MISSION AND INTRODUCTION

VISION

Inspire and empower students for lifetime success through a sense of community and world-class education.

MISSION

Eastern Arizona College is a student-centered institution that prepares individuals to thrive in a complex, ever-changing world through accessibility, cultural development, and innovative educational programs.

PURPOSES

The College shall:

• Provide university transfer degree programs and courses.

• Offer associate degree and certificate programs that meet workforce needs of the local and global communities.

• Maintain quality support services to assist students in identifying and achieving personal, educational, and career goals.

• Support the educational, cultural, and economic needs of the community.

• Offer activities and programs that promote general student welfare while fostering an environment in which students can develop leadership, citizenship, and character.

• Provide innovative activities and programs that foster life-long learning.

• Facilitate opportunities beyond traditional two-year programs through collaborative partnerships.

VALUES

COMMITMENT

Eastern Arizona College commits to fostering a welcoming, fair and respectful environment in which all are given the opportunity to meet their educational goals. The focus of this commitment is built on the foundation of a community that appreciates, welcomes, and is ready to harness the unique talents and expertise of our widely diverse and dynamic community. EAC recognizes that an important aspect of higher education is exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and beliefs and wishes to foster this through curricular and co-curricular activities.

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

Welcome to Eastern Arizona College, the oldest and most beautiful community college in Arizona. Nestled in the Gila Valley and surrounded by mountain ranges, EAC is steeped in tradition and ready to provide a great start to your future. We offer certificates and associate degrees that will prepare you to enter the job market with marketable skills or transfer to the university of your choice.

Eastern Arizona College has developed a long tradition of academic excellence and student success. We are fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and our qualified and caring faculty and staff are excited to help you achieve your goals. We believe there is something for everyone at EAC, and your success is our goal.

I invite you to visit our campus, talk with our faculty, and prepare yourselves for a collegiate experience that will surpass your expectations. On behalf of Eastern Arizona College, I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Todd Haynie
President

Eastern Arizona College Founded 1888
District Governing Board
Jeff B. Larson, Chair
Brad Montierth, Secretary
Lois Ann Moody, Member
Tina C. McMaster, Member
Vince Kieffer, Member

College President
Todd Haynie

Greenlee County Advisory Committee Membership:
District 3 (Chair)............................................. Donald Merrell (6-30-25)
Business Community...............................Kimberly Henderson (6-30-25)
District 2.........................................................Christin Harper (6-30-25)
Health Services Representative....................Theresa Andazola Salazar (6-30-27)
Administrative Representative, Morenci Schools...... Joe Garcia (6-30-27)
Administrative Representative, Duncan Schools.. Eldon Merrell (6-30-26)
Freeport McMoRan............................................ Martha Lujan (6-30-26)
Town of Duncan.................................................. Terry Hinton (6-30-25)
Duncan Valley Electric................................... Kassi Mortensen (6-30-26)
Town of Clifton...................................................Laura Dorrell (6-30-26)
Greenlee County Board of Supervisors................David Gomez (Ex Officio)

ACCREDITATION

Eastern Arizona College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
Phone: (800) 621-7440 or (312) 263-0456
Fax: (312) 263-7462
Email: info@hlcommission.org
Web: https://www.hlcommission.org/

The College is a member of the Arizona Community College System.

The names of associates, agencies, or governmental bodies which accredit, approve, or license Eastern Arizona College can be viewed at https://eac.edu/about/accreditation.php. Additional information on EAC’s accreditation standing and procedures can be obtained by contacting Aaron Westerfield at (928)428-8339 or aaron.westerfield@eac.edu.

STATE AUTHORIZATION

Eastern Arizona College, as a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), can provide online courses to students who live in other states. EAC must adhere to a consistent framework for post secondary distance education that SARA sets across all participating states, districts, and territories.

HISTORY

Eastern Arizona College - the first community college in Arizona - has helped students achieve their dreams since 1888.

