News and Announcements
NAU-Yuma’s Business Program Earns Additional Accreditation
The business program offered at the Yuma branch campus of Northern Arizona University recently gained more prestige.
The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree board of commissioners awarded the Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona accreditation of its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program.
The accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business program meet the rigorous educational standards established by the council.
This accreditation status offers an additional level of quality to the program, which is already under the university’s accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
“Northern Arizona University has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said Steve Parscale, the council’s director of Accreditation. “This accreditation is evidence that Northern Arizona University is committed to providing the highest quality business education for their students.”
Alex Steenstra, NAU-Yuma Business department chair, and Dean Pielstick, faculty lead for compiling the accreditation report, are excited to see the success of their three years of preparation.
“The BBA program is on equal footing with other business programs and schools in the state. Students and employers may be confident that the program's curriculum is relevant and current,” Steenstra said. “Graduates from the program will have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in business and make meaningful contributions.”
The accreditation will benefit students throughout Arizona, according to Larry Gould, NAU-Yuma campus executive officer and associate vice president.
“This awarding brings us one step closer to becoming Yuma’s university, as well as providing alternatives to students around the state who seek an accredited business program,” Gould said.
NAU–Yuma will be presented the Certificate of Initial Accreditation at the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs annual conference in Baltimore, Md., on June 17.
The council is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence. Established in 1988, it is the only business accrediting organization for all associate, baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. Its mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize excellence in the accreditation of business education programs around the world.
Free Counseling Sessions offered at NAU-Yuma this Spring
NAU-Yuma’s master’s-level counseling students are offering free personal and career counseling sessions from the end of January through April 2012.
Services are provided to individuals, couples and families from the local community. Clients will have the opportunity to address various concerns including stress management, career focusing, coping skills, relationship concerns and more. Referrals are made to local, licensed clinicians when needed.
Participants can receive up to ten, 60-minute sessions. Available session times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., or 7 p.m. in the Academic Complex building located on the NAU-Yuma/AWC campus.
Counseling sessions held in Spanish will also be available in San Luis on Fridays at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.
All counseling students receive direct supervision from a licensed mental health professional, as they are not yet licensed to work independently.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 928-317-6427 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Messages can be left in both English and Spanish. All calls will be returned within 24 hours.
Northern Arizona University awarded for innovative degree pathways
Northern Arizona University’s 2NAU joint admission program with community colleges has won a statewide award for helping students earn college degrees.
The Arizona College Access Network (AzCAN), a program of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education, will present a 2011 Pathways to Postsecondary Education Award to NAU during a breakfast ceremony to be held in Tempe on Nov.18.
The local partnership between NAU and AWC, called AWC2NAU, is part of the overall 2NAU joint admission program being recognized by AzCAN.
“AWC students who join the 2NAU program have the advantage of utilizing university resources like the Cline Library and Enrollment Transition Assistance services while still at community college,“ says Eileen Knight, associate director of admissions at NAU-Yuma.
2NAU students are jointly admitted to a community college and NAU. Students receive intensive guidance from both institutions in exploring and preparing for career options while completing their community college curriculum. Students save money by completing their first two years at the community college tuition rate.
The joint admission program also helps students begin to think early on in their postsecondary education about earning a four-year degree.
“We educate our 2NAU students to plan ahead,” says Knight. “We encourage them to stay in touch with us so they stay in control of their studies and continue to make progress towards the completion of their bachelor’s degree.”
Since the university launched the 2NAU program four years ago, more than 1,500 students have signed up for the program throughout eight community college districts
2NAU students also receive a waived NAU application fee, an NAU ID card, e-mail address and more. Students who complete their associate’s degree with a 3.5 GPA or better qualify for an NAU scholarship for up to $4,000.
“NAU-Yuma’s goal is to make the transition between AWC and NAU-Yuma as seamless as possible,” says Knight. “We believe the benefits of the 2NAU program are second to no other university in the country, and we encourage students to take advantage of them while they can.”
Students can transition into an NAU degree program offered in Yuma, online or in Flagstaff. NAU has been a leader in offering degree paths statewide for more than 40 years.
For information on the AWC2NAU partnership, go to nau.edu/awc2nau or contact the NAU-Yuma Office of Enrollment Services at (888) 628-9862.
The Pathways to Postsecondary Education Awards are being celebrated during the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education annual conference designed to reinforce relationships among leaders in postsecondary education, policy and business. This year’s conference is “Developing Human Capital: Arizona’s Race to Good Jobs.” For information, go to http://www.azhumancapital.com/.
