Sheila DeVoe Heidman
Sheila DeVoe Heidman, former small-business owner and dean of Extended Learning at Cochise College, has joined the board of the Cochise College Foundation. The foundation also named George Bugen, Bisbee, an honorary member and George Hooper, previously of Sierra Vista, as board member emeritus.
A Sierra Vista resident, Sheila retired from Cochise College in 2014 after 17 years. She served the college as director of the Small Business Development Center; executive director for Business and Workforce Development; and dean of Extended Learning. As the dean, she oversaw the Willcox, Benson and Santa Cruz centers; Online/Virtual Campus; and the Center for Lifelong Learning, Small Business Development Center, Adult Education, K-12 outreach, and the Prison Education Program. She owned the DeVoe College of Beauty in Sierra Vista for more than 20 years. In addition, she has served on various local boards and is secretary of the Sierra Vista Economic Development Foundation, where she previously held all other executive board positions. She was an active board member for Just Kids, Inc., where she was the secretary for many years. She also served on the Southeast Arizona Workforce Connection and Sierra Vista Symphony boards. At the state level, she served on the Arizona Occupational Administrators’ Council, most recently as president.
“Sheila’s understanding of the Sierra Vista community and her broad experience with small business, economic development, education, and outlying communities give her a perspective that will be an asset to the foundation,” said Board President Mark Battaglia.
George Bugen
In 2013, the college named its Career Technical Education building for the Bugen family, honoring a bequest that was the largest gift to the institution at the time. George Bugen continues to support the success of local students and will provide insight and perspective on relevant matters that come before the board.
Hooper served as an active board member from 1978 through 2009, often hosting foundation gatherings at his home in Sierra Vista. He spent 30 years in the U.S. Army and later managed Southeast Arizona Medical Center in Douglas. He also volunteered with the Fry Fire Department. Now a resident of Snowflake, he keeps in touch with his Cochise County friends and recently endowed the George and Barbara Hooper Scholarship for nursing students.
George Hooper
“Through their ongoing interest in and dedication to higher education, both of these individuals inspire excellence and help provide high-quality experiences for students at Cochise College,” said foundation Executive Director Denise Hoyos. “We’re excited to recognize them.”
The Cochise College Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support student success through scholarships, facilities development, and program support. The foundation awarded more than $550,000 in scholarships and academic program support in 2014-2015. Other board members are Gail Zamar, Douglas, vice president; Karen Justice, Bisbee, treasurer; Gene Manring, Sierra Vista, secretary; Yolanda Anderson, Bisbee; and members Charles Chambers and Ruben Teran of Douglas; Jan Guy, Hereford; Bob Strain and Jean Giuffrida of Sierra Vista; and Dr. Dan Rehurek of Sonoita. Cochise College President J.D. Rottweiler serves in an ex-officio role.