YC president will assist CCBA in guiding four-year degree programs

The Community College Baccalaureate Association (CCBA), an organization helping community colleges create career-focused bachelor’s degree programs, has just named Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine to its national board of directors.

The CCBA announced the move yesterday in its July newsletter. Dr. Rhine and Oregon Coast Community College President Marshall Mease Roache were both selected.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rhine and Dr. Roache to the CCBA board.” CCBA President Dr. Angela Kersenbrock said. “As we continue to advance the national CCB movement, their higher education expertise and commitment to the CCBA vision will help us continue to ensure all students have broad access to high-value, high-quality baccalaureate degrees that contribute to the economic vitality of their communities."

Now in her seventh year as president of Yavapai College, Dr. Rhine has positioned YC as a leader in the movement to create career-oriented, four-year degree programs at the community college level. In 2022, she vigorously lobbied Arizona’s state legislature to pass Senate Bill 1453, empowering community colleges to offer four-year college degrees to students.

In April 2023, Dr. Rhine and her Executive Leadership team made Yavapai College Arizona’s first rural community college to offer a baccalaureate degree: A Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. The following October, Yavapai College rolled out its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, offering student nurses an opportunity to complete their degree programs locally, and bolstering a vital personnel pipeline for hospitals and clinics in Yavapai College and Northern Arizona.

This past Spring, Yavapai College launched a new three-year, 92-credit bachelor’s degree in business and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science – YC’s third and fourth baccalaureate degree programs.

Dr. Rhine believes her new position will improve the effectiveness of baccalaureate programs, at YC and nationwide. “The CCBA supports the expansion of bachelor’s degree programs at community colleges. Their mission aligns closely with YC’s mission in increasing access to quality, work-relevant higher education opportunities. Now, as a leader in Arizona, especially with our optimized 92-credit hour baccalaureate degree, we add value to the national conversation on replicable models, information sharing and best practices in the community college baccalaureate space.”

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 YC, visit www.yc.edu.