Arizona Western College has named Dr. Diane Carrasco-Jaquez to the position of Vice President of Learning Services.
The Vice President of Learning Services is the Chief Academic Officer that oversees the scope, sequence, and integrity of academic programs at AWC. She is also responsible for creating and sustaining excellence in all aspects of educational offerings districtwide.
Dr. Carrasco-Jaquez was selected by AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr through the support of a screening committee made up of administrative employees, classified employees, and faculty. Applicants for the position were reviewed in January and February and interviewed via Zoom. The top five candidates conducted public forums in April, including forums with faculty, cabinet leadership, and one-on-one meetings with AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr.
“It is an honor to be selected as the next Vice President of Learning Services at Arizona Western College,” said Dr. Carrasco-Jaquez.
“I truly believe education is the key to opening many doors for anyone who seeks to change their trajectory in life. It is the caring spirit and passion for creating a quality student experience that drew me to AWC. Though not a native to Arizona, I am a native to serving a Hispanic community, and I look forward to working with my AWC team to continue making a difference in the lives of the community we serve.”
Dr. Carrasco-Jaquez has been in higher education for 22 years serving in a variety of roles at Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, ranging from tutor to academic dean.
She began as a part-time tutor in 1998, and eventually made her way into the classroom as a part-time instructor for the Mathematics department. Upon graduating from the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), Dr. Carrasco-Jaquez accepted a full-time position as the Academic Specialist for Student Support Services where she helped disadvantaged students with their educational journey. Less than a year later, she accepted a full-time teaching position in the Computer Science department.
After 11 years of teaching, Dr. Carrasco-Jaquez began her administrative journey, first serving as the Computer Science Department Chair and AVID faculty leader. During the following eight years, she was promoted to the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences; became the first Dean of Teaching and Learning; led the Career, Technical, and Workforce Education Division; and served as the Senior Dean for the School of STEM.
Dr. Carrasco-Jaquez currently works with the AVID for Higher Education national organization, training faculty in high-engagement practices at colleges across the nation. Dr. Carrasco-Jaquez holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration and a MS in Computer Information Systems from University of Phoenix, with a BS in Computer Science from UTPB.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Diane Carrasco-Jaquez join AWC as the Chief Academic Officer. Her professional experience speaks directly to AWC’s student experience statement and unique needs of the communities we serve. I am certain she will be a strong advocate for our students and their educational goals,” said Arizona Western College President Dr. Daniel Corr.
She will start in her new role at AWC on June 15, working alongside retiring VP of Learning Services Dr. Linda Elliott-Nelson.
