Dr. Irina Del Genio has been named Dean of Yavapai College Verde Valley.

Del Genio comes to YC from Elgin Community College, where she served as Associate Dean of the Liberal, Visual and Performing Arts Division.

She will take up her position at Verde Valley Campus on January 9, 2023.

Del Genio is a first generation immigrant who arrived in the United States in 2000 as an adult learner. She is passionate about student engagement, student success, college affordability, and creating guided educational pathways that lead students to successful careers.

“My own experience as an immigrant and adult learner proves that the path to a successful career doesn’t have to be ‘one size fits all’. Throughout my diverse career, I have been a vigorous and enthusiastic advocate for equal access to higher education for people from different economic, social and cultural backgrounds,” says Del Genio.

The Dean of Verde Valley provides leadership and administrative oversight for the Verde Valley Campus, the Sedona Center, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and three college-wide academic departments.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Del Genio to Yavapai College and the Verde Valley,” said Dr. Diane Ryan, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “His knowledge, expertise and passion for student success will have a tremendous impact on students and communities in the Verde Valley.”

Del Genio earned his Ph.D. in political philosophy and his master’s degrees in history and political science; she has lived, studied and worked in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and most recently in the United States as a university teacher, grants manager and university administrator. She is frequently invited to speak on Russian-American relations, asymmetric warfare, the political impact of radical ideologies, and the global consequences of social unrest in contemporary societies.

She is an avid traveler and advocate for a healthy lifestyle. She is a certified NIA (Non-Impact Mind-Body Conditioning) instructor. Del Genio enjoys sailing, skiing, dancing and hiking in his spare time with his partner George, friends and family.

The Dean of Verde Valley plans, directs, oversees, and evaluates curriculum programs/services, in-class courses, and online/hybrid course delivery, working closely with management and with a variety of constituents to develop and design the exam and curriculum design. assists in the development, review and implementation of budgets.

The position provides leadership in crafting creative class schedules and developing programs to better meet student needs, making classes more accessible. The Dean will pursue new and improved programs to meet the diverse needs of the student body and the community.

Additionally, the Dean focuses on expanding the areas of Workforce Development and CTE to maximize opportunities for the community. The Dean also serves as a liaison with faculty and administration to create a cohesive, collaborative, and nurturing teamwork environment and attends community events and meetings in the Verde Valley and Sedona on behalf of the college.

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