Pima Community College
Encyclopedia
Pima Community College is an American two-year institution of higher education in Pima County, Arizona
serving the Tucson
metropolitan area. The community college district consists of six campuses, four education centers, and several adult education learning centers. It provides traditional and online instruction for over 144 programs. The college also offers workforce training, non-credit personal interest classes and post-baccalaureate certificates. PCC is one of the largest multi-campus community colleges in the United States
, with relative ranking varying between fourth and tenth largest.
PCC received some attention in early 2011, as the former school of 2011 Tucson Shooting
suspect Jared Lee Loughner
.
approved the creation of a junior college
district, and the first classes were held in 1969 at a temporary campus in an airplane hangar at the Tucson airport, Tucson Medical Center, Villa Maria, and Marana. The college was originally named Pima College but the name was changed to Pima Community College in 1972 to better reflect the mission of the College.
There are six campuses across the Tucson metropolitan area:
Additionally, there are four Learning/Education Centers:
people, between Irvington Road and Valencia Road on Calle Santa Cruz, west of Interstate 19. The campus supports the nearby Aviation Technology Center at Tucson International Airport
and supplies workforce training to the business community at the Center for Training and Development.
. It has traditional academic, occupational, technical, and trade programs.
. Its programs include Veterinary Technology and Emergency Medical Technology.
. The campus was opened in 1970. Facilities located at West Campus include the Center for Archaeological Field Training, the Center for the Arts, and the offices of the Aztec Press newspaper and Cababi literary magazine. The campus is home to the college's programs in health-related professions. West Campus is home to SandScript, a student literary magazine.
Adult learning centers for basic education, ESOL
instruction, citizenship classes, and GED preparation are located at the following locations:
The Chancellor of PCC serves as its chief executive officer. Currently, Dr. Roy Flores is the Chancellor of PCC.
Each campus is led by a president, and each administrative area is run by a vice chancellor. A list of all campus presidents, vice chancellors, and board members can be found on PCC's Administration and Board of Governors websites.
. Additionally, many medical programs (such as nursing or veterinary technology) have additional specialized accreditation by the Arizona and United States Departments of Education. PCC’s Aviation Technology Program, through Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.
It also awards certificates in many disciplines (see "Programs of Study").
at Pima Community College. It was created in the 1970s as the Campus News (1973 to 1977), then named the Aztec Campus News (1977–1978) and Aztec News (1978–1981), before changing to the current name. Cynthia Lancaster is the current adviser.
The Aztec Press serves all six campuses of Pima Community College. Current circulation is 5,000 copies, published every other Thursday during regular school semesters.
The Aztec Press is an affiliate of UWIRE , which distributes and promotes its content to their network.
Pima County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*74.3% White*3.5% Black*3.3% Native American*2.6% Asian*0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.7% Two or more races*12.4% Other races*34.6% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
serving the Tucson
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a city in and the county seat of Pima County, Arizona, United States. The city is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The 2010 United States Census puts the city's population at 520,116 with a metropolitan area population at 1,020,200...
metropolitan area. The community college district consists of six campuses, four education centers, and several adult education learning centers. It provides traditional and online instruction for over 144 programs. The college also offers workforce training, non-credit personal interest classes and post-baccalaureate certificates. PCC is one of the largest multi-campus community colleges in the United States
Community colleges in the United States
In the United States, community colleges are primarily two-year public institutions of higher education and were once commonly called junior colleges....
, with relative ranking varying between fourth and tenth largest.
PCC received some attention in early 2011, as the former school of 2011 Tucson Shooting
2011 Tucson shooting
On January 8, 2011, a mass shooting occurred near Tucson, Arizona. Nineteen people were shot, six of them fatally, with one other person injured at the scene during an open meeting that U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was holding with members of her constituency in a Casas Adobes Safeway...
suspect Jared Lee Loughner
Jared Lee Loughner
Jared Lee Loughner is an American man who is charged with the January 8, 2011 Tucson, Arizona shooting that killed six people, including Chief U.S. District Court Judge John Roll. The shooting also left 14 others injured, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords...
.
