By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
As a college president in 2024, each day brings unique opportunities. Over the course of my fifteen years of service at Cochise College, I have witnessed firsthand many of the changes within higher education, and I marvel at the adaptability of community colleges as they strive to serve their “communities.”
In February, I had the opportunity to attend the Community College National Legislative Summit alongside Governing Board Chair Tim Quinn and board members David DiPeso, Don Hudgins and Jane Strain. The summit united leaders from community colleges nationwide as challenges and opportunities were discussed, best practices shared, and advocacy sessions with Congressional delegations on Capitol Hill were held. Although many of our services are similar across the country, the uniqueness of America’s community colleges is the way each college serves its community. One of the unique communities Cochise College serves is Fort Huachuca and the United States Army. That uniqueness played out as Cochise College was invited to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. What a life-changing experience for me to participate in as the college paid tribute to those unknown soldiers who paid the ultimate price for freedom while simultaneously serving men and women who have dedicated themselves to military service.
At Cochise College, serving soldiers extends back to the early days of the college. In September of 1964 (soon to be 60 years), the college began classes on the Douglas Campus. Later that same week, classes were offered for soldiers at Fort Huachuca. It wasn’t long before the college outgrew its space on the Fort, and in 1972, the Fort Huachuca-Sierra Vista Center was established, first on the southwest corner of the old Buena High School campus at Fry Boulevard and Highway 90. Due to a gift of land, this center moved and evolved into the current Sierra Vista Campus. Meanwhile, in order to best serve the population at Fort Huachuca, the college has continued to operate the Fort Huachuca Center on post.
Serving soldiers is a unique role for community colleges that have installations in their districts. Last year alone, Cochise College’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Credentialing program boasted an annual enrollment of over 4,000 students. To date, more than 105,000 soldiers have participated in this unique program.
Supporting soldiers in their civilian education is reflected in their stories. Cullen Scarborough’s story, from soldier to the current Cochise College dean for military programs, sums up the power of education and the success of the MOS program. Cullen’s journey began when he attended colleges in Mississippi and Texas before joining the Army. While in the Army, Cullen, like many soldiers, enrolled in courses near his duty stations. While attending military training at Fort Huachuca, Cullen was introduced to the MOS program, which helped him to complete an associate of applied science degree by recognizing his previous college credits, credentialing his military training, and awarding a degree specific to his occupational specialty. Later, building on his experience at Cochise, Cullen earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. As the dean of military programs, Cullen is committed to “paying it forward” for soldiers as they build their military career and, later, transition into civilian life.
The mission of Cochise College is demonstrated in the successes of our students and the support of the communities we serve. The MOS program facilitates academic achievements for soldiers, paving the way for their success during and after their service.
I am proud of the college’s commitment to our communities. Our administrators, faculty, and staff continue to “move the needle” in a positive direction as we provide educational opportunities that support social responsibility, community engagement, meaningful careers, and lifelong learning.
J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.