Arizona Western selects Dr. Reetika Dhawan as its next president

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Western College has announced the appointment of Dr. Reetika Dhawan as its next president, marking a historic moment for the institution. Dhawan will become the 10th president in the college’s history and the first woman to hold the position. She is set to officially assume the role following the retirement of current President Dr. Daniel Corr next July.

Dhawan has been part of the Arizona Western College community since 2008 and currently serves as the chief executive officer of the college’s Entrepreneurial College, as well as vice president of workforce development. Her experience spans faculty and administrative roles, which she says has shaped her leadership approach.

"Every single role I learned so much," she said. "Being faculty, you work very close with the students, you understand better coaching, you understand faculty needs, so you understand how to support faculty. Being an administrator, you understand how to support students, and faculty, and staff - everybody - and community."

Looking ahead, Dhawan envisions continued expansion and development for Arizona Western College. Her goals include strengthening partnerships with Arizona’s three state universities - Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University - exploring the creation of a bachelor’s degree program, and expanding workforce training opportunities to meet the needs of a growing region. She also has a desire to draw students from outside the Yuma area and beyond state lines.

"It's gonna become bigger and bigger... We wanna have more students even outside the state, and even outside the state, and even outside the Yuma region come to Yuma and stay in Yuma. We wanna grow our own."

With her appointment, Arizona Western College signals a continued commitment to innovation, workforce development, and regional growth as it prepares for a new era under Dhawan’s leadership.