By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.

Spring has sprung! I am grateful for the beautiful springtime weather in Southeast Arizona and the season of growth, planning, and celebrations it brings. 

The college has quickly responded to the changing job market by broadening its academic offerings and workforce development initiatives.  This spring, 42 short-term certificate programs are available for individuals looking to reskill or upskill in a post-pandemic world. Of these, 28 programs can be finished within a year or less. The programs are designed to equip students with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-changing job market. Additionally, these “stackable” credentials can build toward other certificates and/or degrees, allowing students various career paths.

I was recently inspired by the story of one of our students, Jessica. Jessica’s story is an inspiration to many. As a single mother with a teenager, she sought to improve her financial situation by enrolling at Cochise College. She completed the one-year medical assistant program, graduating with honors as a Phi Theta Kappa member. With hard work and dedication, she also “stacked” a phlebotomy certification (8 weeks). Her efforts paid off when she secured a job at a local health center, and her national certification earned her a pay raise. Jessica now plans to “stack” an EKG certification to advance her career further.

In addition, Cochise College collaborates with local agencies and organizations to forge ties with our communities to solve some of our greatest workforce challenges. Of notable instance is our joint efforts in providing programs like the Public Safety Telecommunications Officer Training Academy (6 weeks) in partnership with SEACOM, the county, numerous municipalities, and fire districts. We recently celebrated the 13 academy graduates who have been either hired, or are about to be hired, as public safety dispatchers. Four cohorts have completed the 4-week commercial driver’s license (CDL) program and are entering the workforce at a time when trained drivers are hard to find. The initial group of students who undertook the basic behavioral health certificate program finished in December and are actively engaged in employment opportunities across the county. This program was developed in partnership with the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona. The basic certificate can be completed in one semester (16 weeks). An advanced certificate, including coursework in pediatric and infant behavioral health considerations and trauma-informed behavioral health care, can be “stacked” in an additional semester of coursework.

April is community college month, and the public is invited to attend the Cochise College Expo on April 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the Sierra Vista Campus. The Expo will include a concert on the green, the Chris Kane Trio, and individuals and families can learn more about the various higher education opportunities at Cochise College, including many quick-to-finish certifications and training opportunities. 

And we’re not stopping there. Several projects are underway, including a driving track (in partnership with the City of Sierra Vista), a firearms training complex (part of the First Responders Academy), and student housing opportunities in Sierra Vista. In Fall 2024, the college anticipates the launch of two new baccalaureate programs, allowing students to earn their four-year degrees without leaving Cochise County. As the college president, I am proud to see firsthand the college’s positive impact on our students and the communities we serve.

As graduation celebrations draw near, it’s clear that Cochise College is where students can create bright futures for themselves. And if you’re interested in learning more about the opportunities available to you, I encourage you to visit the Sierra Vista Campus during the Expo in April. 

J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.

By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.

Cochise College awarded more than 1,400 degrees and 445 certificates this past academic year and, on May 12, we celebrated the 58th Commencement on the Douglas Campus.

Commencement allows us to simultaneously celebrate our academic traditions, with pomp and circumstance and the dressing in caps and gowns, while we honor the achievements of our graduates. Commencement is a momentous occasion, a milestone in a student’s journey, a point of departure for each graduate as they “commence” in their next adventure. It’s also a time to reflect on the achievements of our alumni and their impact on our communities.

This year, the graduate processional was led by four alumni marshals, who started at Cochise College and went on to influence the future well-being of many in our communities.

Rosanna Alvarez Anderson (’03) grew up in Elfrida and found her passion in playing sports throughout high school. She chose Cochise College so she could work in athletics and develop a sense of independence while still feeling supported. She later earned a bachelor’s degree, becoming the first in her family with such a recognition. Rosanna has worked in the health and wellness industry for over 15 years, starting as an onsite health fitness instructor and progressing to a Corporate Onsite Health Coach. Recently she earned her master’s degree and remains grateful for her education at Cochise College. As she reminded us during her visit, she was a small-town girl with big dreams and Cochise College got her on her way.

Joel P. Borowiec (’78) is a seasoned trial lawyer and founding member of Borowiec & Borowiec PC in Sierra Vista. He grew up in Bisbee and graduated from Cochise College before earning degrees from the University of Arizona and Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. Joel is actively involved in the community and is a member of the Cochise College Foundation board of directors. He joined the foundation board because of his passion for education and the opportunities it provides for students. Joel works to increase scholarship opportunities for students looking to transfer to a university or gain valuable workforce skills.

George Montaño (’74) embodies the philosophy of community service through education. Over the course of 40 years, George served in various roles in the Douglas school district, from substitute teacher to athletic director and even as a school principal in retirement. Beyond his impressive career, George is known for his ability to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. His leadership skills, sound judgment, communication and unwavering belief in students have impacted many education leaders and teachers in Douglas. The current superintendent credits George’s influence as a factor in her decision to become a teacher.

