Dr. Jenna Lowder joins MCC as the new Dean of Student and Community Engagement at the Havasu Campus.
LAKE HAVASU CITY – Mohave Community College is excited to welcome Dr. Jenna Lowder as the new Dean of Student and Community Engagement on the Lake Havasu City Campus. Dr. Lowder brings a wealth of experience in higher education, a passion for serving students, and deep ties to the Lake Havasu community.
Dr. Lowder joins MCC following her tenure at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Lake Havasu campus, where she was a faculty member and played a pivotal role in academic and community initiatives. With the planned closure of ASU Lake Havasu, her transition to MCC represents a commitment to continuing her work in advancing education and fostering student success in the region.
“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Lowder to the MCC team,” said MCC President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein. “Her extensive experience in higher education, deep roots in Lake Havasu City, and dedication to student and community engagement make her an exceptional fit for this role. We also want to extend our gratitude to Dr. Maria Ayon for her outstanding service to MCC and the Lake Havasu community since 2020.”
Dr. Tramaine Rausaw, MCC Vice President of Student and Community Engagement, also shared his enthusiasm for Dr. Lowder’s appointment. “I am thrilled to have someone of Dr. Lowder’s caliber in the role of Dean at LHC. She is highly motivated, student success-oriented, and forward-thinking. Her involvement in the Lake Havasu community and experience with the Lake Havasu Unified School District, MCC, and most recently ASU Lake Havasu gives her a great foundation for success. The faculty and staff who were able to meet her during the interview process were encouraged by her energy, ideas and vision.”
Dr. Lowder was raised in Havasu and attended Lake Havasu High School. She began her higher education journey at MCC through the college’s partnership with Northern Arizona University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, two master’s degrees in English and educational leadership from NAU, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from ASU. Her dissertation focused on college choice in rural areas, specifically Lake Havasu City.
“I am beyond excited to join Mohave Community College as Dean of Student and Community Engagement,” said Dr. Lowder. “Having been both a student and adjunct faculty member at MCC, this feels like a homecoming. I look forward to working with the incredible MCC team to create a vibrant campus culture, foster student success, and build meaningful connections between students, faculty, and the local community.”
At ASU Lake Havasu, Dr. Lowder contributed to numerous initiatives, including helping bring a degree in elementary education to the campus, developing concurrent enrollment programs for high school students, and supporting student success through mentorship and leadership. She also served as a liaison for community engagement, working with local organizations such as the Lake Havasu Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Havasu Museum of History.
Dr. Lowder’s vision for her new role includes enhancing campus life, increasing high school dual enrollment, and strengthening community partnerships to benefit both students and local stakeholders. She is also excited to support MCC’s rebranding to Mohave College, an initiative that aligns with the institution’s expanding academic offerings and role in the region.
In her personal life, Dr. Lowder enjoys spending time with her family in Lake Havasu, kayaking, traveling, and pursuing her latest hobby, embroidery. She and her husband are raising their two children, who are in 6th grade and 7th grade locally.
Dr. Lowder replaces Dr. Maria Ayon, who served as Dean of Student and Community Engagement since August 2020. MCC extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ayon for her dedication and contributions to the college and the Lake Havasu community.
As Dean of Student and Community Engagement, Dr. Lowder will play a key role in fostering student success and community involvement, ensuring that MCC continues to be a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation in Lake Havasu City.
The college is currently enrolling students for upcoming semesters. New and returning students are encouraged to get started at Mohave.edu/Admission. The first spring semester classes begin January 13, with shorter term classes starting in February. Summer semester classes begin June 2.