NAU-Yuma Social Work Students Initiate Community Improvement Projects
Social Work students at NAU-Yuma have big plans for three projects to target community change.
“The purpose of their class projects is to get the ball rolling on community improvement activities and then to have the community take over,” said Bill Pederson, NAU-Yuma Social Work professor.
The following initiatives are led by three groups of NAU-Yuma Social Work seniors who plan to address local issues to improve the local community.
“As social workers, we may not be able to save the world, but we sure can make a difference in this world—starting today!” said Monica Rodriguez, social work senior.
Target 1 – Combat Childhood Obesity
A group of Yuma-area social work seniors is working in conjunction with the Yuma Optimist Club to target childhood obesity. The plan is to purchase playground equipment for placement on a plot of land near the Mesa Del Sol golf course owned by the Yuma Optimist Club.
“I strongly believe there needs to be a park built in the Foothills area. With no parks in the area, parents have to drive their children all the way into town to play at a park, and that is simply not acceptable,” said Emily Uden, social work senior.
With the help of the Yuma Optimist Club, the students have submitted a grant application to KaBOOM! for $30,000 toward the purchase of the playground equipment. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play for America’s children.
“Childhood obesity has become an epidemic among children of all backgrounds—economic, cultural and ethnic. Out project aims to address the obesity issue with the children in Yuma County who live in the foothills area. By building a family park with a playground, we hope that families, and especially children, will be motivated to become physically active,” said Jurixié Lopez, social work senior.
Target 2 – Stop Child Neglect
A second group of NAU-Yuma students who are from Imperial County with working with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Imperial County to target child neglect in the area. They are working with CASA to provide survival kits for neglected children. The kits include items such as hygiene products, blankets and toys.
The group is currently seeking donations from local businesses to supply more of these survival kits.
The students, in partnership with CASA, will also host a community education event on child neglect beginning at noon on Nov. 19 at CASA’s new office location at 229 S. 8th Street in El Centro, Calif.
The partnership between CASA and the social work students is an excellent opportunity to help children who are in crisis, said Alex Cardenas, executive director of CASA.
“The purpose of this event is to directly address the general child neglect in Imperial County. We hope to unite the community and motivate them to help these families in our own community,” said Mayra Martinez, social work senior.
Those who attend this community event will receive a resource manual that includes a list of agencies that can help in the areas of health, nutrition and medical needs. The children survival kits will also be distributed to those in need.
During the event, the social work students will also be collecting donated clothing, food and toys. People who bring donated items during this time will be entered in a drawing for a prize.
“The important part of this partnership with the social work students is sustainability. We are trailblazing activities that bring awareness to community members, and we hope to make this an annual event with the support of more community partners,” said Cardenas.
Target 3 – Reduce Child Hunger
A third group of social work students, also from the Imperial Valley area, is targeting child hunger with a proposed mid-morning snack program in the El Centro School District.
According to FeedingAmerica.org, 48% of children in Imperial Valley are either food insecure or in poverty. Unfortunately, for various reasons, not all of these children are able to take part in the school breakfast program or are unaware that they are eligible for the program. This social work student group hopes to start a snack program for children at the local schools so no child goes to school hungry.
The students are currently working with Martin Luther King Elementary in El Centro to begin a trial of the program. The NAU-Yuma social work students will help the school apply for reimbursement funds with state and Federal agencies for the snack program.
“As a student, I know what it feels like to be in school with an empty stomach. Kids needs to learn, and they are not learning because of lack of food,” said Karla Geraldo, social work senior.
The students hope other schools will see the effectiveness of the program being started at Martin Luther King elementary and begin to implement their own snack programs. The social work students are also planning a parent education program to discuss childhood hunger and its effects. They held their first seminar during a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting on Oct. 26 at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary.
NAU Alumni Association Golf Tournament Raises Money for Scholarships
The Yuma Chapter of the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Alumni Association will host its 19th Annual Golf Classic on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at the Desert Hills Golf Course.
All proceeds benefit the NAU Alumni Association-Yuma Chapter Scholarship Funds.
The tournament is a four person, two drive scramble with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Registration options range from player or sponsor registration to family or corporate foursome registration. Player registration includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, gift bags and dinner at the Alumni Dinner held Friday, Nov. 11 from 5:30-9:00 p.m., at the Desert Hills Golf Course and Putter Inn.
Prizes will be awarded to contest winners and top finishers. Winner of the Hole-in-One contest will receive a 2011 vehicle from Fisher Dodge.
