MESA, Arizona – December 6, 2019 — Carmen Prado Newland and Nora Amavisca Reyes, Ed.D., have been selected to fill newly created Mesa Community College (MCC) Senior Associate Vice President (SAVP) positions.
Newland and Reyes report to Dr. Lori Berquam, MCC Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (EVP). They are tasked with working collaboratively with faculty, academic and student affairs staff to strengthen a culture committed to the success of all students; building a comprehensive system of guided pathways; enhancing transfer and workforce partnerships; supporting a broad range of recruitment, retention and student success services; and promoting innovation and educational excellence.
“Following a national search, seven qualified candidates were identified. Open forums were held in October, allowing each candidate to make opening statements and field questions from students, staff and faculty,” said Dr. Berquam. “These two leaders rose to the top with their demonstrated dedication, innovation and expertise.”
Newland has more than 20 years of leadership in higher education, enhancing the collegiate student experience. In addition to her roles as MCC Interim Senior Associate Vice President and Dean of Enrollment Services, Newland has held leadership positions at Arizona State University and Phoenix College. She also worked at Fort Lewis College, San Juan College and the University of New Mexico. Newland currently serves as co-chair of the MCC Guided Pathways Task Force, which is leading a dramatic redesign of the student experience. She recently completed Valle Del Sol’s Hispanic Leadership Institute-East Valley. In 2015, she was selected as a National Community College Hispanic Council Leadership Fellow.
Reyes served as Vice Provost of the MCC Red Mountain Campus since 2016, leading efforts to increase academic offerings and enrollment while expanding services to the community and outreach to high school students via special programs. She began her professional experience as a bilingual second grade teacher in South Phoenix. Reyes’ first role at MCC was as residential faculty in the Education Studies Department. Since then she has served in numerous leadership roles including Education Studies Department chair, chair of the MCC Department Chair Association, Education Instructional Council and Articulation Task Force chair, Guanajuato and Xalapa Study Abroad director, TL3C Grant Project Administrator and acting dean of Innovative Learning and Academic Support.
“Both Newland and Reyes bring a wealth of leadership experience to MCC and an exemplary commitment to student success,” Berquam said. “I look forward to working with these exceptionally engaged professionals, as we continue to innovate and enhance the MCC student experience.”
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, MCC, http://dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.