MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College would like to congratulate Bullhead Campus students Jollene Ramirez and Karla Carrera for being selected to represent the College as 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team members.
All-Arizona Academic Team members in the transfer category receive a full-tuition scholarship to any public university in Arizona after they graduate from MCC. The scholarship covers resident tuition for 10 consecutive undergraduate semesters or 60 credits for the fall and spring semesters.
Jollene Ramirez
Ramirez is pursuing her associate’s degree in administration of justice. After MCC, she plans on transferring to Arizona State University to work towards earning her bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice.
When she received the exciting news, she couldn’t believe she was awarded the scholarship and was even doubtful when applying.
“When I received the scholarship, I told everyone I was so proud of myself and it just reminded me to keep working harder,” she said. “I’m being recognized and my hard work is starting to pay off.”
Ramirez decided to attend MCC because she wanted to further her education but didnít know where to start. Since then she has been able to find resources, instructors and advisors that guide her success.
Her ultimate career goal is to become a criminal lawyer because she would want to defend individuals and understand the reasons behind their actions. After a few cases under her belt, she would hope to develop methods to prevent or reduce similar crimes in the future.
While attending school, Ramirez stays busy with working two jobs but that doesn’t distract her from her goals. Staying busy helps her stay determined and focused on her goals, and pushes herself to be the best.
Ramirez is a first-generation student which means she’s the first in her family to attend a college or university. When she’s not busy with work or school, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She graduated from Mohave High School and has lived in Bullhead City since 2017.
Karla Carrera
Carrera is pursuing her associate’s degree in dental hygiene. After earning her associate’s, she plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University. When she got notified about receiving the scholarship she was able to see her educational goals come true.
“I was excited and couldn’t believe that I had received this scholarship. When I started my educational journey I didn’t imagine all these amazing things could happen to me,” Carrera said. “Thanks to this scholarship, I can plan out more goals for my education and career, and I’m so thankful to be given this opportunity.”
She decided to attend MCC because of the flexibility of the class schedules when taking her pre-requisites, and it was the closest institution that offered dental hygiene. The program has challenged Carrera but she has experienced faculty to help guide her.
“The faculty has been so helpful throughout the program and they remind us all the time that we are where we need to be right now in our education,” she said. “They know that we can be very hard on ourselves at times and it is reassuring they understand that we are students and learning a lot of things for the first time.”
Her ultimate career goal is to obtain her license to practice dental hygiene and start working in the field. Carrera knew she wanted to work in the dental field after working eight years in a dental office as a receptionist. The more she got to know patients, the more she wanted to help them.
As a student, she is the treasurer for the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) where she enjoys spending time with other students who share the same interests as her and are working toward a common goal.
Carrera is a first-generation student which means she’s the first in her family to attend a college or university. She is a mom of three and enjoys spending her time with family. She was born and raised in Lake Havasu City.
A total of five students from MCC were honored as All-Arizona Academic Team members: Karla Carrera (Bullhead), Jollene Ramirez (Bullhead), Centa Davis (Lake Havasu), Milaya Jackson (Kingman) and Morgan Knudson (Colorado City). Students will be celebrated with all other honorees from other Arizona community colleges Feb. 19 in Gilbert, AZ.
For more information on MCC’s Nursing program visit, Mohave.edu/nursing. The College is currently enrolling students for the spring and summer semesters. Spring 12-week classes start Feb. 10 and second eight-week classes begin March 17. Summer semester begins June 2. Get started at Mohave.edu/admissions.
