News
Arizona Western College celebrates first day under new president
June 1, 2026Dr. Reetika Dhawan starts as 10th president of Arizona Western College
Yuma, Ariz. (June 1, 2026) – Today, Arizona Western College celebrates the first day of Dr. Reetika Dhawan’s tenure as the institution’s 10th president.
Having served AWC since 2008, Dr. Dhawan brings both an insider’s perspective and a strategic vision for expanding the college’s impact on student success, workforce development, and regional economic growth. As AWC’s first female president and first immigrant president, her appointment reflects AWC's commitment to leadership that understands the daily realities of students and employees while driving innovation and community partnerships.
“This moment is not about a title to me. It is about people,” Dr. Dhawan shared. “It is about students whose lives can change because someone believed in them. It is about faculty and staff who show up every day with compassion, resilience, and dedication, often without recognition. And it is about protecting and strengthening an institution that has transformed lives for generations.”
Dr. Dhawan's journey to the presidency spans more than two decades in education. Beginning her teaching career in India in 2001, she moved to the United States in 2007 and taught mathematics at Parker High School before joining AWC in 2008 as an adjunct instructor in mathematics and physics.
"Dr. Dhawan comes to the presidency as a dedicated member of the AWC family,” said District Governing Board Chair Dennis Booth. “Her experience as a faculty member and her deep understanding of our institution and the communities we serve position her to lead with insight, authenticity, and a strong commitment to student success."
Over 18 years at AWC, her collaborative leadership and entrepreneurial vision led to the creation of the Entrepreneurial College, an initiative that has brought national and international recognition to Yuma and La Paz Counties while creating tangible pathways for student success and economic mobility. Dr. Dhawan’s ability to align educational innovation with community impact was evident in the program's industry partnerships, business incubation support, and workforce training have served both students seeking career advancement and local employers addressing critical workforce needs.
“For more than 60 years, AWC has transformed lives through education and partnerships,” Dr. Dhawan continued. “I am incredibly honored to continue that legacy and excited for what we will accomplish together as a college and community.”
This summer, Dr. Dhawan will meet with students, employees, community leaders, and regional partners as she finalizes the vision and priorities for the first 100 days of her presidency. The plan, aligned with the college’s Strategic Plan 2028, will be shared with the campus community at the beginning of the fall semester.
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Contact:
Mandy Heil
Dean of Marketing and Communications
Arizona Western College
mandy.heil@azwestern.edu
(928) 314-9594