Cochise College President Dr. J.D. Rottweiler was awarded national recognition for his leadership in higher education. He was named as the recipient of the 2024 Pacific Region Chief Executive
J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
Officer (CEO) Award by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
According to ACCT, “In its regional awards program, the organization annually recognizes one CEO, trustee, equity program, faculty member and professional board staff member in each of its five regions for their tremendous contributions to community colleges.” The ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing over 6,500 elected and appointed trustees serving on over 500 governing boards of community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond.
This recognition honors Dr. Rottweiler’s extraordinary impact on higher education, particularly in Arizona and Cochise County. Throughout his 15-year tenure as president and CEO of Cochise College, he has advocated for and garnered state support to restore funding for rural colleges. Under his leadership, the college has positioned itself as a leader in education and economic development. Dr. Rottweiler continues strengthening and maintaining collaborative relationships to enhance and offer innovative education to our rural communities.
“Every member of the Cochise College Governing Board felt extremely proud upon learning about J.D.’s national recognition by the ACCT,” said Tim Quinn, Board Chair. “His exemplary leadership and passion for enriching the life of every Cochise College student is only matched by his dedication to improving the lives of those who live in the communities of Cochise County! This award recognizes J.D. as one of the best of the best community college presidents.”
Dr. Rottweiler is also recognized for his leadership with new programs and initiatives, including the following.
- New Facilities
- Student Union at Sierra Vista Campus
- Downtown Center
- Automotive Technology
- Housing at Sierra Vista Campus
- Firearms Training Complex
- Residential Construction Program: Builds one home annually to revitalize community
- Developed the President’s Leadership Academy in 2016 to support faculty and staff professional development
- Created the Student Leadership Academy in 2018 to empower students for leadership roles
- First Responders Academy: Uses V.R. and mixed reality simulators for law enforcement and medical training
- Community Engagement
- The college has contributed over 15,000 volunteer service hours since 2018
- Supports more than 140 organizations
- Focuses on supporting k-12 schooling and outreach programs
“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by a national association for community colleges. This type of recognition only comes because of the amazing work done at Cochise College,” said Dr. Rottweiler. “I am proud of my 15 years of service at Cochise and what we have done for our communities. While I’m honored to be recognized, it is really a team effort. I have been blessed to work with a supportive Governing Board and an outstanding group of educators at all levels of the college.”
Rottweiler and recipients in other categories will be recognized at the annual ACCT Leadership Congress on October 23 in Seattle.