History
In 1966, the voters in Pima CountyPima County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*74.3% White*3.5% Black*3.3% Native American*2.6% Asian*0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.7% Two or more races*12.4% Other races*34.6% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
approved the creation of a junior college
Junior college
The term junior college refers to different educational institutions in different countries.-India:In India, most states provide schooling through 12th grade...
district, and the first classes were held in 1969 at a temporary campus in an airplane hangar at the Tucson airport, Tucson Medical Center, Villa Maria, and Marana. The college was originally named Pima College but the name was changed to Pima Community College in 1972 to better reflect the mission of the College.
Campuses and learning centers
The original campus for Pima College was located at the site which is now the West Campus. Before the campus opened, classes were taught at a variety of locations around Tucson. From 1971 to the present, the college district has expanded to meet the growing educational needs of the Tucson area. The campuses and learning center provides traditional classroom, distance learning, and hands-on learning opportunities.There are six campuses across the Tucson metropolitan area:
- Community campus
- Desert Vista campus
- Downtown campus
- East campus
- Northwest campus
- West campus
Additionally, there are four Learning/Education Centers:
- Davis Monthan Air Force Base Education Center
- Green Valley Community Learning Center
- Northeast Education Center
- Southeast Education Center
Community campus
The Pima Community College Community campus was opened in 1975 to meet non-traditional educational needs, including distance learning, non-degree activity classes, and adult education. In 1997, the campus moved to its current location at Bonita Avenue and Commerce Park Loop, near St. Mary's Road and Interstate 10. Campus is home to the teacher education program.Desert Vista campus
First established as the South Education Center in 1986, the Desert Vista campus moved to its present location in 1993. The campus is located at Valencia Viejo, a site once occupied by the HohokamHohokam
Hohokam is one of the four major prehistoric archaeological Oasisamerica traditions of what is now the American Southwest. Many local residents put the accent on the first syllable . Variant spellings in current, official usage include Hobokam, Huhugam and Huhukam...
people, between Irvington Road and Valencia Road on Calle Santa Cruz, west of Interstate 19. The campus supports the nearby Aviation Technology Center at Tucson International Airport
Tucson International Airport
Tucson International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located six miles south of the central business district of Tucson, in Pima County, Arizona, United States, and is the second largest and busiest airport in Arizona, after Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.- Overview...
and supplies workforce training to the business community at the Center for Training and Development.
Downtown campus
Opened in 1974, Downtown Campus is situated between Speedway Blvd. and Drachman Street on Stone Avenue, close to downtown Tucson and east of Interstate 10Interstate 10
Interstate 10 is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90, I-80, and I-40. It is the southernmost east–west, coast-to-coast Interstate Highway, although I-4 and I-8 are further south. It stretches from the Pacific Ocean at State Route 1 in Santa Monica,...
. It has traditional academic, occupational, technical, and trade programs.
East campus
In 1976, the college established the East Learning Center, which became East campus in 1981 with the construction of a new facility located on 58 acres (234,717.9 m²) of land at Irvington Road and Fred Enke Drive, near Davis-Monthan Air Force BaseDavis-Monthan Air Force Base
Davis–Monthan Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located within the city limits, and approximately south-southeast of downtown, Tucson, Arizona....
. Its programs include Veterinary Technology and Emergency Medical Technology.
Northwest campus
In 2003, the Northwest Community Learning Center (established in 1998) became the Northwest campus, the newest PCC campus. The 50 acres (202,343 m²) campus is located on Shannon Road, between Ina and Magee roads in north Tucson. The campus is home to the hotel/restaurant management and therapeutic massage programs.West campus
The oldest Pima Community College campus, West campus is located on 267 acres (1.1 km²) of land between Anklam Road and Speedway Blvd., west of Interstate 10Interstate 10
Interstate 10 is the fourth-longest Interstate Highway in the United States, after I-90, I-80, and I-40. It is the southernmost east–west, coast-to-coast Interstate Highway, although I-4 and I-8 are further south. It stretches from the Pacific Ocean at State Route 1 in Santa Monica,...
