AWC welcomes new president with special reception

Dr. Reetika Dhawan shared how she feels about the new chapter in her life, and what will be her main focus in her new role.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona Western College (AWC) welcomed its new president this week with a special reception.

Dr. Reetika Dhawan is the tenth president of AWC, and she is honored and humble to receive the opportunity to serve the Yuma community.

"As an immigrant and being here for 20 years, it means a lot to me when the community is trusting me with this big honor and responsibility," Dr. Dhawan expressed. "I want to make sure that I do right to the community and right by this college."

Dhawan said there are many challenges going forward, but one of her goals is to make high education more affordable for everyone.

"I want a three-plus program. We want to make education accessible for this community and cheaper for this community have a complete bachelor degree at the college at a cheaper rate maybe $200 a credit," Dhawan shared.

This summer, Dhawan will meet with students, employees and community leaders to develop the college's Strategic Plan 2028.