Professor of English and Humanities at Yavapai College Jason Whitesitt was teaching composition at the University of Oregon when his wife’s grandparents, who lived in Cottonwood, let the couple know about the open position at Yavapai College.

“I love teaching at Yavapai College,” Whitesitt said. “Not only are my colleagues bright, friendly, and motivated, but every day I’m provided with an opportunity to make a social difference. Many of our students are right on the cusp of a better life; they just need a little help, a leg up, someone to believe in them to achieve it.”

Whitesitt says that the importance of engaging with literature and the humanities is that it fosters empathy and cultural literacy, helping students connect historical and contemporary human experiences to their own lives.

“In an increasingly technological and globalized world, these disciplines remind us of the human stories, values, and questions that shape society, preparing students not only for careers but for thoughtful, responsible citizenship,” Whitesitt said. “If our species is to survive the 21st century, we must understand both the horrors and the beauty of which we’re capable. We must cultivate empathy and seek understanding. As John Naisbitt put it: ‘We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.’ English and Humanities courses help us work toward that knowledge.”

Whitesitt said that the courses he teaches lack a clear and obvious pipeline to the job market and yet play a vital role in cultivating critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical awareness.

“Through close reading, writing, and discussion, students learn to analyze complex ideas, understand diverse perspectives, and articulate their thoughts with clarity and confidence,” Whitesitt said. “These skills are highly sought after by employers, but, more importantly, they’re an integral component of a rich and varied life. A great book or insightful poem isn’t going to cure cancer, but it is one of the reasons we want to cure cancer. The arts give life shape and meaning.”

Echoing his prior remark about ethical awareness, Whitesitt shared that the widespread use of generative AI has gutted education. He said that while it offers opportunities for the future, it’s currently undermining ethical achievement, and many students are graduating with degrees they didn’t earn. He said that we have to rethink what it means to be educated and reimagine how we teach our students so that they can bring out the best in themselves.

Whitesitt said that his favorite success story as a teacher is a former student. Jade McCullough came to Yavapai College as a first-generation single mom desperate to make a better life for herself. She was bright, capable, and eager to learn, but needed support and someone to help her navigate academia. He quickly recognized what she was capable of and provided all the help and encouragement he could.

“She eventually won the All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship and moved on to Northern Arizona University,” Whitesitt said.” There she earned a BA and MA in Sociology and is now a teaching professor at NAU. I’ve kept in touch with her the entire time, helping where I could. Watching her successes and knowing that I played a small part in igniting them has been extremely gratifying.” 

Whitesitt said that he enjoyed teaching at the University of Oregon, but his students there were from well-to-do families with extensive support networks and bright futures. Most of them would do well regardless of my impact.

“This is not always the case at Yavapai College,” Whitesitt said.” While just as capable, many of our students face external pressures. They’ve been told that college is not for them, that they’re not smart enough, that they can’t go to work and go to school, that a single parent can’t cut it, or that there are no second chances.”

“The opportunity to invest in these students, to give them an extra nudge, to support them, is why I love teaching at Yavapai College. Every class presents me with twenty-some chances to make a difference.” 

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.