Chandler-Gilbert Community College President, Arnette Ward, recently announced her retirement after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Maricopa Community Colleges. Ward has worked in the district, first as a counselor, then as a dean, a provost, and currently as president of CGCC. Seventeen years ago, she was charged with building Chandler-Gilbert Community College, a college that was to serve the southeast portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

"My goal is to provide a learning and work environment that, first, inspires positive changes in the lives of students and employees and second establishes a student-centered college that, through its uniqueness, cannot be replicated anywhere in the country," said Ward.

Operating first as an extension of Mesa Community College in 1985, and then from a tiny building in central Chandler with only four classrooms, Ward and her team built what is now the Pecos Campus of CGCC. Over the past 16 years, she has developed a college that is recognized nationwide for innovative programs in service learning, cooperative learning, and learning communities.

Today, CGCC is comprised of three campuses, Pecos, Williams and Sun Lakes, each with unique programs and services. Serving the fastest growing area in Maricopa County, CGCC has a student population of more than 6,700 students.

Ward's many accomplishments include the establishment of a new college through its initial accreditation, the development of educational programs and services resulting in the graduation of 2,500 students, building and administering a college budget from $600,000 to over $19 million, and designing/developing a $31 million dollar bond package for facilities, equipment, and land acquisition.

Chancellor Fred Gaskin recognized Ward for her contributions to CGCC and the Maricopa Community Colleges, "I would like to express my deep appreciation to President Ward for the many years of service she has dedicated to the Maricopa Community Colleges," said Dr. Gaskin. "Under President Ward's leadership, CGCC has established teaching and learning as the centerpiece of all planning and decision making for the college. She has inspired a learner-centered environment that nurtures all faculty, staff and students. Her success is exemplified by the increasing enrollment at CGCC. I believe President Ward's greatest legacy will be the wonderful culture of compassion, respect and caring for students that she has instilled at CGCC."

Ward, the first female black college president in the state of Arizona, has a demonstrated record of long-term involvement in issues related to the achievement of women and minorities. She has served on the Chandler and Gilbert Chambers of Commerce, the Child Crisis Center Board of Directors, the National Council on Black American Affairs, the American Association of Community College Presidents Academy Board, and many other professional and civic organizations.

In addition, Ward is known throughout the state and internationally for her beautiful singing voice. She sings at local schools and churches, at employee meetings, for community events, and other functions-using her voice to inspire and motivate. "In my over 30 years of experience as a higher education professional, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning and sharing with people I have met along the way," says Ward. "I believe it is my responsibility to be of service to people and the community, not only for their sake, but also for my own because it is the source of my own personal fulfillment."

CGCC Celebrates Graduation

The 11th annual CGCC Commencement Ceremony was held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10 at the Chandler Center for the Arts. This evening of celebration honored more than 300 students and their families in recognition of the hard work and dedication students put forth in earning their degrees and certificates.

A reception with music, food, and drinks was held for students, their families, and guests prior to the ceremony in the lobby of the Chandler Center for the Arts. The formal ceremony was led by retiring CGCC President Arnette Ward, with Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Pastor of the First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix providing the keynote address.