The annual tournament raises money for NAU scholarships awarded to Yuma-area students through tournament sponsors and the participating golfers. This year’s major tournament sponsor, Pioneer Title, has kicked off the event with a generous $5,000 donation for student scholarships.
“With the help of our current major sponsor, Pioneer Title Agency, our past major sponsor, AEA Federal Credit Union, and other large donors such as Harold and Marion Elliott and the Caballeros de Yuma, and, of course, our corporate sponsors and golfers, we have earned more than $300,000 that has been earmarked for scholarships for Yuma County students to attend Northern Arizona University and Northern Arizona University in Yuma,” said Harry Hengl, co-chair of the golf tournament. “This tournament is a great way for folks to enjoy a round of golf while supporting the higher education of our students in Yuma County. Remember, you do not have to be an alumnus to play, everyone is invited to participate.”
All entries must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011. Entries received by Nov. 4, 2011, will be entered in a special Early Bird Drawing.
Download an entry form today. For further information, contact Tom Kelly at (928) 376-0794 or Harry Hengl at (928) 343-2400.
$2 Million Grant Awarded to NAU for Elementary, Special Education and ESL Teacher Training
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Northern Arizona University a $2 million five-year grant award to cover the cost of a dual-major bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education with an ESL endorsement. This grant project, PRIME (Preparing Rural Inclusive Multicultural Exceptional-Educators), is a unique opportunity for future educators interested in serving the needs of K-12 English Language Learners and K-12 students with disabilities. The project will be implemented at the NAU-Yuma campus and will train 48 Yuma residents in three cohorts over the five-year period.
There are still spaces available for qualified applicants for the first cohort which will begin classes on October 14. All classes will be held onsite in Yuma. The PRIME grant will pay for tuition, books and attendance at a professional conference. Students will take classes with their cohort and student teach after completing five semesters of the grant funded coursework (including summer sessions). This grant does not cover the cost of Student Teaching tuition.
REQUIREMENTS: By October 14, 2011, you must be employed as a Paraprofessional in a special education classroom in a Yuma County or La Paz County school district. The PRIME staff will assist you to locate a placement. Also, you must be admitted to NAU. All applicants for cohort one should have completed the needed Liberal Studies and Teacher Education Program Admission coursework by the end of the Spring semester, 2012. PRIME students will take NAU courses that do not require Teacher Education Program Admission in Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. Depending on the schedule, students may also be able to complete any needed Teacher Education Admission requirements at a community college at the same time.
INFORMATION SESSION: There will be an information session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday September 22 for anyone interested in applying for this program at the AWC Entrepreneurial Center, Room 158, located at 1351 South Redondo Center Drive in room. Applicants should bring an unofficial copy of their community college transcripts.
CONTACTS: For questions regarding PRIME, please call the PRIME Advisor, Nancy Blitz, located at the AWC Campus in Yuma. Telephone: 344-7677. E-mail: nancy.blitz@nau.edu. Or you may call the PRIME project coordinator, Judy Ulrich, at 928-523-5193, located at NAU Flagstaff.
Accessible solar power research positively impacts NAU-Yuma
Arizona Western College and NAU-Yuma are using a new solar array project to help power the Yuma campus and empower students and the community.
Five new 1-megawatt solar systems are under construction and are scheduled to be in use by October. Each solar system uses a different technology. These solar systems can be monitored through a webcam that offers various views of the project.
The 5-megawatt solar array project will not only provide cost-saving power to the college campus, but the blend of technologies also promises to entice people interested in studying environmental sustainably.
NAU-Yuma students will see new educational opportunities from the solar array project.
“We are ready to align our business courses to those business models used in developing solar arrays and other sustainable energy plans to help prepare our students for future energy developments,” said Larry Gould, campus executive officer for NAU-Yuma. “It is very gratifying that we are in partnership with an institution that believes in preparing for the future.”
Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff campus has been a leader of “green” initiatives among universities and was featured as one of the “Green Colleges” in the Princeton Review. Its Climate Action Plan 2010 aims to make the Flagstaff campus a carbon-neutral campus by the year 2020.
“The use of solar energy on the AWC/NAU-Yuma campus aligns with NAU’s longtime sustainability movement in Flagstaff,” Gould said.
Arizona Western College’s new solar initiative is just one more exciting alliance between the 23-year AWC and NAU-Yuma partnership.
For information, go to http://www.azwestern.edu/Marketing_and_PR/awc_solar_newsroom.html.
NAU named in top 100 colleges by 'Hispanic Outlook'
Northern Arizona University again ranked in the top 100 colleges in the nation for Latinos, as reported by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine.
