Clarkdale, Arizona — In 2018, four years before she was hired for the position of Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus Coordinator, Bobbi Evans was looking to start her and her husband's own business, a CNC machining venture.
It was the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale—whose services and resources helped Evans launch her business—that put Yavapai College on her radar.
Evans said that the SBDC was incredibly helpful in connecting her with the right people and resources. They provided her with access to software that helped her develop the business plan, along with valuable consultation, guidance, and feedback throughout the process.
“The SBDC also connected us with organizations in Phoenix that specialize in supporting Arizona manufacturers, particularly those supporting opportunities in the aerospace industry,” Evans said. “When the difficult decision was made to dissolve the company, the SBDC continued to be a supportive resource, offering both guidance and genuine compassion.”
Barb Waak, a now-retired English Professor who taught at Yavapai College, encouraged Evans to apply for the Campus Coordinator position.
“I’m very grateful that she saw something in me and encouraged me to take that step,” Evans said.
She recognizes that her professional journey has been a bit unconventional, yet she believes that such an approach has served her well. Evans spent most of her career in administrative and service-focused roles, with experience ranging from large corporations and a university to civil service, manufacturing, retail, technology, and even starting her own business, Evans Machining Solutions, LLC.
“Rather than following one traditional career path, I’ve always looked for opportunities to learn, grow, and serve,” Evans said. “I continue to pursue professional development, particularly in leadership and emerging technologies. I believe learning never really stops—and I am always looking for the next opportunity to stretch myself.”
As Coordinator for the Verde Valley Campus, her role touches many areas of campus life. Evans supports campus administration, coordinates facility rentals and campus operations, manages the Fitness Center and Hi-Line Open Market, serves as a purchasing liaison, coordinates internal and community events, and helps ensure the Verde Valley Campus and Sedona Center remain welcoming, functional, and connected to the communities they serve.
“A large part of my job is simply connecting people, ideas, and resources,” Evans said. “Whether I’m coordinating an event, helping solve an operational issue, welcoming community members to campus, supporting employees, or finding a way to bring a new idea to life, my goal is to help create an environment where people feel welcomed, supported, and excited to be here.”
It would seem that her efforts making a difference: Evans was named Employee of the Year by the Yavapai College Executive Leadership Team in August. Not one to seek the spotlight, Evans said that being recognized for work that she genuinely enjoys was incredibly meaningful. She said that she sees it not only as recognition of her work, but also of the people, partnerships, and teamwork that make that work possible.
Evans said that one of the most rewarding surprises that she’s encountered was the freedom and encouragement she received from leadership to be creative and try new ideas. She said that she’s been given opportunities to develop and refine her leadership skills while taking on projects that challenge her both personally and professionally.
“One thing I find especially inspiring about the Verde Valley Campus is that several of our employees are also students,” Evans said. “Continuous learning is very visible here, and I think there are some wonderful stories to tell about employees who are balancing their careers, education, families, and personal goals. They demonstrate that education doesn't have an expiration date and that learning can happen at every stage of life.”
She added that she also appreciates working in an environment where an idea can bloom into a new process or event or resource simply by asking, "What if we tried this?" and the result could become something meaningful for our students, employees, or community.
“I believe strongly in the importance of having accessible higher education right here in the Verde Valley,” Evans said. “Our campus is more than classrooms and buildings—it is a community resource and a place where people of all ages can learn, connect, discover opportunities, and sometimes completely change the direction of their lives.”
Her part in that mission is helping to showcase everything the Verde Valley Campus and Sedona Center have to offer.
“Through community events, campus tours, partnerships, facility rentals, student-support activities, and everyday interactions, I try to create positive experiences that bring people onto Yavapai College’s campuses and help them feel that the college belongs to them, too.”
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 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