Cochise College to host Aviation Open House on April 12
Cochise College’s Aviation Department is inviting the public for an open house at its Douglas Campus on Friday, April 12. From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can explore the aviation facilities, meet with faculty and staff, engage in simulation flights, and even take to the skies with introductory airplane flights.
Located on the far north side of the Douglas Campus in the 1800 Building, the aviation facilities house an observation area, a runway, classrooms, and offices designed for comprehensive learning for aspiring pilots.
For those eager to experience the thrill of flight, the college encourages early RSVPs for both the simulation and introductory airplane flights.
Interested individuals can secure their spots by calling (520) 417-4114.
A pancake breakfast will be available from 8 to 10 a.m., coinciding with a fly-in event.
Anyone needing an accommodation to attend should contact the college’s Accessibility Services office by calling (520) 515-5337, ensuring a 72-hour notice for all requests.
The college’s aviation program is known for its professional pilot training, offering students the skills and knowledge to soar in their aviation careers.
For more information about the program and its offerings, visit www.cochise.edu/flycochise.
Read More
Serving unique communities
By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
As a college president in 2024, each day brings unique opportunities. Over the course of my fifteen years of service at Cochise College, I have witnessed firsthand many of the changes within higher education, and I marvel at the adaptability of community colleges as they strive to serve their “communities.”
In February, I had the opportunity to attend the Community College National Legislative Summit alongside Governing Board Chair Tim Quinn and board members David DiPeso, Don Hudgins and Jane Strain. The summit united leaders from community colleges nationwide as challenges and opportunities were discussed, best practices shared, and advocacy sessions with Congressional delegations on Capitol Hill were held. Although many of our services are similar across the country, the uniqueness of America’s community colleges is the way each college serves its community. One of the unique communities Cochise College serves is Fort Huachuca and the United States Army. That uniqueness played out as Cochise College was invited to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. What a life-changing experience for me to participate in as the college paid tribute to those unknown soldiers who paid the ultimate price for freedom while simultaneously serving men and women who have dedicated themselves to military service.
At Cochise College, serving soldiers extends back to the early days of the college. In September of 1964 (soon to be 60 years), the college began classes on the Douglas Campus. Later that same week, classes were offered for soldiers at Fort Huachuca. It wasn’t long before the college outgrew its space on the Fort, and in 1972, the Fort Huachuca-Sierra Vista Center was established, first on the southwest corner of the old Buena High School campus at Fry Boulevard and Highway 90. Due to a gift of land, this center moved and evolved into the current Sierra Vista Campus. Meanwhile, in order to best serve the population at Fort Huachuca, the college has continued to operate the Fort Huachuca Center on post.
Serving soldiers is a unique role for community colleges that have installations in their districts. Last year alone, Cochise College’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Credentialing program boasted an annual enrollment of over 4,000 students. To date, more than 105,000 soldiers have participated in this unique program.
Supporting soldiers in their civilian education is reflected in their stories. Cullen Scarborough’s story, from soldier to the current Cochise College dean for military programs, sums up the power of education and the success of the MOS program. Cullen’s journey began when he attended colleges in Mississippi and Texas before joining the Army. While in the Army, Cullen, like many soldiers, enrolled in courses near his duty stations. While attending military training at Fort Huachuca, Cullen was introduced to the MOS program, which helped him to complete an associate of applied science degree by recognizing his previous college credits, credentialing his military training, and awarding a degree specific to his occupational specialty. Later, building on his experience at Cochise, Cullen earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. As the dean of military programs, Cullen is committed to “paying it forward” for soldiers as they build their military career and, later, transition into civilian life.
The mission of Cochise College is demonstrated in the successes of our students and the support of the communities we serve. The MOS program facilitates academic achievements for soldiers, paving the way for their success during and after their service.
I am proud of the college’s commitment to our communities. Our administrators, faculty, and staff continue to “move the needle” in a positive direction as we provide educational opportunities that support social responsibility, community engagement, meaningful careers, and lifelong learning.
J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.
Read More
Collaboration in action: Cochise College’s First Responders Academy
By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
It is a great honor to participate in an organization that has been a leader in redefining access to education since its inception in 1964. A commitment to collaboration, innovation and community engagement has marked our legacy. Our dedication to forming partnerships that enhance the communities we serve is showcased in the most recent developments at the college. Finding solutions to the challenges of today requires a collective effort, and partnerships are the driving force behind these initiatives.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve been diligently working on initiatives to bring cutting-edge training opportunities to Cochise County. Some of these include our investments in the Downtown Center, including Nursing, Allied Health, Cyber Security, and Virtual/Mixed Reality. Now an initiative that we have been working on for quite some time is coming to fruition. It’s been years in the making, but our first responders will have access to state-of-the-art training right here in rural southeast Arizona and will no longer need to travel far and wide in search of that training.
Our First Responders Academy is an example of collaboration in action, with an approach of partnerships and relationships. The Southeast Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy is one such example, a partnership between Cochise College and county law enforcement agencies, particularly the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and Sierra Vista Police Department. We wanted to take these relationships and do even more! We began by unveiling a 4.8-acre driving track and introduced ambulance simulation with mixed reality technology in partnership with SimLeader. We also broke ground on multi-million-dollar facilities, a Firearms Training Complex and the Bugen Hall student housing on the Sierra Vista Campus. These milestones are a testament to our commitment to addressing the specific needs in our community.
Another notable achievement within this initiative is an expedited fire science certification program. In partnership with the City of Sierra Vista, together, we are providing fire recruits with intensive training, enabling them to complete state fire service exams, attain firefighter I and II certifications, and become proficient in HazMat in just two months. This effort addresses the urgent need for skilled first responders in our community, and I am happy to share that Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services has enrolled eight cadets in this program, with a goal of having them in the workforce by February 2024.