Melissa Acosta Rodriguez (’00) played basketball for Cochise College and earned an associate degree with an emphasis in pre-education. She cherished the welcoming environment at the college, where she made lifelong friends, and appreciated the small class sizes that allowed instructors to provide individual attention and guidance. Melissa’s passion for education led her to earn a bachelor’s in education and a master’s in educational administration. She is now the principal at Douglas High School. During her career, she has served as an administrator at all three levels of K-12 education. Melissa is also actively involved with youth sports in Douglas. Education has played a significant role in Melissa’s family, with seven siblings attending Cochise College.

Cochise College is proud of its alumni and the impact they have on Cochise County, the State of Arizona, and the world. We look forward to seeing where this year’s graduates will go and what future roles they will play in the communities they serve.

Commencement is all about celebrating our graduates, our alumni, and our college. So, a big thank you to all who have dedicated themselves to helping build a strong future through the power of education. We couldn’t do it without you!

J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.

By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.

It is a great honor to participate in an organization that has been a leader in redefining access to education since its inception in 1964. A commitment to collaboration, innovation and community engagement has marked our legacy. Our dedication to forming partnerships that enhance the communities we serve is showcased in the most recent developments at the college. Finding solutions to the challenges of today requires a collective effort, and partnerships are the driving force behind these initiatives.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve been diligently working on initiatives to bring cutting-edge training opportunities to Cochise County. Some of these include our investments in the Downtown Center, including Nursing, Allied Health, Cyber Security, and Virtual/Mixed Reality. Now an initiative that we have been working on for quite some time is coming to fruition. It’s been years in the making, but our first responders will have access to state-of-the-art training right here in rural southeast Arizona and will no longer need to travel far and wide in search of that training. 

Our First Responders Academy is an example of collaboration in action, with an approach of partnerships and relationships. The Southeast Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy is one such example, a partnership between Cochise College and county law enforcement agencies, particularly the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and Sierra Vista Police Department. We wanted to take these relationships and do even more! We began by unveiling a 4.8-acre driving track and introduced ambulance simulation with mixed reality technology in partnership with SimLeader. We also broke ground on multi-million-dollar facilities, a Firearms Training Complex and the Bugen Hall student housing on the Sierra Vista Campus. These milestones are a testament to our commitment to addressing the specific needs in our community. 

Another notable achievement within this initiative is an expedited fire science certification program. In partnership with the City of Sierra Vista, together, we are providing fire recruits with intensive training, enabling them to complete state fire service exams, attain firefighter I and II certifications, and become proficient in HazMat in just two months. This effort addresses the urgent need for skilled first responders in our community, and I am happy to share that Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services has enrolled eight cadets in this program, with a goal of having them in the workforce by February 2024. 

This hyper-local approach ensures that first responders are academically proficient and well-equipped to excel in the workforce. Through partnerships and relationships, we can collaborate with local employers, healthcare and emergency services to develop programs that align with the community’s immediate needs. 

As I take a moment to reflect, I’m genuinely amazed by the remarkable growth and impact that Cochise College has achieved through its partnerships and relationships. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our locally elected governing board and our outstanding faculty and staff, who have supported our students and the college’s mission.

I am excited about Cochise College’s future and where we are heading as we work to fulfill the college vision of becoming “… a leading and responsive college that transforms and empowers our community by fostering collaborative relationships and providing innovative educational pathways.”

J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.

Take a look around. As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to show on campus and the mild winter is apparent, we are fortunate to live in Cochise County, which supports higher education. For that, we’re sincerely grateful! 

This semester, we had the privilege of collaborating with high school educators from across the county to explore how we can elevate and reshape our education landscape. Rebecca McKay at the ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence provided information and data that allowed us to dissect and understand the unique educational framework in Cochise County. On these metrics, the data shared has been beneficial in identifying and bridging skills gaps to change the numbers and move the county forward. Since the meeting, we have already begun establishing better communication between the college and high schools to align curriculum content and expectations.

To all the K-12 who do so much to educate our friends, family, and neighbors, we are grateful! 

Recently, Cochise College received accolades, securing a spot among the top 150 community colleges nationwide eligible for the Aspen Prize ($1,000,000 prize). We are one of only two community colleges in Arizona to receive this recognition this year. These honors underscore the college’s commitment to providing value, return on investment, workforce success and equity for students. For this, we are grateful!

As we prepare for Thanksgiving and the festive holiday season, we’re filled with gratitude for numerous blessings. Among them are the incredible faculty and staff at Cochise College, whose efforts to create new learning experiences for our students are truly inspiring.

We’re also thankful to community partners for their role in helping the college fulfill its lofty mission and vision. Together, we are making a difference!

We’re incredibly grateful for the students. They infuse the college with vitality, innovation, service and collaboration. This year, students have been at the forefront of numerous community engagement activities, including the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Pit Fire Pottery Festival, Haunted Union, Bisbee 1000, Trunk n’ Treat and Dia de los Muertos cultural events. 

It is their enthusiasm and participation that connect us to the community. Not only are they the reason we’re here, it’s because of them that the faculty and staff of Cochise College remain committed to the mission of providing accessible educational opportunities that support social responsibility, meaningful careers, and lifelong learning. 