. The campus was opened in 1970. Facilities located at West Campus include the Center for Archaeological Field Training, the Center for the Arts, and the offices of the Aztec Press newspaper and Cababi literary magazine. The campus is home to the college's programs in health-related professions. West Campus is home to SandScript, a student literary magazine.
Learning centers
The learning centers provide administrative functions and teach classes. These centers are:- Northeast Education Center, located at the Catalina Village shopping center at the corner of Pantano and Wrightstown roads.
- Southeast Education Center, serving the Vail region of Pima County from Cienega High School, on Mary Ann Cleveland Way.
- Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Education Center, meeting the needs of active duty military at Davis-Monthan Air Force BaseDavis-Monthan Air Force BaseDavis–Monthan Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located within the city limits, and approximately south-southeast of downtown, Tucson, Arizona....
and members of the general public. - Green Valley Community Learning Center, south of Tucson along Interstate 19Interstate 19Interstate 19 is an intrastate Interstate Highway located entirely within the state of Arizona. I-19 runs from Nogales, roughly 1,500 feet from the Mexican border, to Tucson, at Interstate 10...
, serving the Green ValleyGreen Valley, ArizonaGreen Valley is a census-designated place in Pima County, Arizona, United States. The population was 17,283 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Green Valley is located at ....
community.
Adult learning centers for basic education, ESOL
English language learning and teaching
English as a second language , English for speakers of other languages and English as a foreign language all refer to the use or study of English by speakers with different native languages. The precise usage, including the different use of the terms ESL and ESOL in different countries, is...
instruction, citizenship classes, and GED preparation are located at the following locations:
- Eastside Learning Center on south Alvernon Way.
- El Pueblo Liberty Learning Center on Irvington Road, east of Interstate 19Interstate 19Interstate 19 is an intrastate Interstate Highway located entirely within the state of Arizona. I-19 runs from Nogales, roughly 1,500 feet from the Mexican border, to Tucson, at Interstate 10...
. - El Rio Learning Center on west Speedway Blvd.
- Lindsey Center on south Third Ave.
Organization and governance
PCC is governed by a five-member Board of Governors, whose members serve six-year elected terms. Board members are elected based on County electoral district.The Chancellor of PCC serves as its chief executive officer. Currently, Dr. Roy Flores is the Chancellor of PCC.
Each campus is led by a president, and each administrative area is run by a vice chancellor. A list of all campus presidents, vice chancellors, and board members can be found on PCC's Administration and Board of Governors websites.
Accreditation
PCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and SchoolsNorth Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...
. Additionally, many medical programs (such as nursing or veterinary technology) have additional specialized accreditation by the Arizona and United States Departments of Education. PCC’s Aviation Technology Program, through Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Programs of study
PCC offers programs: in many disciplines- Arts, Humanities & Communication
- Business Careers
- Computer Information Technology
- Education Careers
- Health-Related Professions
- Public Safety Careers
- Science & Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Trade Professions
- General Studies
- Transfer Programs
Degrees and certificates
PCC awards the following degrees:- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Business (AB)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
- Associate of General Studies (AGS)
It also awards certificates in many disciplines (see "Programs of Study").
AGEC
In 1999, Arizona approved the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) for students transferring from an Arizona community college to one of the three state universities. A 35-credit block of general education courses, the AGEC transfers to the state universities (and some other baccalaureate degree granting institutions) to meet their lower division general education requirements. PCC awards the AGEC-A, AGEC-B, and AGEC-S certificates.Student publications
- Aztec Press, the student-run biweekly newspaper
- SandScript, a literary magazine. This publication has won the Best Overall Publication, Southwest Division, from the Community College Humanities Association, most recently in 2006.
Aztec Press
The Aztec Press is the student newspaperStudent newspaper
A student newspaper is a newspaper run by students of a university, high school, middle school, or other school. These papers traditionally cover local and, primarily, school or university news....
at Pima Community College. It was created in the 1970s as the Campus News (1973 to 1977), then named the Aztec Campus News (1977–1978) and Aztec News (1978–1981), before changing to the current name. Cynthia Lancaster is the current adviser.
The Aztec Press serves all six campuses of Pima Community College. Current circulation is 5,000 copies, published every other Thursday during regular school semesters.
