At Arizona Western College, our mission is to transform lives through education and partnerships to create thriving communities. Each year, hundreds of AWC graduates step out into our communities with degrees or certificates in hand, continuing this mission, and fulfilling our promise to help our communities thrive.
Whether they are future educators, nurses, or automotive technicians, our students share the common thread of choosing Arizona Western College to begin their new pathway of learning. Wanting to explore how AWC and higher education can be transformative for individuals and community, we asked students and alumni how they saw their own experiences reflected in our mission. These are their stories.
Create a brighter future for yourself and your community. Take the first step and apply at azwestern.edu/apply.
Jarrod Norris
Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, Arizona Western College
Bachelor of Science in Education & Elementary and Special Education, Northern Arizona University
Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
Jarrod Norris is a proud father, lifelong learner, and advocate for public education.
Jarrod has always had a strong work ethic, working as an electrician at the start of his career. It wasn’t until the birth of his eldest son and the new experience parenting a child with special needs that his higher education goals were realized at age 27.
He set a 5-year deadline to complete his curriculum in time to be his son’s first teacher. He exceeded that goal, later earning Teacher of the Year, becoming a community advocate for education, and now holds two leadership roles within the local elementary school district.