Yavapai College announced on Tuesday, Sept. 8, that it 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. to lead a national search and assist the Search Committee throughout the process.

The Search Committee is chaired by Jack Smith, Yavapai College’s vice president of Community Relations & Legislative Affairs and the former Yavapai County District 5 supervisor

“The president of Yavapai College carries the responsibility of leading not just an institution, but a community’s shared vision for opportunity and growth,” Chairman of the Yavapai College District Governing Board Chairman and District 5 representative Steve Bracety said.

“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.”

Janet Nix, Ph.D., chief Human Resources officer, said the college will have 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.”

Yavapai College has employed Cizek for past top leadership positions since 2013 and has been hiring college executives statewide for about 30 years.

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 Sunday, Oct. 11, 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 yc.edu/PS.

Provost Doug Berry, Ph.D., is the current interim president. He was promoted to the role after President Lisa Rhine — who had been placed on administrative leave by the Yavapai College Governing Board — effectively resigned by taking a position at Central Arizona College in Coolidge.