J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
By Dr. J.D. Rottweiler
It’s April, which means it is National Community College Month. Similarly, Governor Katie Hobbs proclaimed April 2024 “Arizona Community College Month.” With national and statewide recognition of community colleges, I am proud to celebrate our students and staff who have received state, regional and national accolades.
Four students were named to the All-Arizona Academic Teams. Rosalie Collins, Kevin Robles, Nikko Ochoa, and Jonathan Sigona were recognized for academics, leadership, and extracurricular accomplishments at the college and in the community. Kevin was additionally recognized as a Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar, a national recognition for the top community college students.
Two distinguished staff members, Joel Evans from the Fort Huachuca Education Center and Angie Bustamante from the Douglas Campus Student Support Services Center (a TRiO program), have been honored for their commitment to excellence in higher education by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). This national award recognizes outstanding achievement in three critical areas: service to students, service to the college, and service to the community.
Joel Evans, MOS Credentialing Coordinator, has worked at the college for 23 years. He began his career as a graduation tech before working at the Fort Huachuca Center and becoming the MOS Credentialing Coordinator. His perspective is enriched by his experience as an alum who understands the challenges and pressures of being a college student while working.
Angie Bustamante has devoted 14 years to the college and is currently the TRiO Program Director. Throughout her various roles, her dedication to student success shines through her innovative approach to supporting and empowering students as they navigate academic and personal challenges. Angie, an alumna, champions academic excellence and is a student mentor as a co-advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Alpha Beta Zeta Chapter at the Douglas Campus.
The women’s basketball team clinched the Region 1 title and qualified for the NJCAA National Women’s Basketball Tournament. Sophomore Fortuna Ngnawo was named the Region 1 Player of the Year and an NJCAA All-American both years she attended Cochise College. During her career, she scored over 1000 points and grabbed over 700 rebounds, putting her at the top of many college records. Women’s Basketball Head Coach Misty Opat collected her 300th career win this year as well.
Recently, the rodeo team hosted the annual two-day college rodeo at Wren Arena on Fort Huachuca. The Cochise women’s rodeo team continues their strong performance as they lead the Grand Canyon Region with several top performers, including Maci Fowler in Goat Tying, Quincy Downey in Breakaway Roping and Women’s All-around. Sealy Bottom is currently sitting second in Women’s All-around. On the men’s team, with two redoes to go, Taten Erickson leads in Tie Down Roping and is second in Men’s All-around. Cochise College Rodeo should be well represented at the College National Finals Rodeo this June.
I congratulate these staff and students on their achievements and look forward to following their academic and professional stories.
As your community college in Cochise County, Cochise College proudly upholds its purpose of inspiring passion through education that supports meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
J.D. Rottweiler is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.