This hyper-local approach ensures that first responders are academically proficient and well-equipped to excel in the workforce. Through partnerships and relationships, we can collaborate with local employers, healthcare and emergency services to develop programs that align with the community’s immediate needs.
As I take a moment to reflect, I’m genuinely amazed by the remarkable growth and impact that Cochise College has achieved through its partnerships and relationships. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our locally elected governing board and our outstanding faculty and staff, who have supported our students and the college’s mission.
I am excited about Cochise College’s future and where we are heading as we work to fulfill the college vision of becoming “… a leading and responsive college that transforms and empowers our community by fostering collaborative relationships and providing innovative educational pathways.”
J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.
Read MoreLifelong learning opportunities: Free lectures open to everyone
The Cochise College Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) offers free Brown Bag lectures to the public. Every week at the Downtown Center from noon to 1 p.m. in room G106, attendees can dive into exciting and informative lifelong learning topics to continue their education or personal growth. The Downtown Center is located at 2600 East Wilcox Drive in Sierra Vista.
The three free lectures offered in September are:
- NASA Artemis Program
Wednesday, Sept. 13
12-1 p.m.
Downtown Center
By Ted Forte, NASA Solar System Ambassador
NASA is preparing for the next era of human exploration of the moon and Mars. The Artemis program will send the first woman and the first person of color to the lunar surface and establish a sustainable base at the lunar south pole. Join Ted Forte, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, at this Brown Bag Lecture. He will share a few details of the upcoming Artemis missions and how they will pave the way for future human journeys to the Red Planet.
- Visit Sardinia, Italy
Wednesday, Sept. 20
12-1 p.m.
Downtown Center
By Author Jeff Biggers
After three decades of living and traveling in Italy, former Arizona author Jeff Biggers finally crossed over to Sardinia, uncovering a treasury of stories amid major archaeological discoveries rewriting the history of the Mediterranean. Join Jeff for a presentation about his new book, “In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy.” He guides us through the
island on a rare journey to experience its famed cuisine, wine, rich literary treasures and archaeological finds, traditional rituals, and thriving cultural movements.
- They Cowboy’d, They Rodeo’d, and They Robbed Trains
Wednesday, Sept. 27
12-1 p.m.
Downtown Center
By Doug Hocking
Doug Hocking is an independent scholar who has completed advanced studies in American history, ethnology, and historical archaeology. He will share stories about Grant Wheeler and Joe George in this lecture. These fellows were Cochise County cowboys and rodeo heroes who decided on a special retirement scheme; they’d rob the Southern Pacific. They were pursued by famous lawmen with often hilarious results, giving inspiration to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as only Cochise County cowboys could.
For a complete list of the Center for Lifelong Learning continuing education classes, visit www.cochise.edu/cll or call (520) 515-5492.
Read More
Cochise College alumna receives Special Recognition Champion Award
Cochise College alumna, Staff Sergeant Abby M. Davis, has been awarded the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Champion Award and recognized at the Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The award ceremony took place in March, and Davis was honored for her dedication to changing the grooming regulations for Army women.
The Champion Award is given by the Army Women’s Foundation to individuals who work tirelessly to preserve and support the service of Army women. Davis was one of two award recipients, the other being Retired Navy Cmdr. Carlton D. Philpot.
According to the Army Women’s Foundation website, the Special Recognition of Champions award is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the support and advancement of Army women. Davis was recognized for her grassroots approach to solving a problem faced by Army women regarding their grooming regulations.
Davis was instrumental in advocating for the change to AR 670-1, which authorized the wear of ponytails in all uniforms. Her efforts brought about an updated grooming regulation, allowing women to wear a ponytail in all uniforms.
As a result, the Army released updated grooming and appearance regulations in 2021 after the 670-1 board was convened to consider its impact on minorities. Davis’s efforts and her ability to voice a change have made it easier for Army women to feel comfortable and confident while serving their country.
The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Champion Award is a prestigious honor given to individuals who have significantly contributed to the service and support of Army women.
In an interview, Davis shared her thoughts on creating a better work environment: “One of my biggest pet peeves in the work environment is when people say ‘I don’t know. I just work here.’ Ownership of one’s environment is paramount to personal and organizational success.” Davis believes finding your passion is essential to creating a better work environment. Even if people do not enjoy their day-to-day work, finding something they are passionate about can motivate them.
Davis’s dedication to creating a better work environment for herself and others is a testament to her commitment and drive to make a positive impact. Through her dedication and tireless efforts, Davis has earned her place among those who have made a difference in the lives of Army women.
Read MoreAlumni & Friends Spring Social brings together alumni, friends and supporters
Cochise College has recently announced the upcoming Alumni & Friends Spring Social, an event to bring together alumni, friends, and college supporters. The social will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, at the Blueberry Cafe on 600 G Avenue in Douglas.
The Alumni & Friends Spring Social is an opportunity for alums and supporters to reunite with their alma mater and old classmates. Whether you took just one class or several classes or completed a Cochise College degree or certificate, the college wants to hear your stories and life updates. Former employees and supporters of the college are also welcome.
Light refreshments and door prizes will be available for all attendees. The Alumni & Friends Spring Social is a perfect opportunity to connect, network, and share experiences with alumni, supporters, and former employees. Abe Villarreal, Douglas Campus dean, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, saying, “We are thrilled to host the Spring Social and bring together our alumni community. It’s a great way to reconnect and share experiences with one another.”
For more information about Cochise College’s Alumni & Friends program, call (520) 515-5451 or visit www.cochise.edu/alumni.
Read More