News

Desert Southwest Transfer Conference connects students to university pathways

February 23, 2026

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Week-long event slated to be held at AWC Yuma Campus for students, alumni

Yuma, Ariz. (February 23, 2026) – Mark your calendars for the 6th-Annual Desert Southwest Transfer Conference, which will take place on March 2-5 in collaboration with AWC’s university partners. The week-long event will feature a series of transfer-focused activities to support and prepare students and alumni for a successful transition to the university of their choice.

“The Desert Southwest Transfer Conference will provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their higher education journey. Don’t miss this opportunity for valuable insights and connections,” said Martha Cordova, AWC Director of Transfer Services.

Monday will kickstart the week with multiple events, including the Yuma Transfer and Career Expo—where attendees can discover higher education options, job openings, and internships. Throughout the week, students can attend information sessions and workshops hosted by Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. These university-specific events will provide freshman or transfer students with a gateway to explore program options and initiate their admissions process for Fall 2026/Spring 2027. Students are encouraged to register for admissions workshops to establish connections with university representatives and receive personalized support for their inquiries and transfer process steps.

Guest speaker Nicki Joiner will present the conference session, “Helping Students Navigate Their Future Careers,” on Wednesday, March 4, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the 3C South Schoening Conference Center. This engaging session is designed to help students explore career options and build confidence in their future career paths. Attendees will gain valuable insight, practical guidance, and real-world strategies to support planning for and achieving their professional goals.

Events will be held at the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E. A campus map can be found here.

Below is the complete Desert Southwest Transfer Conference event schedule:

Monday, March 2
•    Yuma Transfer and Career Expo, 3C Breezeway, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m..

Tuesday, March 3
•    Arizona State University Day, 3C Hall of Fame/3C Transfer Center, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4
•    University of Arizona Future Wildcat Day, 3C Transfer Center, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
•    Helping Students Navigate Their Future Careers Conference Session, 3C South Schoening Conference Center, 2 – 3 p.m.

Thursday, March 5
•    Northern Arizona University Transfer Day, 3C Transfer Center, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Find the conference schedule of events, details, and registration links online at azwestern.edu/transferconference.

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About Nicki Joiner:
Nicki is a dynamic career speaker who helps students confidently navigate their professional paths. With a background in corporate recruiting and a Master’s in Student Affairs, she delivers practical guidance on résumés, job searching, networking, and LinkedIn. Having spoken at NASA, Girls Inc., and over sixty colleges and universities, Nicki is known for her relatable, hands-on style that turns career goals into action. An award-winning entrepreneur with dual degrees and additional certifications, Nicki is widely described as bold, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Outside of speaking, she enjoys dancing, volunteering, and staying connected to the community that continues to shape her work.

Contact:
Angela Amezaga
Transfer Services and Program Coordinator
Arizona Western College
angela.amezaga@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7630