colleges (EAC) to provide educational services as required by the state. Therefore, her GCPCCD students who reside in Gila County and attend classes through the Gila Pueblo (Grove) and Payson campuses will receive a degree or certificate from the EAC.

“The Board is very excited to have Dr. Lohorn at the helm as we look to the future,” said Dr. Jean Blocker, President of the Board. “While our long-term partnership with the EAC continues to be positive and productive, we are pleased to begin the process of becoming an independent and fully organized district. We are very supportive and will continue to represent their best interests as we move forward. I am confident that he is the leader we need to make sure we get there.”

“GCPCCD is pleased to have Dr. Lawhorn signed as Interim College President,” said EAC President Todd Haney. “I have worked with Janice for many years, and I am confident that she will provide the leadership the district needs to take the next step toward an independent future. We remain grateful for the opportunity to provide higher education to the residents of Gila County.”

Dr. Lawhorn thanked the board for their support and indicated that he was excited to accept the challenge. “I am truly blessed to be working with the wonderful people of Gila County. I am passionate and committed to this cause.”