Mission Statement:
Transforming lives through education and partnerships to create thriving communities.
- Arizona Western College commits to delivering an amazing student experience characterized by:
A Message from the President
Welcome to Arizona Western College
It is an incredible honor to serve as the 10th President of AWC and to welcome you to a college that has transformed lives and strengthened communities across Yuma and La Paz Counties for more than 60 years.
This moment is especially meaningful to me because Arizona Western College has been part of my life for nearly twenty years. I have taught here, learned here, and grown here alongside extraordinary students, faculty, and staff. I know firsthand the transformative power of this institution, and I carry that knowledge with me every day as your president.
Arizona Western College is more than a campus. It is a place of opportunity, belonging, innovation, and hope. Every day, our students arrive with dreams, goals, responsibilities, and challenges and every day, our faculty and staff are committed to helping them succeed.
Whether your goal is to transfer to a university, prepare for a high-demand career, learn a new skill, or create a better future for yourself and your family, AWC is here to support your journey. We proudly serve traditional students, working adults, parents, veterans, first-generation college students, and lifelong learners meeting you wherever you are in your educational path.
As the only community college in Arizona with all three state universities — Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona — on our campus, AWC creates affordable and seamless opportunities for students to continue their education close to home. Our workforce and technical programs, developed in partnership with regional employers, prepare students for careers in healthcare, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, transportation, skilled trades, business, and emerging technologies shaping the future economy.
What makes AWC truly special is our people and our community. We believe education changes lives, and we believe every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. At AWC, we are committed to creating a campus where every student regardless of background, identity, or circumstance feels they belong. We continuously ask ourselves: What barriers exist for our students, and what can we do to remove them? Your voice matters in this work.
Student success is not just part of our mission, it is at the heart of everything we do. I encourage you to fully engage in campus life. Get involved. Build relationships. Join clubs and organizations. Attend events. Explore leadership opportunities. Your college experience extends far beyond the classroom, and the connections you build here can shape your future in meaningful ways.
As we look ahead, Arizona Western College will continue building partnerships, embracing innovation, and expanding opportunities that strengthen our communities and create pathways to economic mobility for future generations. Together, we will continue moving AWC forward while honoring the legacy that has made this institution so important to our region.
Thank you for choosing Arizona Western College. We are honored to be part of your journey and excited for all that lies ahead.
It is a great day to be a Matador!
Dr. Reetika Dhawan
President
Arizona Western College
Dr. Reetika Dhawan
10th President of Arizona Western College
Organizational Structure
Our Past Presidents
2016-2026
Dr. Daniel P. Corr
Dr. Daniel P. Corr served as the ninth president of Arizona Western College from 2016 to 2026. During his decade of leadership, the college experienced a period of significant transformation marked by strategic growth, expanded opportunities for students, and a renewed focus on innovation and community impact. Guided by a commitment to access, student success, and institutional excellence, Dr. Corr helped position Arizona Western College to meet the evolving needs of the region while strengthening its role as a catalyst for educational and economic advancement. His leadership shaped a defining chapter in the college’s history and established a strong foundation for future generations.
2010-2016
Dr. Glenn E. Mayle
Dr. Glenn E. Mayle’s long history with Arizona Western College began when he worked in construction as a teen and helped to dig the original foundation of the college. Later, Dr. Mayle served in a variety of roles before becoming the eighth president of the college. He was an instructor from 1971-1975, as Assistant Dean of Instruction from 1975-1977, and Dean of Instruction from 1977-1984.
Dr. Mayle brought more than 28 years of presidential experience to the table when he took the helm at AWC. He previously served as president at Treasure Valley Community College, Ontario, Oregon; Gavilan College, Gilroy, California; and Northeastern A&M, Miami, Oklahoma.
His tenure at AWC was characterized by sound fiscal management which allowed him to lead the college through strategic allocations during a period of reduced state funding.
