MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave College congratulates Tristen Moffett and Tiffany Sauer, two of six students selected to represent the College as 2026 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 graduating from Mohave College. The scholarship covers resident tuition for 10 consecutive undergraduate semesters.
Tristen Moffett
Moffett moved to the area to be closer to family and began her higher education journey at Mohave College. She decided to invest in her future, and with the accessibility the College offers, she was able to balance working full time with her education. She was also searching for community and found it through student organizations such as the Student Nurses Association and Phi Theta Kappa.
She has always had an interest in health care and a passion for helping others, so she decided to pursue a degree in nursing. She completed her nursing degree in December 2025. Her next goal is to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing from either Northern Arizona University or Arizona State University.
Receiving this award brings her closer to achieving her goals at a lower cost. When she learned she had received the award, she said she felt reassured that her hard work had paid off.
“Receiving the All-Arizona Academic Team Award was transformative because it eased a financial burden and affirmed my hard work as a first-generation nursing student,” Moffett said. “The support boosted my confidence, helped me overcome imposter syndrome and allowed me to continue my BSN and future goals of serving rural communities.”
At Mohave College, Moffett built the knowledge and confidence to succeed as a nurse through clinical training, faculty support and the flexibility she needed to work full time while earning her degree. She also had the opportunity to mentor and tutor students, which strengthened her leadership and communication skills.
Moffett works at Valley View Medical Center and did so while completing the nursing program. Her ultimate career goal is to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specialize in acute care.
Tiffany Sauer
Sauer is part of the Mohave College Early College program, making her both a college student and a senior at Mohave High School. She decided to attend Mohave College to get ahead in her education through dual enrollment, and she is on track to earn her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts at the same time she receives her high school diploma.
She chose this degree because it allows her to complete her general education courses before attending a university. After Mohave, she plans to attend either Arizona State University or the University of Arizona, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in either criminology or veterinary science. Her ultimate career goal is to work for the FBI or become a veterinarian and open her own practice.
When Sauer first received notice that she had won the award, she said it took her a moment to realize what the email was saying.
“I reread the email about 10 times before fully comprehending what it meant. I couldn’t believe it and knew being awarded this scholarship was important and would help me with my college expenses,” she said. “Receiving the All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship has truly been a weight lifted off my shoulders and served as a reminder that hard work and determination pay off.”
Since attending Mohave College, Sauer has excelled academically by getting ahead in her studies, joining Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and now earning this scholarship. She has also strengthened her time management and organizational skills. Going to school, working a few part-time jobs and participating in after-school activities meant she had to learn how to balance school and work.
A total of six Mohave College students were honored as All-Arizona Academic Team members: Craig Ruckle of Kingman, Robert Gale of Kingman, Tiffany Sauer of Bullhead City, Tristen Moffett of Bullhead City, Micah Ugartechea of Lake Havasu City and Tina Braniger of Lake Havasu City. Students will be celebrated with honorees from other Arizona community colleges on April 22 in Mesa.
