Photo courtesy of Paradise Valley Community College
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) announced the appointment of Dr. Jana Schwartz as the new president of Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC). Schwartz, who has been serving as the interim president for the past 10 months, brings over two decades of higher education experience to her new role. She officially assumes the presidency this month.
Schwartz’s tenure at PVCC began as the vice president of student affairs, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing student experiences and academic success. Her leadership during her interim presidency has been marked by significant progress in student engagement and institutional development.
Before her time at PVCC, Schwartz held several key positions at Front Range Community College in Colorado. She served as the dean of pathways and student success and the dean of student affairs, where she was instrumental in implementing programs designed to improve student retention and success. Her extensive background in student affairs and academic leadership positions her well to lead PVCC into a new era of growth and innovation.
Schwartz’s academic credentials are impressive. She earned a doctorate of philosophy in higher education and student affairs leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. She also holds a master of arts in student development in postsecondary education from the University of Iowa and a bachelor of arts in psychology from Central College in Iowa.
In addition to Schwartz’s appointment, MCCCD also announced new presidents at three other Valley community colleges. CJ Wurster, Ed.D., has been named interim president of Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC). Wurster, previously the vice president of academic affairs at Phoenix College, brings experience in academic administration and curriculum development. Richard Daniel, Ph.D., has been appointed president of Mesa Community College (MCC). Daniel, who has served as the president of South Mountain Community College, brings 30 years of experience in Arizona’s higher education community. Lastly, Veronica Hipolito, M.A., has been named president of South Mountain Community College (SMCC). Hipolito, formerly the vice president of student affairs at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, has a strong background in community counseling and higher education leadership.
MCCCD Chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, expressed his confidence in the new appointments, saying, “Our system is home to a great deal of talent. The selection of these four leaders will allow us to fill critical vacancies so that our colleges can continue the positive momentum we have experienced over the past academic year and maintain our focus on providing students with access to affordable, high-quality postsecondary education.”
