Acting President
Dr. Doug Berry
Doug Berry, Ph.D.
College Leadership Student Success Academic Excellence Community PartnershipThe Yavapai College District Governing Board appointed Doug Berry, Ph.D., as acting president on July 29, 2026. Dr. Berry brings extensive experience in academic affairs, student services, accreditation, guided pathways, institutional transformation, and collaborative leadership.
Leading Yavapai College
Prior to his appointment as acting president, Dr. Berry served as Yavapai College’s Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs. He joined the College’s leadership team in 2023 and has worked closely with faculty, staff, students, the District Governing Board, and community partners to advance the College’s mission.
Dr. Berry’s leadership is grounded in student achievement, academic quality, workforce responsiveness, and responsible institutional stewardship. His experience includes oversight of academic programs, student services, instructional operations, college libraries, academic support, enrollment-related initiatives, and institution-wide improvement efforts.
As acting president, he is focused on maintaining continuity, supporting employees, strengthening community relationships, and ensuring that Yavapai College continues to provide accessible, high-quality education throughout Yavapai County.
Commitment to Yavapai College
“Yavapai College is one of the premier community colleges in the country, recognized for its innovation and commitment to providing students with a high-quality education. We have an outstanding leadership team, and our faculty and staff are deeply committed to the College’s mission.”
Experience and Service
Before joining Yavapai College, Dr. Berry served as Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences within the Maricopa County Community College District. He also served as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Paradise Valley Community College, where he was responsible for planning, directing, evaluating, and overseeing the college’s Academic Affairs division.
Dr. Berry previously served as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer at Phoenix College. In that role, he oversaw 17 academic departments and academic support services. He also served as project administrator for the Title V grant, Closing Achievement Gaps Through Holistic Support and Work-Based Experiences, and helped lead the college through its Higher Learning Commission Open Pathway accreditation process.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Berry served as Dean of Academic Affairs at Paradise Valley Community College. His responsibilities included career and technical education, general education instruction, early college programs, accreditation, guided pathways, and learning support services. He also has several years of experience teaching psychology as both full-time and adjunct faculty.
Education and Professional Background
Education
- Ph.D. in General Psychology, with a research emphasis in emotional intelligence and team cohesion, Capella University
- Master of Arts in Sports and Exercise Psychology, Argosy University
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Olivet Nazarene University
Recognition
Dr. Berry has received the NISOD Employee Excellence Award and the John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College.
His work reflects a continuing commitment to teaching excellence, institutional improvement, student opportunity, and collaborative leadership.
Selected as one of 40 outstanding leaders from across the country for the 2026–27 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. The 40 executive and senior community college leaders were chosen from a competitive pool of more than 125 applicants for their potential to enact major reforms that deliver much stronger results for students.