Cochise Newsroom

By James Perey, Ed.D.

 

On February 15, I officially began my tenure as the 12th president of Cochise College. Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with faculty, staff, students, and community leaders. Their passion and dedication to the college’s mission—providing inclusive and accessible educational opportunities that foster social responsibility, community engagement, meaningful careers, and lifelong learning—has been truly inspiring.

 

As we celebrate Community College Month this April, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the critical role community colleges play in shaping lives, communities, and our economy. Since 1964, Cochise College has remained committed to providing affordable, high-quality education to southern Arizona. National data shows that students who complete their first two years of higher education at a community college save an average of $35,000 to $50,000 on the cost of a bachelor’s degree.

 

What makes Cochise College so impactful, however, goes far beyond cost savings. It’s the life-changing experiences shared by our students. Many do not realize the full value of their decision until they enroll and experience the dedicated support from our instructors, advisors, and staff. As residents of Cochise County, you should take pride in having your community’s college right in your backyard. I encourage you to explore and use this invaluable resource.

 

One thing is already clear—Cochise College is a game changer. We are at the forefront of innovation in education, redefining what accessible learning can achieve. Today, our programs are designed to be nimble and responsive to regional workforce needs. Through strong partnerships with local businesses, industries, and government agencies, we are preparing students—and Cochise County—for in-demand, well-paying careers in fields like healthcare, aviation, law enforcement, cybersecurity, and skilled trades.

 

We are also introducing exciting new programming in areas such as electric vehicle service, viticulture, first responder training, and customized corporate education. These offerings reflect the college’s commitment to evolving alongside industry trends and the needs of our community.

 

Beyond workforce development, Cochise College prioritizes educational accessibility for learners at all stages of life. Our Early College Program allows high school students to get a head start through dual enrollment and concurrent courses and summer camps that promote early career exploration. Adult learners and career changers can take advantage of short-term training, certificates, associate degrees, and even bachelor’s degrees in fields like nursing and leadership. These flexible options allow students to gain valuable credentials without the high costs or long timelines.

 

This is an exciting time for Cochise College. We are looking forward to our new academic offerings, enhanced and renovated facilities, and a continued focus on student success and community engagement.

 

I invite you to experience the energy of Cochise College firsthand at our upcoming Cochise College Expo on Friday, April 11, at 4:30 p.m. at the Sierra Vista Campus. This open house will showcase our programs through engaging activities and tours, including the opportunity to visit Bugen Hall, the college’s new on-campus student housing facility.

 

During Community College Month, we honor our students, our alumni, and the dedicated faculty and staff who have made Cochise College a leader in educational opportunity and workforce development.

 

For many students—past and present—choosing Cochise College wasn’t just a good option; it became their best decision ever.

 

Dr. James Perey is the president of Cochise College.