Three Yavapai College faculty members have received 2025–26 League Excellence Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions and leadership from the League for Innovation in the Community College. Microbiology professor Dr. Dana Kirkwood-Watts, Assistant Registrar Lee Ann Walker, and Interim Dean of Career and Technical Education Alexander Lewis were singled out for their contributions.
"I want to express my congratulations to our three amazing faculty members who are being recognized this year for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to our students,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College. “Ensuring our students have the highest quality education and are well prepared when they enter the job market is one of our top priorities at Yavapai College, and we will continue to exceed this goal due to the work of our highly qualified faculty. Thank you to the League Excellence Awards for continuing to recognize our amazing team.”
Yavapai College leadership nominated the three faculty members for demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to implementing the college’s Strategic Plan through outstanding effort and leadership. The League Excellence Awards were created to celebrate community college faculty and staff and have been dedicated to informing, inspiring, and celebrating innovation in learning, teaching, staff development, and student success for more than 50 years.
“Dana brings an extraordinary level of dedication to her teaching, research, and service at Yavapai College,” said Dr. Perry Baker, Dean of Science, Math, Computer Technology and Business at Yavapai College. “She is constantly innovating to deepen student learning and create meaningful research opportunities for our students. Her commitment to student access and success is evident in everything she does in science and across the college.”
Following her time working in the biotechnology industry, Dr. Kirkwood-Watts earned a Master of Science in molecular biosciences from Washington State University. She began teaching at Seattle Central College in 2011 and at Cornish College of the Arts in 2017, where she discovered her passion for teaching microbiology to students who had little or no initial interest in the subject. Dr. Kirkwood-Watts later earned a doctoral degree in biology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and joined the faculty at Yavapai College in 2023.
Walker serves in the Registrar’s Office, where she supports admissions, records, and compliance processes with a strong focus on accuracy, student service, and institutional integrity. Her work helps ensure students are guided through complex requirements with clarity and care. Known for her collaborative approach, Walker works closely with campus partners to improve processes and support student success across the college.
“Lee Ann is one of those employees who is not satisfied with doing ‘just enough’ — she is fully committed to Yavapai College and to every task and project she is given,” said Yavapai College Registrar Sheila Jarrell. “Because of her innate ability to synthesize data and information—and because of her amazing work ethic—Lee Ann has helped save the college thousands of dollars in fraudulent financial aid and maintain the integrity of our student records. And that’s just one of the many important roles in which she excels in our office.”
Interim Dean of Career and Technical Education Alexander Lewis began his career at Yavapai College in January 2018 and has progressed through a series of roles in Emergency Medical Services education and academic administration, including EMS Clinical Coordinator, Associate Professor of EMS, Director of EMS, and Associate Dean of Public Services. Throughout his tenure, Lewis has led curriculum development, supported clinical education and student readiness, strengthened compliance and accreditation efforts, and contributed to strategic planning and faculty support to ensure programs remain rigorous and industry-aligned.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.
