Yavapai College hosts educators and workforce experts in regional conference, Oct. 7-9

Prescott, Arizona — Emerging industries, evolving technologies, a changing world, and the role of education in synchronizing all of these with community needs and a shifting job market. These are the issues that draw educators, industry experts and thought leaders to the 2026 Arizona Community College Administrators Conference, held Wednesday, Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 9 at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus.

Under the banner “Wild West Innovation: Untamed Ideas, Unlimited Future,” the ACCA Conference has gathered nationally recognized keynote speakers and workforce and industry experts to confer and connect with community college educators from across the state. Over the course of three days, the ACCA professionals will challenge one another to embrace trends, assess obstacles, and clarify the evolving role that community colleges play across the region, the nation and the world.

Conference speakers include:

• Featured Guest Speaker Davis Jenkins – The Senior Research Scholar at the Community College Research Center, and author of More Essential Than Ever: Community College Pathways to Educational and Career Success, Mr. Jenkins will set the tone and framework for conversations about student pathways and institutional innovations.

• Keynote Speaker Josh Wyner – The Vice President of The Aspen Institute and Founder and Executive Director for the College Excellence Program will anchor a day with a workforce panel to examine the community college role in Arizona’s growing economy.

• Guest Speaker Dr. Joe Sallustio – A Higher Education Executive and host of a popular education podcast, Dr. Sallustio is a nationally recognized higher education expert with a background in operations and finance, as well as academics.

Dr. Sallustio’s podcast, “The EdUp Experience,” will provide coverage of the conference. The ACCA Conference will mix speakers with provocative breakout sessions, an exploration of governmental relations with community colleges and tours of the Yavapai College Campuses, including its scenic Prescott Pines Campus and the newly opened, technologically advanced Center for Learning and Innovation. 

An informative and inspirational event for college presidents, directors, deans and aspiring leadership figures, the 2026 Arizona Community College Administrators Conference will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7 through 9 on Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus, 1100 E. Sheldon Street in Prescott. Tickets for the three-day event are $327.28 and available here.

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.