My heartfelt thanks go out to the Cochise County community for your remarkable generosity, support, and trust in your community college. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!

J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.

By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.

This year, Cochise College will officially celebrate 60 remarkable years of serving our communities. Since its founding, Cochise College has been committed to providing accessible education and has never had a clearer vision of leading collaborative relationships and providing innovative educational pathways.

Many great things happened at the college in 2023. Looking back, it’s incredible to think about all we have done. In December, we recognized students who completed various certifications, including the first accelerated Fire Science Training Academy, medical assistant, nursing assistant, emergency medical technician and practical nursing. Graduates can take what they’ve learned at Cochise College and be advocates for the greater good. They can make a difference and change lives for the better. With the skills and knowledge acquired at Cochise, they are poised to make a positive impact in our community.

The start of the spring 2024 semester on January 16 symbolizes the beginning of academic pursuits and new opportunities for our students. Each semester is a fresh chapter with potential for growth and learning.

Construction is currently progressing at the Sierra Vista Campus, with two significant projects underway: the Bugen Hall, the first student housing on the Sierra Vista Campus, and the Firearms Training Complex. Visitors can see notable advancements, including pouring concrete foundations and building structural walls. These developments mark a major step forward in enhancing campus facilities and resources.

I am pleased to invite the community to explore our Year in Review, which can be found on the college website at www.cochise.edu/presidents-office. This publication highlights what we have done and underscores our ongoing commitment to serving our communities as we look forward to our 60th anniversary.

Cochise College provides quality education that remains accessible to all. Our alumni often reminisce about their experience with us, acknowledging the crucial role their education here played in paving the way for further academic pursuits and successful careers in various fields. Our dedicated faculty and the supportive staff of the college are frequently commended and acknowledged by our graduates.

The commencement in May will celebrate another new beginning for students. As president, I am continually inspired by the ways in which our collective efforts have influenced countless lives and careers.

As we honor our past and look forward to the future, Cochise College remains steadfast in its vision to foster collaborative relationships, provide innovative educational pathways and serve as a pillar of knowledge and partnerships for our community.

J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.

By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.

As a college president in 2024, each day brings unique opportunities. Over the course of my fifteen years of service at Cochise College, I have witnessed firsthand many of the changes within higher education, and I marvel at the adaptability of community colleges as they strive to serve their “communities.”

In February, I had the opportunity to attend the Community College National Legislative Summit alongside Governing Board Chair Tim Quinn and board members David DiPeso, Don Hudgins and Jane Strain. The summit united leaders from community colleges nationwide as challenges and opportunities were discussed, best practices shared, and advocacy sessions with Congressional delegations on Capitol Hill were held. Although many of our services are similar across the country, the uniqueness of America’s community colleges is the way each college serves its community. One of the unique communities Cochise College serves is Fort Huachuca and the United States Army. That uniqueness played out as Cochise College was invited to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. What a life-changing experience for me to participate in as the college paid tribute to those unknown soldiers who paid the ultimate price for freedom while simultaneously serving men and women who have dedicated themselves to military service. 

At Cochise College, serving soldiers extends back to the early days of the college. In September of 1964 (soon to be 60 years), the college began classes on the Douglas Campus. Later that same week, classes were offered for soldiers at Fort Huachuca. It wasn’t long before the college outgrew its space on the Fort, and in 1972, the Fort Huachuca-Sierra Vista Center was established, first on the southwest corner of the old Buena High School campus at Fry Boulevard and Highway 90. Due to a gift of land, this center moved and evolved into the current Sierra Vista Campus. Meanwhile, in order to best serve the population at Fort Huachuca, the college has continued to operate the Fort Huachuca Center on post.

Serving soldiers is a unique role for community colleges that have installations in their districts. Last year alone, Cochise College’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Credentialing program boasted an annual enrollment of over 4,000 students. To date, more than 105,000 soldiers have participated in this unique program. 

Supporting soldiers in their civilian education is reflected in their stories. Cullen Scarborough’s story, from soldier to the current Cochise College dean for military programs, sums up the power of education and the success of the MOS program. Cullen’s journey began when he attended colleges in Mississippi and Texas before joining the Army. While in the Army, Cullen, like many soldiers, enrolled in courses near his duty stations. While attending military training at Fort Huachuca, Cullen was introduced to the MOS program, which helped him to complete an associate of applied science degree by recognizing his previous college credits, credentialing his military training, and awarding a degree specific to his occupational specialty. Later, building on his experience at Cochise, Cullen earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. As the dean of military programs, Cullen is committed to “paying it forward” for soldiers as they build their military career and, later, transition into civilian life.

The mission of Cochise College is demonstrated in the successes of our students and the support of the communities we serve. The MOS program facilitates academic achievements for soldiers, paving the way for their success during and after their service. 

I am proud of the college’s commitment to our communities. Our administrators, faculty, and staff continue to “move the needle” in a positive direction as we provide educational opportunities that support social responsibility, community engagement, meaningful careers, and lifelong learning.   

J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.