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From the Office of the President
Biography of Dr. Horton
Dr. James F. Horton assumed the position of Yavapai College President in August 2005. Yavapai College is a comprehensive community college serving Yavapai County in Northern Arizona. The College is based in Prescott, Arizona and has college campuses in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Clarkdale and Sedona.
Yavapai College is experiencing significant growth due to a combination of population growth and the expansion of new programs since Dr. Horton’s arrival. He has assumed responsibility for enhancing the economic, social and cultural life of communities located within Yavapai County and the College has launched a number of initiatives to accomplish these goals.
Prior to accepting the position at Yavapai College, Dr. Horton spent 14 years as a campus president in a multi-college system within the Dallas Community College system, six years as the Chancellor of a multi-college system in the San Jacinto College District, and, more recently, three years managing a 12-college system in the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East.
Over the years some of his many accomplishments include development and oversight of a $122 million bond program; responsibility for a $170 million dollar budget and facilities in excess of 270,000 square meters in the United Arab Emirates; the development of entrepreneurial partnerships with business communities such as the Las Colinas Business Community, home to some of the top corporate headquarters including Exxon and Verizon, as well as a demonstrated track record of extensive community involvement.
At the San Jacinto College District, Dr. Horton developed the concept of an Aerospace Academy that received over $8,000,000 in state and federal funds to train aerospace workers and teachers of math and science throughout the state of Texas. He was awarded the NASA Public Service Award signed by Dan Golden who served as the NASA administrator during the Clinton administration.
Dr. James Horton believes that the community college is a high point in the realization of our nation’s democratic ideals. In an age of increased complexity, every citizen must have the opportunity to continue learning. He believes that each student should have an education that involves an international perspective to prepare for competition in world markets. Consequently, he is a devout believer in the “open door” comprehensive community college philosophy.
Service as a Committee or Board Member
Present Community Involvement
- Mayor’s Economic Development Task Force for City of Prescott
- Yavapai County Manufacturing Association, Founding Member
- Prescott Rotary
- Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
- Yavapai College Foundation, Board Member
Past Community Involvement
- Gulf Coast Workforce Development, Board Member
- Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
- Clear Lake Area Economic Development, Board Member
- South East Economic Development, Board Member
- Bay Area Transportation, Board Member
- Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, Board Member
- Greater Houston Partnership Education and Workforce Advisory Committee
- Texas Space Leadership Council
- Aerospace Technology Advisory Council
- Bioscience Focus Group Member, Clear Lake
- University of Houston / Clear Lake Development & Advisory Council
- Texas Association of Community Colleges, Executive Committee Member
- Gulf Coast Higher Education Council
- Pasadena Rotary International
- University of Texas at Arlington Advisory Council
- Irving Citizens Advisory Committee
- Irving Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, past Chairman
- Irving Economic Development Foundation, Board Member
- Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau, Board Member
- Las Colinas Rotary International, Past President
- Irving Public Library, Board of Trustees and Vice Chairman
- YMCA, Board of Management, Past Chairman
- Texas American Bank, Former Director
- Boy Scouts of America, Lone Star District Explorer Program, Vice Chairman
- Irving National Bank, Advisory Board Member
Professional Association Memberships
- American Association of Community Colleges, admitted to President’s Academy Texas Association of Community College Consortium
- National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development World Future Society
- Association of University Related Research Parks
- Dallas / Fort Worth Health Industry Council
- Dallas Building Owners and Managers
- National Council of Resource Development
- North Texas Community and Junior College Consortium
- Texas Chamber of Commerce