In its May 2 edition, Hispanic Outlook ranks NAU 55th for undergraduate degrees earned by Latinos, up four places over last year. In a steady climb since 2003, NAU has advanced 14 places in the ranking, continually graduating more Latinos with bachelor’s degrees each year.
Master’s degrees granted to Latinos from NAU held at 28th in the nation for the second year.
NAU was 42nd in doctoral degrees earned by Latinos in 2009, but changes to the criteria dropped the university out of the top 100 for 2010. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics changed criteria for the top doctoral degrees earned by Latinos to a combination of professional practice, doctoral degrees and research/scholarship.
The magazine also reported the top 10 institutions awarding bachelor’s degrees to Latinos by academic program. NAU remained at eighth place for the second year for bachelor’s degrees in education awarded to Latinos.
The rankings were derived from data gathered from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System program. Degrees listed were conferred between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.
The complete list of top 100 institutions is available online.
Of the 25,204 students enrolled at NAU in the fall 2010, 3,843 identified themselves as Hispanic—making up nearly 18 percent of the university’s student population.
Three NAU seniors from Yuma earn university recognition
Three Northern Arizona University seniors with ties to Yuma have earned special recognition from the university for their exemplary leadership, academic excellence and service to the NAU community.
Hanh Dung Dao, Chrystal Silva and David Watts were among 45 NAU graduating seniors receiving the university's coveted Gold Axe Award at a ceremony on April 19 in Flagstaff.
Silva graduated from Kofa High School and attends classes on NAU’s Flagstaff campus, where she will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Dao, who will earn her biology degree, and Watts, graduating with a degree in social work, each attend classes through NAU-Yuma, where a university ceremony recognizing all NAU-Yuma graduates will be held at 8 p.m. May 13 at the Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The tradition of the Gold Axe Award dates back to 1933, a year after the student body adopted the axe as the symbol for Lumberjack athletics. It was then that NAU adopted the tradition of awarding small gold axe pins to outstanding members of the student body. The gold axe pin is still considered the official emblem of the Associated Students of NAU and is presented to recognize students’ outstanding achievement and distinguished service to the university and the greater community.
Hanh Dung Dao Chrystal Silva David Watts
NAU-Yuma Undergraduate and Graduate Education Degree Opportunity Informational Session
Federally-funded programs allow students to earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Education with most tuition and book expenses covered.
The Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU-Yuma) will hold an informational session on the Preparing Rural Inclusive Multicultural Exceptional Educators (PRIME) and the Culturally Responsive ESL Special Education Training (CREST) grant programs at Arizona Western College’s Entrepreneurial Center (room 159) on Wednesday, April 6, at 4:30 p.m.
The grant programs are designed to offer tuition assistance for those interested in earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. Anyone interested in these fields is invited to attend.
The PRIME program leads students to a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/Special Education with an English as a Second Language endorsement. This federally-funded program will pay for five semesters of tuition, books and conference attendance.
CREST is a unique opportunity for people with either a non-education or education bachelor’s degree to complete a Master of Education in Bilingual/Multicultural Education or Special Education with or without teacher certification. This federally-funded program will cover most tuition, fees and book expenses. Preference will be given to middle or high school teachers of math or science who are not currently certified as teachers.
Applicants for either grant must be eligible for Arizona resident tuition rate.
Anyone interested in learning more about either or both of these programs can attend the informational session on Wednesday, April 6 at the AWC Entrepreneurial Center (room 159). The PRIME informational session will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the CREST informational session will follow at 5:45 p.m. These programs will be made available in Fall of 2011 based on the availability of federal grant funding.
Those who are unable to attend the CREST and PRIME information session may also inquire about the program by contacting Judy Ulrich at (928) 523-5193 or Judith.Ulrich@nau.edu.
The AWC Entrepreneurial Center is located at 1351 Redondo Center Drive.
NAU’s Master of Administration Program Ranks 12th as Best Buy
Northern Arizona University ranks 12th among the nation’s best buys in online master’s degrees in management or administration, according to GetEducated.com, a consumer and advocacy group that rates, ranks and verifies the cost, quality and credibility of online colleges and universities.
The rankings were calculated by comparing publicly posted tuition and distance education fees at 56 regionally accredited and regional candidate universities in the United States that offer master’s degrees through distance education in the career areas of management and administration.
Rankings were based on the universities with Fall 2009 tuition and fee rates totaling less than $21,000.
In addition to receiving an A- in affordability, NAU’s Master of Administration degree received an A for student satisfaction on GetEducated.com’s degree report card.
