Sole Candidate Outlines Vision for Arizona Western College Leadership

Dr. Reetika Dhawan was presented to the community as the sole preferred candidate to lead Arizona Western College after President Daniel Corr announced plans to retire at the end of the academic year. On November 11 she held four public town halls, two in Yuma, one in Parker and one in San Luis, laying out a strategy focused on partnerships, program expansion and workforce development.

Dhawan emphasized building stronger relationships with Parker Unified School District, tribal nations and local employers to create clearer pathways from K through college to local employment. She highlighted a commitment to expanding programming and resources in the northern parts of La Paz County so students there can access more local opportunities without relocating. Continued growth in workforce education and career and technical education also featured prominently in her presentation, along with examples of grant funded initiatives and program expansion she helped lead as a senior administrator at AWC.

Her background includes two bachelor degrees from India, a master of science in physics, a lengthy teaching career that included time at Parker High School, and more than a decade of service at Arizona Western College where she advanced to dean and associate vice president roles. The town halls included slide material that outlined timelines, priority areas and metrics for measuring progress, and the full presentations and question and answer sessions were posted by KAWC for public review.

For La Paz County residents the proposals speak directly to access and economic mobility in areas that have historically faced greater barriers to postsecondary education. Expanding local programs could reduce travel and relocation burdens for students in northern communities while closer employer partnerships could align training with local job openings. Tribal partnerships may open additional avenues for culturally responsive programming and funding.

Board and community review will determine whether Dhawan moves from preferred candidate to college president. In the meantime the town halls offered residents a detailed look at the candidate s priorities and the potential implications for students, schools and employers across La Paz County. Audio and video of the full town halls is available at kawc.org.