Del Genio comes to YC from Elgin Community College, where she served as the associate dean of the Liberal, Visual, and Performing Arts Division.

She will start her position at the Verde Valley Campus on January 9, 2023.

Del Genio is a first-generation immigrant who came to the United States in 2000 as an adult learner. She is passionate about student engagement, student success, college affordability, and building guided educational pathways that lead students to successful careers.

“My own experience as an immigrant and adult learner proves that the path to a successful career doesn’t have to be “one size fits all.” Throughout my diverse career, I have been a vigorous and enthusiastic advocate of equal access to higher education for people from different economic, social, and cultural backgrounds,” says Del Genio.

The Verde Valley Dean provides leadership and administrative oversight of the Verde Valley campus, Sedona Center, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs, and three academic departments college-wide.

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Del Genio to Yavapai College and the Verde Valley,” said Dr. Diane Ryan, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Her knowledge, expertise, and passion for student success will have a tremendous impact on the students and communities of the Verde Valley.”

Del Genio earned her Ph.D. in Political Philosophy and her master’s degrees in History and Political Science; she lived, studied, and worked in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and most recently in the U.S. as a college instructor, grant manager, and college administrator. She is a frequent guest speaker on Russian-American relations, asymmetrical warfare, the political impact of radical ideologies, and the global consequences of social unrest in contemporary societies.

She is an avid traveler and a healthy lifestyle advocate. She is a certified NIA (non-impact mind-body fitness) instructor. Del Genio enjoys sailing, skiing, dancing, and hiking in her free time with her partner George, her friends, and her family.

The Verde Valley Dean plans, directs, oversees, and evaluates the curriculum programs/services, classroom-based courses, and online/hybrid course delivery, working in close collaboration with leadership and with a variety of constituents to develop and design curriculum program review and assists in the development, review, and implementation of budgets.

The position provides leadership in developing creative class scheduling and program development to meet students’ needs better, thereby making courses more accessible. The Dean will pursue new and enhanced programs to meet the student body's and community's diverse needs.

Additionally, the Dean focuses on expanding workforce development and CTE areas to maximize opportunities for the community. The Dean also serves as a liaison to faculty and administration to create a cohesive, collaborative and rewarding teamwork environment and attends community events and meetings in the Verde Valley and Sedona on behalf of the college.