District Governing Board announces preferred presidential candidate
October 27, 2025Dr. Reetika Dhawan under consideration to step into role
Yuma, Ariz. (October 27, 2025) – Today, the Arizona Western College District Governing Board is announcing their intent to consider a sole preferred candidate, Dr. Reetika Dhawan, to replace Dr. Daniel Corr as President of Arizona Western College, according to Board Chair Dennis Booth.
While no formal action has yet been taken, the board plans to hold Candidate Forums and a formal interview in the month of November.
“This direction is not taken lightly and comes after much conversation and reflection on how the board can best support the historic growth of the college, and all the progress made across the district,” Mr. Booth said. “We also really care about ensuring stability considering various pressures and rapid change in higher education trends. We are considering Dr. Dhawan’s candidacy with a deep sense of responsibility for the students, the families, our employees, and the communities we are elected to serve.”
College faculty, staff and students are invited along with community members to participate in this conversation at any one of the following four Candidate Town Hall events, which will be open to both internal and external audiences:
• November 5, 1:30 pm, Yuma Campus, Matador Activity Center (MAC 106)
• November 5, 5:30 pm, Yuma Campus, Matador Activity Center (MAC 106)
• November 6, 9:00 am, San Luis Learning Center
• November 6, 3:00 pm, Parker Learning Center
AWC Chief Human Resources Officer Kathy Ocampo will moderate a conversation with Dr. Dhawan at all four town halls, and the audience will have a chance to contribute written questions.
If you cannot attend one of these town halls but have a question for the District Governing Board to consider, please send it to PresidentTransition@azwestern.edu.
“As part of the vetting process, we sincerely hope you will come to one of the forums to listen to Dr. Dhawan’s presentation, to hear her answer questions about the position, and to ask your own questions. We are very inspired and energized by Dr. Dhawan’s teaching roots, and her demonstrated leadership,” said Mrs. Olivia Zepeda, Board Secretary.
In considering Dr. Dhawan as the sole preferred candidate, the Board has reflected on her journey, which began in the classroom in 2001 and has grown through years of teaching, mentoring, and leading with purpose. From her first days as a math and physics instructor to her current role as CEO of the Entrepreneurial College and Vice President of Workforce and Healthcare Programs, Dr. Dhawan has demonstrated an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives. Her leadership is rooted in faculty collaboration, shared governance, and student success. Throughout her career, Dr. Dhawan has combined academic integrity with innovation, expanding AWC’s reach through new programs, partnerships, and transformative grants. At her core, she remains an educator who values the art of teaching and the shared commitment of faculty and staff who make AWC’s mission possible.
“Dr. Dhawan’s experience in the classroom, her leadership in the transfer / academic area, plus her transformation of the college’s Career & Technical Education areas, make her our leading candidate for consideration to steer AWC into the future,” said Mr. Booth.
Any formal action by this board will take place after the November town halls and candidate interview.
The District Governing Board is comprised of the following members:
• Dennis Booth, Board Chair, District #3
• Brad Sale, District #1
• Dr. Kenneth Macfarland, District #2
• Olivia Zepeda, District #4
• Maria Chavoya, District #5
Additional information about the District Governing Board can be accessed on the college website.
Dr. Daniel Corr formally announced his intent to retire at the end of this academic year on Thursday, October 16, at the end of the regularly scheduled District Governing Board meeting.
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Contact:
Olivia Zepeda
Board Secretary
Arizona Western College District Governing Board
olivia.zepeda@azwestern.edu