Arizona Western College Names New President, Prioritizes Workforce Training

The Arizona Western College District Governing Board announced on December 11, 2025 that it selected Dr. Reetika Dhawan to serve as the 10th president of the college, with a planned succession when Dr. Daniel Corr retires in July 2026. The board cited Dhawan's long record at the college, including leadership in academic programs and career and technical education, as a key factor in the decision. The board completed formal interviews and held candidate forums as part of its selection process.

AWC serves students across Yuma and La Paz counties, including Parker, and the presidential transition matters to residents because leadership decisions shape program priorities, employer partnerships, and student supports. Officials framed the hire as a move to sustain workforce aligned programming and student success initiatives that contribute to local labor pipelines. For La Paz County that pipeline includes seasonal and year round employers, small businesses, and public sector agencies that rely on community college graduates for applied skills and credentialed positions.

Beyond economic implications, the leadership change has public health and equity dimensions. Community colleges are often the entry point for allied health training, emergency services education, and technical careers that bolster local health systems. Maintaining and expanding career and technical education can help alleviate workforce shortages in rural areas, strengthen emergency preparedness, and broaden access for low income and nontraditional students who face transportation and childcare barriers.

The planned transition timeline, with Dr. Corr remaining through July 2026, provides an opportunity for continuity and stakeholder engagement. Local employers, county leaders, and community organizations will be watching how the college sustains existing partnerships and invests in access for La Paz County residents. As AWC implements its next chapter, the college's direction on program offerings, student support services, and employer collaboration will have tangible effects on higher education access and regional workforce resilience.