“The range of different emphases in the graduate program allowed me to pick from a list that could help in a variety of career paths,” said student Donald Carl O. “The self-discipline needed to excel in the class was emphasized at the beginning of each class by instructors with doctoral degrees. I recommended the program highly.”
The Master of Administration program offers eight specialized emphasis areas including: land use planning, construction management, health sciences, leadership, professional writing, project management, public management, and a custom emphasis, which offers an opportunity for students to design a program to meet their specific professional goals.
As the need for affordable and accessible education rises, NAU continually strives to meet the needs of students who want to further their education and advance their career.
This master’s program offers students the educational opportunity and skills to help them advance within their career field. Students enjoy the flexibility of completing the program entirely online or having the option of taking core courses in person at select statewide campuses.
For more information about the Master of Administration program, visit www.nau.edu/madmin or call (800) 426-8315.
Yuma educational leaders receive doctoral degrees from NAU-Yuma
Five educational leaders in the Yuma area will take their careers to the next level when they receive their doctoral degrees from the Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University during the spring commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The five doctoral students will walk the line and be “hooded” on the commencement stage as the largest graduating class for the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program at NAU-Yuma.
The graduating students include:
- Edwin Richardson – Principal of Castle Dome Middle School
- Suzanne Alka – Assistant Principal of Gila Ridge High School
- Laura Noel – Superintendent of Wellton School District
- Mary Schaal – Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Grants at Arizona Western College (AWC)
- Darwin Stiffler – Superintendent of Yuma Elementary School District #1
Dr. Jerry R. Lewis, associate professor and primary adviser for the Educational Leadership program at NAU-Yuma, is proud of the history these students are making for the Yuma Branch Campus of NAU.
“All of these students are quite talented with solid work ethics and honorability and will now distinguish themselves even more on behalf of Yuma and its educators and students. I am so very proud of their efforts,” Lewis said.
This is the first time NAU will have five residents of Yuma County receive their doctoral degrees at the same time, Lewis said. The NAU-Yuma campus also will be the first of any of the other NAU statewide campuses to have five “home grown” graduating Ed.D. students.
“That five doctoral candidates have earned their degrees in the same focal area and obtained most of their graduate credits from a small branch campus is amazing,” Lewis said.
Earning their degree locally allowed the students to help each other through their academic career. While they worked on coursework individually, they developed a “Docs 2 Be” group, where they would meet regularly to help each other, Schaal explained.
“It was a great opportunity to learn from others. I collaborated with the other students. The camaraderie was an excellent way to learn,” Richardson said.
“A critical piece to completing this program was having a cohort of individuals who supported one another throughout this process,“ Alka said.
The many different course formats available in the program also played a key role in the students’ success.
“I so appreciate that NAU offers the vast majority of the programs in Yuma,” Alka said. “Trying to work full time and raise a family while also attempting to complete an advanced degree is a difficult juggling act. The fact that the coursework is a combination of traditional courses, distance learning, and weekend courses allows for more flexibility in designing a course of study.”
“Local students should know NAU has excellent grad programs that are well worth spending time here,” Schaal said.
Doctoral graduates motivated by their students, family
As local education leaders, all of the doctoral candidates attribute much of their motivation to complete their degrees from the desire to be positive role models to students.
“I am the first in my family to go to college. I was motivated to have my father see my academic success, in which he placed such importance, and I thought it was important as a role model to my students to go as far as they can in education,” Richardson said.
Schaal’s main motivation was to be the kind of leader the students at AWC deserve.
“The Educational Leadership program helped me reach that goal,” Schaal said.
Even with that motivation, they all admit that they could not have made it this far without the support of their families, colleagues and each other.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the many individuals who dedicated themselves to my success in this endeavor. I am especially appreciative of the love and support of my family, the mentoring of Dr. Lewis, and the collegiality and encouragement of the Yuma ‘Docs 2 Be’ cohort. This whole experience has been amazing and humbling,” Stiffler said.
“My success is greatly a community effort,” Noel said. “Dr. Lewis deserves a great measure of appreciation. He was good at keeping us going forward. I also appreciate the support of AWC professor, Dr. Montopoli. He would encourage me whenever I was discouraged.”
All of the graduates are honored to receive their degree at NAU-Yuma and hope more students will follow in their footsteps.
Stiffler, Noel, Richardson, Schaal and Alka will be among 251 graduating NAU-Yuma students at the commencement ceremony held Friday, May 14, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Stadium.
NAU-Yuma Social Work Program Hosts Community Potluck
The Social Work program at the Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU-Yuma) will host a community potluck on April 29, 2010, from 4-6 p.m. at the Yuma Community Food Bank.
