Our History
Gila Community College has been dedicated to providing accessible, quality education to the local community since its founding in 1970. Learn more about our history below.
History of Gila Community College
In August 2022 the GCPCCD Governing Board hired Interim President, Dr. Janice Lawhorn, under the direction of Dr. Jan Brocker, President GCPCCD Board, with support from the Gila County Board of Supervisors. The goal was to transition the College from its provisional status to an independent College and to seek its own accreditation. In May 2023 the GCPCCD Board provided notice to EAC that it would not renew its nearly 20-year educational agreement. After some negotiation, EAC and GCPCCD mutually agreed to terminate the contract on June 30, 2025.
The GCPCCD Board, its consultants, and numerous volunteers worked diligently and steadfastly to secure its independence and in February 2024, began working with the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The College’s Eligibility Review Application was submitted in April 2024, the Institutional Self-Evaluation Report in August 2024, and a successful site visit was conducted by an ACCJC Peer Review Team in October 2024. Additionally, the GCPCCD Board voted in June 2024 to establish Gila County Community College District meeting all requirements of Arizona Revised Statute 15-1402-01, Alternative Organization for Community College Districts.
Gila Community College was officially granted Candidacy Status by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) in a formal action letter dated January 21, 2025. Approved locations for instruction include the Gila Pueblo Campus in Globe, Payson Campus, Globe-Miami Regional Training Center, and the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry facility in Globe. The Hayden Wellness Center is listed as an additional site.
On July 1, 2025, Gila Community College opened its doors to the residents of Gila County as Arizona’s newest community college.
The Story of the Gila Pueblo Campus
On March 4, 2003, Articles of Incorporation were filed to create the Gila County Provisional Community College District (GCPCCD) in the state of Arizona. By becoming a provisional district, the College was able to offer courses that could be applied toward degree and certificate programs. However, GCPCCD was required to contract with an existing community college to accredit those courses and award the College’s degrees and certificates. In 2005, GCPCCD signed an Intergovernmental Agreement with Eastern Arizona College to provide both academic and operational services.
While provisional status was not granted until 2003, residents of Gila County had already been taking classes on the Gila Pueblo Campus in Globe for several decades. Here’s more from a longtime employee about those early years…
Doyle Coffey, Gila County College Advisory Committee
In 1982, after retiring from teaching math and science in Casa Grande, Doyle and Margaret Coffey moved to Payson at the northern end of Gila County. Doyle contributed greatly to the community, persuading voters to support school bonds and provide funding for post-secondary education in Gila County. He eventually served on the Gila County College Advisory Committee and was known as an unstoppable force until he passed away in 2012, just short of his 91st birthday. For more of Doyle’s story, let’s look to someone who remembers Doyle well…
Don Allen, Gila Pueblo Campus Dean
In 1974, when the Gila Pueblo Campus was still a satellite location for Eastern Arizona College, Don and Jane Allen moved to Globe to begin a new life with their family. Don eventually became Executive Dean for the Gila Pueblo Campus, serving the College for nearly 25 years. Let’s listen to Jane tell the story about the journey she shared with her husband…
Dr. Jan Brocker, GCC Governing Board President
In 2023, GCPCCD and EAC agreed to terminate their contractual arrangement of nearly 20 years, setting an end date of June 30, 2025. This left the Governing Board with just two years to transition the College from provisional to independent status – a goal that had never been accomplished before.
While the Arizona Legislature provided a list of the requirements necessary to achieve independent status, a blueprint outlining how to meet those requirements did not exist. Governing Board President Jan Brocker knew they would have to blaze this new pathway on their own, and trust that others would offer enlightenment and assistance along the way. And that’s exactly what happened…
Dr. Janice Lawhorn, GCC President
With the creation of this remarkable new era for Gila Community College, many determined individuals certainly deserve a great deal of gratitude and recognition. But none of it would have happened without Janice Lawhorn’s dedication and devotion to the residents of Gila County. President Lawhorn, bring us back to the future…
The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades
At Gila Community College, we offer the opportunity to not only learn but to be transformed. Grounded in the inspiring legacy our communities have inherited, we can build on the shared visions from the past and create an extraordinary future for our youth, our families, and our elders. Together, we are Gila Community College.
