NAU expands presence and programs at Yavapai College

PRESCOTT, Ariz. (June 30, 2008) -- Northern Arizona University and Yavapai College are answering a statewide call to increase the numbers of college-going students in Arizona by ramping up higher education opportunities for Prescott residents.

NAU President John Haeger and Yavapai College President Jim Horton announced today at a press conference two new baccalaureate programs and an increased physical presence of the university on the community college campus. The two institutions also committed to joint admissions, which will offer students a seamless process to transition from the community college to the university.

"Northern Arizona University is dedicated to meeting the needs of greater Arizona, allowing residents in communities throughout Yavapai County to obtain degrees where they live and work," Haeger said. "In Prescott we see the support of the city and the community as a whole to offer citizens the chance to improve their lives and for the state of Arizona to grow its own workforce to be globally competitive."

Beginning this fall, NAU will offer a bachelor's of business administration and a bachelor's in elementary education, with an emphasis in early childhood education. Also this fall, NAU will open the doors of the "NAU building" on the Yavapai College campus. Building 29, which formerly housed Yavapai administrative offices, will now house all of NAU's offices for advising and serving YC students.

Joint admission is immediately available to students meeting admissions criteria for both Yavapai College and NAU, and provides students a single track that will lead to a bachelor's degree.

The expansion of Northern Arizona University at Yavapai College with joint admissions follows program enhancements this past year in the Verde Valley in partnership with Yavapai College.

"NAU and Yavapai College continue to break the mold in higher education by eliminating barriers between community colleges and universities that sometimes inhibit student success in reaching educational goals. Together we will greatly expand local opportunities for our citizens to pursue a high-quality education," Horton said.

At the press conference, state Sen. Tom O'Halleran noted that the NAU and Yavapai College partnership advances the recommendations of the Arizona P-20 Council to increase the number of bachelor's degrees awarded in the state. The P-20 Council was established by Executive Order under Governor Napolitano to align Arizona's education systems from early childhood through postsecondary education and to ensure those systems are responsive to the expectations of 21st century employers.

"It is critical that Arizona focus on every level of our educational pipeline, and the relationship between community colleges and universities is key to the success of higher education transparency in this state," O'Halleran said. "Attracting more students to invest in continuing their education by providing flexible and affordable options to attain a degree is Arizona's pathway to increasing our overall population with a college degree. That's what this partnership between Yavapai College and Northern Arizona University is all about."

City of Prescott Mayor Jack Wilson said that in economically difficult times, expanded educational opportunities are a key factor to attract sustainable jobs.

"This is only the first step in a grander vision for NAU in Prescott," Wilson said. "We expect to see an even larger NAU presence in the future, and the city of Prescott expects to be an active partner in that expansion."

NAU currently offers about 82 endorsements, certificates, bachelor's and master's programs in Yavapai County.

-NAU-

CONTACT:
Tom Bauer
NAU Office of Public Affairs
(928) 523-6126
Thomas.Bauer@nau.edu