Yavapai College has announced that it has appointed Dr. Diane Ryan to the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Since 2019, Dr. Ryan has served as the College's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and, in January 2020, was named Interim Vice President of Instruction.
The decision was made by Yavapai College President, Dr. Lisa Rhine, who, after careful consideration of Dr. Ryan's progress in the interim role over the last year, faculty and staff feedback conducted through a 360-evaluation process, and subsequent small group discussions, determined that she is the right person to continue in this critical role at YC.
"Dr. Ryan has demonstrated the ability to work with many different constituent groups to diplomatically address challenges and successfully implement new ideas. She is a conscientious and thoughtful leader that is already making positive strides in many areas in the Academic Affairs Division," said Dr. Rhine.
When asked about her appointment, Dr. Ryan states: "I am honored that Dr. Rhine and the faculty have chosen to move me into this position permanently. Throughout this last year, I have learned this position comes with challenges and opportunities. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge as I enjoy problem-solving. Today, opportunities abound at Yavapai College because of our innovative faculty and their ability to be nimble and creative in programming. I feel fortunate to work with them, our dedicated deans, and a strong supportive staff who are all laser-focused on ensuring the best student educational and growth experience during their time at YC."
Dr. Ryan's goals as she moves forward include providing leadership for the Shared Governance process, leading the Academic Affairs division in the creation of an Academic Master Plan, restructuring the division, strengthening the OER program, creating a consistent student navigation experience for online courses, collaborating with the faculty and deans on building flexible course schedules, and co-leading with student development to create a plan and program for weekend college.
Dr. Ryan vacates the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives position, which will be reallocated within the College.
Dr. Ryan has over 30 years of higher education experience, beginning her career as a professor in Communication Studies and English and working her way up as the Dean of Engineering, Science, and Mathematics. Dr. Ryan came to Yavapai College from Tidewater Community College in Virginia, where she was named Administrator of the Year in 2018.
Dr. Ryan earned a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in Communication from Western Illinois
University and graduate hours in English from Old Dominion University.
