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, associate, and bachelor’s degrees that prepare you to enter the workforce with in-demand 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 (6-30-28)
Business Community...............................Dawna Lynn Lizarraga (6-30-28)
District 2.........................................................Vacant
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 (6-30-27)
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 is an approved institutional participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Through SARA membership, Eastern Arizona College is authorized to offer online and distance education courses to students residing in other SARA member states and territories. As a participating institution, the College complies with the established standards and consistent regulatory framework for postsecondary distance education set forth by SARA and its member states.

HISTORY

Chartered in 1888 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eastern Arizona College is Arizona’s first community college.

Early Gila Valley pioneers placed a high value on education, and soon after settling, established St. Joseph Stake Academy. The academy officially opened Dec. 8, 1890, in Central with 17 students. The following year, it relocated to Thatcher because most students lived there and travel proved burdensome. Once in Thatcher, the school expanded from a one-room adobe building to a larger brick structure, where it remained for 16 years.

Despite early success, financial hardship and a regional health epidemic in the mid-1890s led to a temporary closure in 1896. The academy reopened four years later and resumed its educational mission. In 1898, the school expanded its facilities and strengthened its curriculum, emphasizing practical instruction in telegraphy, engineering, and business subjects, attracting students from across the Arizona Territory.

Continued enrollment growth led to the purchase of property in Thatcher in 1903 for the construction of a new academy building. The cornerstone was laid in 1908, and the structure, later known as Old Main, became a lasting symbol of the College’s permanence and growth.

During the 1920s, enrollment increased as new academic programs and athletic teams were established. In 1926, the football team defeated the University of Arizona in only its second year of competition. The men’s basketball team won three consecutive state titles and, in 1927, completed a perfect 33-0 season, earning a berth in the national AAU Junior College tournament.

In late 1932, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to close the College unless residents of the Gila Valley agreed to assume financial responsibility. The Graham County Board of Supervisors called for a public election in March 1933, and voters chose to preserve the institution by a vote of 1,564 to 366. On March 25, 1933, the College became a public county institution under the Arizona State School Code and was renamed Gila Junior College of Graham County. In 1938, high school-level courses were eliminated, further defining its role as a junior college. The institution was renamed Eastern Arizona Junior College in 1950.

In 1962, voters approved entry into Arizona’s Junior College System by a vote of 4,233 to 29. On July 1, 1962, Eastern Arizona Junior College became the first official member of the state’s junior college system. In 1966, the institution dropped “Junior” from its name and became Eastern Arizona College.

In 2024, voters again demonstrated strong support for the College by approving Proposition 402 by a vote of 11,368 to 3,010, lifting previous expenditure limitations and providing the College with greater flexibility to serve future generations.

In 2024, the College also launched its first bachelor’s degree programs, developed in response to regional demand for affordable, locally accessible four-year degrees. The programs expanded the College’s academic offerings and strengthened its commitment to providing high-quality, workforce-aligned education within the communities it serves.

Today, Eastern Arizona College prepares students for high-demand careers and advanced study at universities. EAC offers more than 90 certificates and degrees, including the No. 1 nursing program in Arizona, a fine arts program featuring the only community college marching band in the state, and an engineering program that prepares students for success at leading universities. The College also offers bachelor’s degrees at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities, supported by accessible faculty dedicated to student achievement.

Eastern Arizona College provides a comprehensive student experience, including on-campus housing, more than 30 clubs and organizations, intramural programs, and nationally ranked athletic and esports teams. Students receive a quality education while building lasting connections and pursuing their academic and personal goals.

In addition to its Thatcher campus, the College operates EAC Discovery Park in Safford, a multi-purpose educational and research facility that provides hands-on learning opportunities for students and the public. In 2026, Eastern Arizona College expanded its presence with the opening of a new facility in Pima, marking its first official location in the town. The site offers hands-on programs in welding, woodworking, upholstery, and lapidary arts, with additional programs developed as community and workforce needs evolve.

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
Jim Carrasco, Director
Joel Biggs, Director