PCC Backs Long-Term Plan for State's Community Colleges

July 15, 2011

Tucson, AZ – The Pima Community College (PCC) Board of Governors has approved a resolution that supports a long-term strategic plan for Arizona’s 10 community college districts.

Working through the Arizona Community College Presidents’ Council, the state’s community colleges have created a framework for strengthening Arizona’s economy by increasing the number of Arizonans who achieve their post-secondary education and training goals, complete a degree or certificate, and-or transfer to a university.

The colleges intend to reach their goal by making significant improvement in three areas:

• Access to postsecondary education and training
• Student retention
• Degree and certificate completion and student transfer

All measures are tied closely to the Voluntary Framework of Accountability (VFA) established by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). PCC Chancellor Dr. Roy Flores is a member of the VFA Steering Committee, and PCC is one of the schools taking part in the VFA’s pilot program.

Also, the Board approved the selection of Gabriel Van Guse to be head men’s basketball coach.

The men’s head basketball coaching position is part time.

For the last two years, Mr. Van Guse has been assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at Yavapai College in Prescott. Previously, Mr. Van Guse was head coach of the Prescott High School boys’ basketball team for two years and, for two years before that, was head boys’ basketball coach at Joseph City (Ariz.) High School, leading the team to the state tournament.

Mr. Van Guse has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Washington in Tacoma, Wash., and has attended Tacoma Community College.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Governors will be Wednesday, August 10 at 7 p.m. at the Community/Board Room at PCC District Offices, 4905C E. Broadway Blvd.

CONTACT:
Paul Schwalbach, Marketing and Public Relations Manager,
206-4850