Yavapai College Vice President of Instruction and Student Development, Dr. Ron Liss, has announced his retirement effective January 26, 2020. 

Dr. Liss joined Yavapai College in 2016. He oversees academic degree and certificate programs, the College library, instructional support, teaching and e-learning support, and student development. He was a key leader in the development and implementation of YC’s Guided Pathways, which focuses on student success and completion. 

Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine commended Dr. Liss for his service to the College and to the success of its students. 

“During my short time working with Ron, I was able to see the positive and transformational impact that he has had on the College’s academic offerings and support services. Many of our programs would not be where they are today without Ron’s leadership,” she said. “I wish him nothing but the best in retirement. YC will truly miss him.” 

Before joining YC, Dr. Liss served as Western Campus President and College Vice President at Cuyahoga Community College in Ohio. He later became Vice President and Special Advisor for Workforce, Community, and Economic Development. 

Under Dr. Liss’ leadership, YC received numerous local, state, and national awards for academics, student services, and athletics. He served as a lead in the reopening of the YC Sedona Center, helping launch the College’s culinary and hotel and restaurant management programs, and guided multiple programs to retaining and receiving accreditation. 

Ron served on multiple community and statewide education boards and committees, including The Central Arizona Partnership board (CAP), board of directors for AZ Transfer, and AZ chief academic officers. 

“It has been an honor to work for Yavapai College over the last 3 ½ years. There have been significant positive changes over that time and I credit those that have worked closely with me to make many of those changes possible,” said Dr. Liss. “My team has been fantastic and working with the executive leadership has been rewarding.” 

Dr. Liss continued to reflect on his professional career, citing all of the lives he has influenced over the years.

“I am humbled as I think of the lives I have touched over the years.  My colleagues and students number over 500,000. Ben Wells, wherever you are, you singly have had the most influence in my career.”

Dr. Liss also held numerous other roles throughout his professional career, including Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Santa Fe Community College in New Mexico. At Montgomery College in Maryland, he served as the Dean of Business, Management, Chemistry, and Information Sciences, Director of Distance Learning and Academic Innovation, and Director of Academic and Student Affairs.

He spent 15 years serving as a faculty member, department chair, division chair, and chief information officer for instructional technology at the Community College of Baltimore County. He started his career as a high school teacher.

Upon retirement, Dr. Liss plans to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as pursue many of his personal passions and plans to stay in the Yavapai community looking for the right volunteer opportunities.

Dr. Diane Ryan, YC’s current Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, will serve as the Interim Vice President of Instruction.