2009-2010
Dr. Marc A. Nigliazzo
Dr. Marc Nigliazzo previously served as University of New Mexico Vice President for Rio Rancho Operations and Branch Academic Affairs, President of Temple College and Galveston College before accepting the presidency at AWC. A Texas native, he became the inaugural president of Texas A&M University-Central Texas in 2010.
1997-2009
Dr. Donald Schoening
Dr. Donald Schoening’s almost 13-year tenure as AWC president yielded a 50 percent increase in enrollment. Under his leadership, a $74 million bond was also passed by voters that allowed for construction of new buildings on the Yuma campus as well as the establishment of campus sites in San Luis, Quartzsite, Parker and Wellton. The AWC Entrepreneurial Center was also established during Dr. Schoening’s tenure. Published during his presidency, Schoening’s “Running a Juice Stand: The 6 E’s of Wise Management” highlights successful business management practices he frequently used while at AWC. Before assuming the presidency at AWC, Shoening was President at Independence Community College, the Vice President of Student Services at Central Washington College and Dean of Admissions at Wenatchee Valley College.
1984-1997
Dr. James R. Carruthers
Dr. James Carruthers began his affiliation with Arizona Western College in 1969 when he was hired as the Director of Financial Aid under the presidency of Dr. George Hall. Carruthers went on to serve as Director of Housing and Student Activities, Assistant Dean of Students and Dean of Students prior to accepting the interim presidency in 1984. During his time at the College, he also served as an assistant coach on Ray Butcher’s 1972 Matador national championship football team. Over the course of his presidency, Carruthers brought distance learning technology to the campus and successfully worked to establish a Northern Arizona University presence on the AWC campus. After his presidency, Dr. Carruthers went on to serve as a Republican Representative to the Arizona State House of Representatives from 1997-2004.
1977-1984
Dr. Kenneth E. Borland
Dr. Kenneth Borland’s 7-year presidency is marked by a commitment to community service within Yuma County. During his presidency, he also served as a Caballeros de Yuma, a member of the Yuma Regional Medical Center Board of Directors, a member of the United Way of Yuma Board of Directors and a member of the Yuma Affordable and Fair Housing Commission. Beloved by the community, the annual Ken and Betty Borland Holiday Pageant and Friendship Tower Lighting bears his namesake. Before accepting the presidency at AWC, Dr. Borland served as the inaugural President of Highland Community College. Following his resignation as AWC President, Borland went on to work as a junior high school guidance counselor for the Crane School District.
1972-1977
Dr. Robert H Garin
Dr. Robert H. Garin became the third president of Arizona Western College in July, succeeding Dr. George L. Hall. He held a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Arizona and previously served as Dean of Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida. Dr. Garin also served on the Executive Board of the Florida Education Association.
During his presidency, Dr. Garin emphasized expanding educational access across Yuma County while maintaining high academic standards. He focused on broadening the college’s offerings, improving instructional quality, and ensuring students were well prepared to succeed in their chosen fields.
1967-1972
Dr. George L. Hall
Dr. George L. Hall came to Arizona Western College with a wealth of past experience in the public sector from time spent serving in the U.S. Army, U.S. State Department, and public education. Dr. Hall was a professor of higher education before he moved on to successful presidencies at several community colleges. He served as Director of Latin American Programs within the Education Division of the State Department as well as the Executive Director of the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona during the mid-1970s.
Dr. Hall also authored an Alaskan adventure, “Sometime Again,” and co-authored a series of educational children’s books about foreign countries called “Understanding Your World.”
1962 -1967
Dr. John B. Barnes
Dr. John Barnes was hired as Arizona Western College’s inaugural president in 1962 following a successful vote to approve the Yuma County Junior College District in 1961. Previously the Director of the Bureau of Educational Research and School Services at Arizona State University, President Barnes took the helm as AWC opened its doors August 1963. After five years as president, he went on to serve as president at Boise College, now Boise State University. After 10 years at Boise College, Barnes resigned from office and took a position teaching at Northern Arizona University.