Originally known as St. Joseph Stake Academy, the institution served the youth of the Gila Valley from 1890 to 1933, introducing junior college courses in the early 1920s.

On March 25, 1933, St. Joseph Stake Academy underwent a transition to become a public county institution, operating under the Arizona State School Code. It was subsequently renamed Gila Junior College. On July 1, 1950, the institution’s name was changed to Eastern Arizona Junior College.

A significant milestone occurred in 1962 when the college became the inaugural official state junior college within the Arizona State System of Community and Junior Colleges. By 1966, the designation “Junior” was dropped from the institution’s name.

Today, Eastern Arizona College prepares students for the most indemand careers and advanced study at universities. EAC offers more than 90 certificates and degrees, including the #1 nursing school in Arizona, a fine arts program featuring the only community college marching band in Arizona, and an engineering program that brings students up to speed for success. Notably, EAC also provides two bachelor’s degree programs— a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Music Education, both offered at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional universities, with dedicated and accessible faculty guiding students toward success.

EAC provides a comprehensive student experience, including on-campus housing, a diverse array of over 30 clubs and organizations, engaging intramurals, and nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams. Students at EAC not only benefit from a quality education but also forge enduring friendships, thriving as they pursue their educational and personal goals.

EAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The Eastern Arizona College Alumni Association was organized by President Emil Maeser, fourth President (1898-1903) of the Latter-day Saint Academy during the spring term in 1900.

The EAC Alumni Association played a significant role in the history of Eastern Arizona College. Beginning with Old Main, down through the completion of the Memorial Bell Tower, EAC’s alumni have contributed to the growth and development of the College.

Today, the Alumni Association boasts a membership of over 35,000 individuals. The Alumni Association has a Board of Directors and three standing committees to assist in fulfilling its purposes. The Alumni Association provides scholarships, reunions, and other alumni events to support current students and alumni.

Together, we are building a bright and vibrant future for all who come and experience Eastern Arizona College.
EAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

Cindy Olvey, President
Larry Rapier, Treasurer
Becky Johnson, Secretary
Lois Ann Moody, Director
Jody Peck, Director
Molly Steffens, Director
Stephanie Hoopes, Director
Deborah Larned, Director
Ginger O’Gaffney, Director
Todd Haynie, Director (President, EAC)
Tyson Richins, Director (President, EAC Foundation)

EAC FOUNDATION

The Eastern Arizona College Foundation is a non-profit corporation that is fiscally and organizationally separate from the College. The Foundation is empowered to receive gifts, bequests and endowments, which are tax deductible to the donor.

Through the EAC Foundation, a variety of ways have been developed for individuals and businesses to support Eastern Arizona College.

These gifts come to the Foundation in the form of cash, marketable securities, real property, bequests, and gifts-in-kind. Special gift provisions can also be made through a will, by gifts of insurance policies, or the establishment of an endowment or a trust.

Gifts to the Foundation may be given for a specific purpose or given without restriction. Donations can also be arranged to obtain the maximum tax benefit to the donor while at the same time providing support for the mission of the College. The Foundation staff, with the assistance of your attorney or accountant, can provide additional information on the donor plan that is best for you.

For over 125 years, support for Eastern Arizona College and its educational mission has come in many forms. It is the continued generosity and commitment of alumni, businesses, and friends of the College that has been instrumental in helping Eastern produce students ready for success and achievement in the world of tomorrow. If you would like more information, please contact the executive director of the EAC Foundation at (928) 428-8295 or 1-800-678-3808.

EAC FOUNDATION BOARD

Tyson Richins, President
David Konopnicki, Vice-President
Michael Andazola, Secretary
Susan Turley, Treasurer
Cindy Olvey, Director (President, EAC Alumni Association)
Todd Haynie, Director (President, EAC)
George Lord, Director
Verlene Anderson, Director
Joel Biggs, Director