Dr. Julie Bare receives the Founder’s Award from Mohave College Interim President Dr. Tim Culver during the 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave College recognized Board President Dr. Julie Bare with Founder’s Award during the college’s 55th annual commencement ceremony Friday, May 15, at Anderson Fieldhouse in Bullhead City.
The Founder’s Award is a special recognition presented to an individual whose distinguished service and exceptional contributions have significantly advanced the growth, vitality and mission of Mohave College.
Dr. Bare was honored during commencement for her 18 years of service as a College Board Member, and her long-standing commitment to students, employees and communities throughout Mohave County. Dr. Bare, who represents District 2, has served multiple terms on the board, many as board president. Her current term runs through Dec. 31, 2026.
Dr. Bare has announced she will not seek reelection this fall and will retire from the board at the end of her term.
Mohave College Interim President Dr. Tim Culver presented the award during the ceremony, calling commencement the college’s most significant and prestigious academic event.
“The college would like to recognize you here, at its most significant and prestigious academic event, for your 18 years of service on the Board of Governors by presenting you with the Mohave College Founder’s Award,” Culver said during the ceremony. “This enduring symbol of appreciation reflects the institution’s gratitude for your positive influence and sustained commitment to advancing educational excellence.”
Dr. Bare’s connection to Mohave College began long before her board service. A Bullhead City resident since 1965, she attended Mohave College while she was a housewife and mother, earning her associate degree from the college in 1975. She later transferred to Northern Arizona University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Before joining the Board of Governors, Dr. Bare retired from a 30-year career as an educator in the Bullhead City public school system. Her background as an educator and Mohave College alumna helped shape her interest in serving the college and supporting its learning-centered culture across campuses.
During her time on the board, Mohave College advanced several major institutional priorities, including expanded workforce training, student success initiatives, the addition of a college athletic program, campus improvements, the transition from Mohave Community College to Mohave College.
Bare also helped lead the recent presidential search process. The search drew nearly 90 applicants from across the country, included public forums and feedback from employees, students and community members, and resulted in the selection of Dr. Christin Holliday as the seventh president of Mohave College.
The Founder’s Award presentation served as a capstone recognition of Dr. Bare’s service to the college during its most meaningful annual celebration. The 2026 commencement ceremony honored more than 921 students who earned a combined 1,123 degrees and certificates, and 97 Early College students age 18 and younger who earned certificates or degrees before graduating from high school.
For those interested in becoming a student at the college, visit Mohave.edu and/or get started now by filling out a new student profile at FutureBighorn.com.