All community members are invited to attend.
The event is held, in part, as a celebration of those graduating the Bachelor of Social Work program this May. Students newly admitted to the program and two outstanding social work students will also be recognized.
During the event, the graduating seniors will give special recognition to the elders who participated in the program’s “Community Change” project in Nov. and Dec. 2009. The project provided homebound elderly with an opportunity to interact with others while contributing to the community through activities such as a food drive and “Adopt a Nursing Home”. The Community Change project was done in collaboration with the Greater Foothills Helping Hands and supported by many local businesses that will receive certificates of appreciation at the potluck.
Special recognition will also include an award to a community member who supports the social work program. This year, the award will go to a Yuma community leader who has strongly supported the social work program since it began in 2001.
To learn more about the community potluck, contact the NAU-Yuma Faculty Office at (928) 317-6432. The Yuma Community Food Bank is located at 2325 S. Engler Avenue, Yuma, Ariz.
The social work undergraduate program has been offered at the Yuma Branch Campus of NAU since 2001. This year’s graduating seniors will be the fourth group of students to complete the program.
PRISE Grant Informational Session for Future Educators
The Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU) will hold an informational session on the Preparing Rural Inclusive Special Educators (PRISE) grant program at Arizona Western College’s Entrepreneurial Center (room 161) on Wednesday, April 28, at 4:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in becoming an elementary or special education teacher is invited to attend.
PRISE is a unique opportunity for future educators interested in serving the needs of multi-cultural and bilingual students with disabilities. The program is a six-semester, federally funded grant for students ready to enter their junior year of college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Students in the grant program will have tuition and book costs paid for, as well as complete all the required coursework for the English as a Second Language endorsement, for five of the six semesters. The sixth semester is the semester of Student Teaching and is the financial responsibility of the Grant recipient.
To qualify for the grant, you must:
- be employed as an Instructional Assistant in a special education classroom by January 2011 in one of the consortium school districts in Yuma or La Paz Counties;
- be admitted to the NAU College of Education; and
- have two semesters of Spanish or CLEP equivalent.
For more information, contact Nancy Blitz at 344-7677 or at nancy.blitz@nau.edu. The AWC Entrepreneurial Center is located at 1351 Redondo Center Drive.
Area 5th Graders Experience College Life
(Click here for pictures from the day's events.)
On Thursday, Feb. 25, more than 130 Yuma-area fifth graders will be submerged into college life for a day. Arizona Western College and Northern Arizona University-Yuma Branch Campus have invited five classes from Roosevelt and Carver Elementary schools to experience college life on the AWC/NAU-Yuma campus during the inaugural ‘I’m Going 2 College’ event. Students will arrive on campus at 9:30. After participating in a group orientation, they will experience three mini-classes in Science, Art, Career-Tech, Math, Graphic Design, and Leadership. The day will end with an Achievement Event in the AWC Theater from 12:30-1:15. The students will receive an Achievement Certificate and a thank you for attending from Dr. Larry Gould, NAU Yuma Branch Campus Executive Office and Dr. Marc Nigliazzo, AWC President.
The faculty and staff of AWC and NAU-Yuma are excited to host these future college graduates. The classes they will be participating in are all classes offered at the college level…just geared towards the fifth grade age range.
PRISE Grant Informational Session for Future Educators
The Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU) will hold an informational session on the Preparing Rural Inclusive Special Educators (PRISE) grant program at Arizona Western College’s Entrepreneurial Center (room 160) on Monday, Feb. 22, at 4:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in becoming an elementary or special education teacher is invited to attend.
PRISE is a unique opportunity for future educators interested in serving the needs of multi-cultural and bilingual students with disabilities. The program is a six-semester, federally-funded grant for students ready to enter their junior year of college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Students in the grant program will have tuition and book costs paid for, as well as complete all the required coursework for the English as a Second Language endorsement, for five of the six semesters. The sixth semester is the semester of Student Teaching and is the financial responsibility of the Grant recipient.
To qualify for the grant, you must:
- be employed as a Instructional Assistant in a special education classroom by January 2011 in one of the consortium school districts in Yuma or La Paz Counties;
- be admitted to the NAU College of Education; and
- have two semesters of Spanish or CLEP equivalent.
Those who are unable to attend the PRISE information session on Feb. 22, may also inquire about the program at the Job Fair on April 14, 2010, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the AWC Learning Resource Building.
For more information, contact Nancy Blitz at 344-7677 or at nancy.blitz@nau.edu.
The AWC Entrepreneurial Center is located at 1351 Redondo Center Drive.
