By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
Community colleges across America are celebrating National Community College month. While it’s not clear who declared April 2016 in our honor, I’ll take this opportunity to join the festivities.
Nationally, over 50 million students enroll in 1,100 public, independent and tribal community colleges, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. Community colleges are a great way to start your investment in higher education with average tuition rates a third that of public universities and class sizes where an instructor knows your name.
But there’s more. We tend to be practical from the classroom to the board room. We are situated to meet the specific needs of students and employers in “our” communities. We connect! Although our faculty are subject-area experts, they, and our administrative and support staff, often wear multiple hats and contribute beyond their specific area of assignment. Versatile professionals are a valuable commodity to the college and our community.
A community college is only as good as its people. I’d like to celebrate National Community College month by highlighting three special individuals who will be inducted into the Cochise College Hall of Fame on May 7. These versatile professionals have shaped Cochise College by their years of service and their willingness to take on new things.
Dr. Mary Lee Shelden, a “tough, gutsy” retired member of the English faculty, is currently a resident of Phoenix. She joined the college in 1968 and served as an advocate for students and faculty rights for 35 years. The current rodeo, tutoring, Student Government Association, and Phi Theta Kappa honor society programs owe part of their ongoing presence on campus to Shelden’s involvement and early leadership.
Mark Battaglia, a semi-retired attorney from Benson, has served many years on the board of the Cochise College Foundation. He has worked with many donors on contributions valued in the millions of dollars, been actively involved in the foundation’s investment growth, and was part of the lure for donors contributing the land where the Benson Center is located.
The late Raymond Eugene Levra joined the college in 1965 as one of the first art faculty and served as the “guiding spirit” of the Art Department. His 22-year career inspired a Hall of Fame nomination from a former student, and he remained a fixture on the Douglas Campus after his retirement in 1989. Levra passed away earlier this decade.
These individuals understood the value of a community college. They invested their time, energy, and expertize to make Cochise College what it is today. During National Community College Month, you, too, can show your support. You can contact your legislators to express your appreciation for a community based educational asset. Despite being recognized as an important and valuable part of the education system, Arizona’s support of community colleges is dropping faster than any other sector in education, leaving more of the burden to students and property taxpayers.
Likewise, you can make a contribution by lending your time, expertise, or charitable donation in support of education, equipment, and/or professional development. Gifts to the Cochise College Foundation can help provide budget relief and ultimately impact the community that is served by graduates.
Finally, you can help individuals pursue and complete their studies in a timely manner by establishing a scholarship. Currently, Cochise College students receive in excess of $300,000 annually in scholarships provided by donors to the Cochise College Foundation.
If you thought you knew all there was to know about your local community college, I encourage you to take another look. Community colleges are the workhorses of higher education and a cost-effective community investment and we celebrate their success!
J.D. Rottweiler is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.