The Aztec Press is an affiliate of UWIRE , which distributes and promotes its content to their network.
Other programs
- Army ROTC
- Performing arts (theater, music, and art)
- Student government
- Honors program
- Phi Theta KappaPhi Theta KappaPhi Theta Kappa, also ΦΘΚ or sometimes PTK , is the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, particularly community colleges and junior colleges. It also includes Associate's degree-granting programs offered by four-year colleges...
honors society
Community programs
PCC offers many community-related programs to support the needs of the Tucson metropolitan area. It provides GED and adult literacy classes, art and theater, senior facilities, and summer camps. PCC also has an extensive small-business development center.Noted alumni
- Abdi Abdirahman
- Ryan Erek Amstutz, actor
- D. J. CarrascoD. J. CarrascoDaniel J. "D. J." Carrasco is a Major League Baseball pitcher currently with the New York Mets.-Career:...
, professional baseball pitcher - Erubiel DurazoErubiel DurazoErubiel Durazo Cárdenas is a Mexican baseball player. Durazo played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball.-Major league career:...
, professional baseball player - Efrain EscuderoEfrain EscuderoEfrain Escudero is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist. He trains under Drew Fickett and competes in the 155 lb weight class...
, reality TV star, UFC fighter, and the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 - Warren FaidleyWarren FaidleyWarren Faidley is an author, lecturer, journalist, photographer, cinematographer, corporate spokesperson, extreme weather adventurer and storm safety/survival consultant. Faidley was the first storm chaser to create a full-time, professional occupation solely from pursuing severe weather...
, storm chaser - Drew FickettDrew FickettDrew Fickett is an American mixed martial artist. He competes in the Lightweight division. He holds notable victories over Josh Koscheck, Dennis Hallman, Kenny Florian, Kurt Pellegrino, Josh Neer, Matt Veach, and Dennis Bermudez....
, UFC fighter - Jesse ForbesJesse ForbesJesse Forbes is an American mixed martial artist who was a contestant on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality television show, training under Ken Shamrock in the 205 lb weight class.-Career:...
, reality TV star and UFC fighter - Marla Kyo, actress, credits include Hawaii Five-O and Ashes to Ashes
- Horacio LlamasHoracio LlamasHoracio Llamas Grey , known in non-Spanish-speaking countries as Horacio Llamas, is a Mexican professional basketball player. He is a 7'0" and 250 lb center....
, professional basketball player - Danny MartinezDanny MartinezDanny Martinez is an American mixed martial artist. He has competed in the TKO, XFC and Rage in the Cage promotions. In the latter, he is the current bantamweight champion...
, MMA fighter, and WEC competitor - Ned Norris, Jr., Chairman of the Tohono O'odhamTohono O'odhamThe Tohono O'odham are a group of Native American people who reside primarily in the Sonoran Desert of the southeastern Arizona and northwest Mexico...
nation since 2007. - Jared Lee LoughnerJared Lee LoughnerJared Lee Loughner is an American man who is charged with the January 8, 2011 Tucson, Arizona shooting that killed six people, including Chief U.S. District Court Judge John Roll. The shooting also left 14 others injured, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords...
, primary suspect in the 2011 Tucson shooting2011 Tucson shootingOn January 8, 2011, a mass shooting occurred near Tucson, Arizona. Nineteen people were shot, six of them fatally, with one other person injured at the scene during an open meeting that U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was holding with members of her constituency in a Casas Adobes Safeway... - George RoopGeorge RoopGeorge H. Roop is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter. He was a cast member of SpikeTV's The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir, winning his preliminary and first round fights...
, reality TV star, and UFC fighter - Nancy Turner, author
- Gilbert De La Vara, minor league baseball pitcher
- Jamie VarnerJamie VarnerJames Christopher Varner is a mixed martial artist who fought for World Extreme Cagefighting. He is a former WEC Lightweight champion.-Ultimate Fighting Championship:...
, UFC fighter, and WEC Champion
External links
- Official website
- PCC Library
- Aztec Press, college newspaper