Signing an articulation agreement to enable Cochise College nursing graduates to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs at Western New Mexico University was among the activities during Dr. Verlyn Fick’s first few weeks as the new vice president for instruction/provost at Cochise College.

Fick was selected to fill the position vacated by Dr. Joanna Michelich, who retired last year. He joined the college earlier this month after an extensive nationwide search.

Fick has worked as an educator and administrator since the late 1970s. He has taught at the university, community college, and junior high and high school levels, specializing in agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in crop production and physiology from Iowa State University and bachelor’s degrees in agronomy and soil science from the University of Minnesota.

Most recently, Fick served as vice president for teaching and learning at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa. As the chief academic officer, he supervised credit-based academic departments including 85 full-time faculty and more than 200 adjunct faculty; the Center for Business, which provided non-credit corporate training and community education; adult education and correctional education programs; and off-campus sites. During his time at SCC, he developed a successful $1.66 million federal grant for industrial technology; implemented and expanded a number of programs, including an evening/weekend nursing program; developed a master education plan; and implemented a program review process.

Previously, Fick served in a number of positions at Western Iowa Tech Community College, including dean of vocational, technical and health occupations; dean of instruction; and vice president of instruction and student services. He also was the director of outreach and customized training at North Dakota State College of Science.

“Dr. Fick brings academic and administrative expertise that will help us to think creatively about meeting the needs of our students, and he is driven by a desire to be creative, collaborative and helpful,” said Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, college president. “We are very fortunate and excited to have him as part of the team.”

Pictured in the new nursing facility at the Sierra Vista Campus, clockwise from top left, are Robert Kelher, president of the Cochise College Nursing Alumni Association; Jennifer Lakosil, Cochise College director of Nursing and Allied Health; Dr. Verlyn Fick, Cochise College vice president for instruction/provost; and Pat McIntire, professor of nursing with Western New Mexico University.

Pictured in the new nursing facility at the Sierra Vista Campus, clockwise from top left, are Robert Kelher, president of the Cochise College Nursing Alumni Association; Jennifer Lakosil, Cochise College director of Nursing and Allied Health; Dr. Verlyn Fick, Cochise College vice president for instruction/provost; and Pat McIntire, professor of nursing with Western New Mexico University.

The articulation agreement with WNMU was in the works prior to Fick’s arrival. It allows Cochise College nursing graduates transferring into WNMU’s bachelor’s degree in nursing program to attend at a reduced cost. Students enrolling in fewer than six credits will pay in-state tuition, and those enrolling in more than six credits qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange Tuition Waiver program, which also allows students to attend at in-state rates.

WNMU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for the working nurse and accommodates rural nurses with online instruction. Cochise College has an additional articulation agreement with WNMU for administration of justice students and is looking at adding other pathways for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees there.