NAU-Yuma Branch Campus announces hire of social work professor
Dr. Cordelia Holbert, an assistant professor from Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland, has been hired as a social work lecturer for the Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU).
As a social work faculty member, Holbert will teach courses both online and at the Yuma campus.
“I love social work. It is my passion. The best way to hopefully make changes in the social work arena is by training people appropriately and give them a wide range of skills and abilities they can use to help people,” said Holbert.
Holbert holds a doctorate in community psychology from DePaul University in Chicago, a master’s in social work from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s in political science from Benedictine College in Kansas. Holbert is also a licensed clinical social worker. She has been teaching for more than two years.
Holbert will be teaching one online course and two classes on campus during the spring semester. She has already held her first round of courses.
“It was exciting and fun. The students are a delightful and very committed group of people and that is refreshing,” said Holbert.
Bill Pederson, Yuma’s Social Work Coordinator and Senior Lecturer, is very excited about the addition of Holbert.
“She brings with her a lot of experience and will be an outstanding addition of our faculty in expanding the social work program,” said Pederson.
The social work undergraduate program has been offered at the Yuma Branch Campus of NAU since 2001.
Information Session for AWC & NAU-Yuma Students
Arizona Western College and Northern Arizona University Yuma Branch Campus are hosting an Information Session for prospective students. The public is welcome to attend to learn more about the institutions and the partnership. On Thursday, December 3 from 5:30-6:30PM at the AWC 3C College Community Center—East Meeting Room plan to learn more about the programs, financial aid, registration and much more.
Northern Arizona University-Yuma and Arizona Western College not only share facilities on the AWC campus but also a vision for expanding higher education in southwestern Arizona. NAU-Yuma and AWC have established an innovative educational partnership, which allows students to either begin or complete lower division courses while concurrently taking upper-division courses at NAU-Yuma.
Letter from President Haeger
In response to student concern over the discontinuation of the Criminology & Criminal Justice degree at NAU-Yuma. Click here to read.
AWC/NAU Students already seeing benefits of National Science Foundation Scholarships
Seventeen students from Northern Arizona University-Yuma (NAU) and 16 Arizona Western College (AWC) students were awarded scholarships this past spring from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grant to begin study this fall semester.
The two $600,000 grants were awarded to NAU-Yuma and AWC by the National Science Foundation this past February to provide scholarships to two groups of 15-25 incoming science students for both AWC and NAU-Yuma. The 33 recipients of the 2-year scholarships received financial aid worth up to $8,695 for the AWC students and $10,000 for the NAU-Yuma students.
Students in both groups are majoring in either biology or environmental science, have demonstrated academic talent and qualified for financial aid.
In addition to scholarships, the grant also covers financial expenses for educational field trips. NAU students recently visited Brown Canyon to observe more than 50 species of pollinators and learn more about the natural history of Arizona. AWC students also made a trip to Brown Canyon and are involved in weekend hikes where they shadow scientists working in the field and become introduced to the Southwest environment.
STEM grant funding also included hiring Patricia T. Garcia as cohort coordinator to provide on-site tutoring and advising, coordinate field trips and manage student files.
Halfway into their first semester, students have already noticed benefits.
“The STEM program has been a great help financially as well as academically. It has provided me with a means to attend school debt free, and build a circle of students who have similar academic goals. Because we have most of our classes together, we can easily form study groups to help each other out,” said Michal Dominguez, NAU student.
“The support of this program goes beyond the much needed financial aspect. The science-specific assistance we get from tutoring and encouragements we get from each other have been excellent resources,” said NAU student, Madeline Olszewski
Soon, both groups of students will have the opportunity to share their interests in science.
In February, the NAU students will be presenting at the National Meeting for the Association of Science in San Diego, Calif. AWC students will be producing educational clips on native animals of the Southwest, which will be aired on the local cable station.
NAU Alumni Association Golf Tournament Raises Money for Scholarships
The Yuma Chapter of the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Alumni Association will host its 17th Annual Golf Classic on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Desert Hills Golf Course.
All proceeds benefit the NAU Alumni Association-Yuma Chapter Scholarship Funds.
The tournament is a four person, two drive scramble with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Registration options range from player or sponsor registration to family or corporate foursome registration. Player registration includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, gift bags and dinner at the Alumni Dinner held Friday, Nov. 20 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Desert Hills Golf Course and Putter Inn.
Prizes will be awarded to contest winners and top finishers. Winner of the Hole-in-One contest will receive a 2010 vehicle from Karl Moedl Automotive Group.
