MOHAVE COUNTY – To provide the community with a better understanding of the two candidates for the Mohave Community College District 4 Board position—incumbent Susan McAlpine and write-in candidate Mike Quinn—the college has requested each candidate submit a brief biography, a photo and responses to six key questions related to their candidacy.
Their submissions are being shared with local media outlets, students, employees and community members, posted on the college website and featured on college social media platforms.
The District 4 Board position covers parts of Kingman, as well as Golden Valley, Oatman, Chloride, Dolan Springs and Meadview. A district map and more election information for college board members can be found at Mohave.edu/trustee-resources.
The candidates were asked to provide answers to the following questions:
1. Why are you running for a position on the Mohave Community College Board and what experience do you bring to the role?
2. What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing the College and how would you work with other board member and the college administration to address them as a board member?
3. What is your position on expanding or introducing new academic programs particularly in areas related to technology, healthcare, and the trades?
4. How do you envision the MCC role in supporting the economic development of the region, particularly in terms of workforce education and workforce training?
5. How important do you believe investment in campus infrastructure projects, such as removal of outdated facilities, updating existing facilities, construction of new facilities and/or student housing, is to improving the student experience at MCC?
6. What is your vision for the future of Mohave Community College, soon to be Mohave College, over the next five to ten years, and how would you plan to help the institution achieve that vision?
The college hopes the candidate responses below help offer the community a clear understanding of each candidate’s priorities and approach to enhancing MCC’s role in higher education and local workforce training and development.
Susan McAlpine M.ED.
I began my relationship with MCC as a Foundation member from 2009-2016. In 2017 Representative Regina Cobb asked me to consider a Board appointment, which I accepted. I was elected in 2018 and now running for re-election. I bring extensive experience serving on local, state (MA & AZ) and national Advisory Groups, Boards, and Committees. As a candidate, I am endorsed by AZ Representative John Gillette, Mohave County Supervisors Bishop and Lingenfelter, and County Assessor Jeanne Kentch, all of whom have carefully followed my MCC voting record. An indication of my ability to work closely and effectively with fellow Board members, are the endorsements of our Board Chair, Dr. Diane Singer and former Board Chair, Dr. Julie Bare for my reelection to this non-partisan position.
My focus has always been making the most beneficial decisions for our students, College and taxpayers, considering the cost/benefit relationship. Mohave County’s economic opportunities and students’ economic progress are directly tied to MCC’s educational programs. It is a delicate balance, weighing all possible benefits and consequences of each decision: what programs should be expanded? Discontinued? How many students will enroll in a new program? Does enrollment justify startup cost? Is this program a valuable use of taxpayer’s money?
It is essential that MCC continue expanding and introducing new academic programs in areas related to technology, healthcare and the trades. I am a strong supporter of our new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center. That being said, hard decisions have been and will be made to ensure it’s long-term success. Are we offering the right programs? Have the right instructors? Are our students achieving a higher standard of living following completion of the program? Are those programs reflecting the needs of our employers or bringing higher paying jobs to Mohave County? Has the investment produced positive results for our students and community?
We are now reviewing a proposed Facilities Master Plan. There is the legitimate question of when, where and how much is done and what can be done at the same time? I believe in a measured approach: a small number of successful projects is beneficial to the College and our taxpayers. Board members must be fully confident that the right number of projects or mix of projects (program, infrastructure) are successfully completed and demonstrate some degree of “success” before embarking on more. I look forward to researching proposal components and hopefully making great decisions for the future of our College along with my team members on the Board.
I thank each District 4 voter in advance for their confidence and vote to re-elect me for another term in November.
More About Susan McAlpine
I am a self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible individual having the ability to work independently or as a team member. I have been earned a M.Ed in Instructional Design/Adult Education and have a proven record of excellent communication, team building, evaluation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills in the Community College, University and State Agencies I worked for. Since my retirement and move to Arizona, I have contributed my time and experience to several organizations including; the Mohave Community College Foundation Board; Kingman Cerbat Justice Court, conducting mediations, facilitating agreements between litigants by
encouraging communication between parties, and highlighting pertinent facts, to resolve issues. I helped litigants reach resolution by utilizing my conflict resolution and problem solving techniques. In addition to my 7 year term fulfilling our Mohave Community College Board responsibilities, I have been appointed to serve at the pleasure of the White House on a national Advisory Board.
Mike Quinn
1. Why are you running for a position on the Mohave Community College Board and what experience do you bring to the role?
* I really like the direction that MCC is going, with the new training facility and the addition of sports to the campus, I believe I can bring a new perspective to the board.
2. What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing the College and how would you work with other board member and the college administration to address them as a board member?
* I believe building a workforce for our community is a major challenge. I know I can work well with the college administration and the board to grow and expand community outreach programs. I will work with local high schools and local companies to identify the needs and wants from all sides.
3. What is your position on expanding or introducing new academic programs particularly in areas related to technology, healthcare, and the trades?
* I strongly believe in trades and specialized training centers, that is why I am so excited for this opportunity to join the board. I had the opportunity to attend a trade school and I am personally aware of the benefits of these programs. I also have an insight of what high school-aged kids are looking for, and now is the time to give them more options, especially if we can do it locally!
4. How do you envision the MCC role in supporting the economic development of the region, particularly in terms of workforce education and workforce training?
* I envision that MCC will play a huge part in economic development. Working in a trade myself and being around large corporations, I recognize that workforce development is always a deciding factor on who will bring their business here.
5. How important do you believe investment in campus infrastructure projects, such as removal of outdated facilities, updating existing facilities, construction of new facilities and/or student housing, is to improve the student experience at MCC?
* Improving the on campus experience is extremely important, MCC should strive to have the correct space, structure and tools to give the students the best experience possible. For two reasons: (1) to give students a reason to stay local and join the workforce in our community, and (2) if they choose to not stay in the community, we want to give them the skills they need to go anywhere they want with confidence they are ready to start a career.
6. What is your vision for the future of Mohave Community College, soon to be Mohave College, over the next five to ten years, and how would you plan to help the institution achieve that vision?
* That Mohave College adds a large percentage of students through all aspects of education in a variety of ways including trades, nursing, technology, and athletics. Mohave College can be leading the way with these career paths. I see each campus in 10 years or less having athletics as a part of each campus. Drawing more and more student athletes to the campus and giving the local students something to strive for, with an economic option to stay local.
More About Mike Quinn
As a lifelong resident, I enjoy giving back to my community in any way possible. My community efforts have been diverse, including coaching various youth sports, volunteering on multiple boards and commissions, as well as being a local business owner with successful trade experience. I was inspired to open up a local indoor batting cage facility to help grow young athletes and give them a place to spend their energy in a positive way. I have served as Chairman for the Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce Board and I am currently serving as a commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Committee. I recently rejoined the HVAC industry with an additional goal in mind: to utilize the connections and knowledge obtained through my experiences to help the youth become more educated in trades leading to lifelong career opportunities, which aligns perfectly with MCC’s goal for the trades. My company offers an internal training program, partnering with local agencies to utilize programs available to anyone who is interested in getting into the HVAC career path. As an MCC board member, I will focus on growing MCC’s presence, expanding programs, and encouraging youth participation.
