Search Committee to Guide National Search for the College's Next President

Prescott, Arizona — Yavapai College announced today that the College has officially launched its search for the next President. The College has formed a Presidential Search Committee made up of college leadership, faculty, staff and community representatives from throughout Yavapai County. The College has retained Cizek Associates, Inc. (CAI) to lead a comprehensive national search and assist the Search Committee throughout the process.

The Search Committee is chaired by Jack Smith, Vice President of Community Relations & Legislative Affairs, and includes representatives from across the College's leadership team, faculty and staff, as well as community members from Prescott, the Verde Valley and beyond.

"The president of Yavapai College carries the responsibility of leading not just an institution, but a community's shared vision for opportunity and growth," said Steve Bracety, Chairperson of the Yavapai College District Governing Board. "Our next president will need to build on the innovation that has defined this College, from our pioneering baccalaureate programs to our investment in cutting-edge learning spaces, and continue pushing us forward. We are proud of everything Yavapai College has accomplished, and we owe it to our students, faculty and communities to find a leader who will carry that legacy into the future."

Dr. Janet Nix, Chief Human Resources Officer, said the College is committed to an open and inclusive process as it works to identify its next leader.

"This is a complex process, and we are approaching it thoughtfully, with meaningful opportunities for input from our faculty, staff, students and the communities we serve," Nix said. "We are fortunate to have the expertise of Cizek Associates guiding us. Their experience conducting national searches for institutions like ours will be invaluable as we work to attract a strong and diverse pool of candidates for this important role."

The search will unfold in phases over the coming months, including stakeholder input sessions, national candidate recruitment, and a series of interviews leading to a recommendation to the Yavapai College District Governing Board. Applications received by the College's Priority Consideration Date of October 11, 2026, will be assured full consideration, though the position will remain open until filled.

The College encourages faculty, staff, students and community members to stay engaged throughout the process. Updates, event information and opportunities for public participation will be posted to the Presidential Search webpage as they become available at www.yc.edu/PS.

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.