The annual tournament raises money for NAU scholarships awarded to Yuma-area students. Last year, 27 scholarships were awarded to Yuma students as a result of proceeds from the 2008 NAU Golf Classic.
“With the help of our major sponsor, AEA Federal Credit Union, and other large donors such as Harold and Marion Elliott and the Caballeros de Yuma, and, of course, our corporate sponsors and golfers, we have earned more than $250,000 that has been earmarked for scholarships for Yuma County students to attend Northern Arizona University,” said Harry Hengl, co-chair of the golf tournament. “This tournament is a great way for residents to enjoy a round of golf while supporting the future education of our students.”
All entries must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 18. Entries received by Nov. 6, will be entered in a special Early Bird Drawing.
For further information or to register, contact Tom Kelly at (928) 376-0794 or Harry Hengl at (928) 343-2400.
Yuma resident honored by Northern Arizona University
Harry D. Hengl of Yuma will receive the Joe and Marie Rolle Spirit of NAU award from the Northern Arizona University Alumni Association this weekend as part of the university’s Homecoming celebration.
Hengl is being recognized for his “extraordinary dedication and support of NAU by changing the lives of students every day through numerous philanthropic endeavors and a true spirit of service to the Yuma community,” said Neil Goodell, director of the NAU Office of Alumni Relations.
As a master's degree candidate at the university, Hengl was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and was later recognized for excellence in teaching with a 1997 Centennial Year of Education award. He is currently vice chair of the NAU Foundation Board as well as a member of the College of Education Leadership Council; he rounds out his frequent student advocacy by participating in the Volunteer Alumni Network. A past president of the NAU Alumni Association Board of Directors, Hengl was honored with the 1996 Alumni Service award for building the NAU Alumni Association Yuma Chapter into a model grassroots organization.
Hengl has co-chaired the Yuma Chapter’s annual golf tournament (now in its 17th year) since its inception, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the NAU Alumni-Yuma Chapter Scholarship. This manifestation of his stewardship—in addition to the Hengl Family Scholarship, which encourages students from Yuma to pursue a college degree at NAU—demonstrates an unshakeable confidence in NAU.
In keeping with cherished tradition, the Rolles personally singled out Hengl to receive this most heartfelt honor. He says, "To be recognized with any award is humbling, but to be recognized with an award named after Joe and Marie Rolle is an experience that I shall cherish always. Joe and Marie are two of the reasons why NAU is such a great institution.”
The award is named for Dr. Joseph and Marie Rolle, whose lifelong dedication to Northern Arizona University has manifested itself in alumni scholarships and athletics, campus buildings and a legacy of outstanding spirit.
The Northern Arizona University Alumni Awards are a longstanding NAU tradition. Information is available at http://alumni.nau.edu/AlumniEvents/AlumniAwards.aspx, or call (928) 523-3757.
PRISE Grant Informational Session for Future Educators
The Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU) will hold an informational session on the Preparing Rural Inclusive Special Educators (PRISE) grant program at Arizona Western College’s Entrepreneurial Center (room 159) on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Anyone interested in becoming an elementary or special education teacher is invited to attend.
PRISE is a unique opportunity for future educators interested in serving the needs of multi-cultural and bilingual students with disabilities. The program is a six-semester, federally-funded grant for students ready to enter their junior year of college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a dual major in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Students in the grant program will have tuition and book costs paid for, as well as complete all the required coursework for the English as a Second Language endorsement.
To qualify for the grant, you must:
1) be employed as a Instructional Aide by January 2011 in one of the consortium school districts in Yuma or La Paz Counties;
2) complete all General Education coursework by Dec. 2010, along with prerequisite coursework finished for acceptance into NAU’s College of Education; and
3) qualify for in-state tuition.
For more information, contact Nancy Blitz at 344-7677 or at nancy.blitz@nau.edu. The AWC Entrepreneurial Center is located at 1351 Redondo Center Drive.
Free Counseling Sessions offered at NAU-Yuma this Fall
Free personal and career counseling sessions are being offered by the master’s-level counseling students at the Yuma Branch Campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU) from September through November.
Services are provided to individuals or families from the community. Clients will have the opportunity to address various concerns including stress management, career focusing, coping skills, relationship skills and more. Referrals are made to other local, licensed clinicians when needed.
Participants can receive up to ten, 60-minute sessions. As the students providing the services are not yet licensed to work independently, they receive direct supervision from a licensed mental health professional.
For more information, or to arrange an appointment, call 317-6427 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Sessions are held in the Academic Complex building located on the NAU-Yuma and Arizona Western College campus.