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The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has selected four finalists for the next president of GateWay Community College (GWCC). The search committee, comprised of college, student, and community representatives, has conducted a thorough screening and preliminary interviews with applicants in order to identify those best suited to lead GWCC with long-term success.
Public forums with finalists will take place on Monday, March 20, 2023, from 1:30-5:15 p.m. The forums are open to students, employees, and the general public. Each forum allows the audience to ask questions and provide feedback that goes to the Chancellor for further consideration as part of a comprehensive and inclusive evaluation of each candidate. The links to access the live-streamed events can be found on the GWCC President Search webpage. Participants may also attend public forums in person at GateWay Community College:
GateWay Community College
Integrated Educational (IE) Building – Room 1302
108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
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In alphabetical order, the finalists are:
Amy Diaz, Ed.D.
Dr. Amy Diaz currently serves as the Interim President at GateWay Community College. With almost thirty years of experience, she is an equity-minded leader who has advocated for student access and success in all of her roles. Highlights from her leadership include assessment for student learning, comprehensive program review, leadership development, and fostering a college climate that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Dr. Diaz holds a doctorate in educational psychology, a master’s degree in counseling for higher education from Northern Illinois University, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary math education from the University of Iowa. She is also a member of the seventh cohort of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship.
Tony D. Hawkins, Ph.D.
Dr. Tony D. Hawkins served for eight years as the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Continuing Education, and Workforce Development at Frederick Community College in Maryland. Dr. Hawkins has implemented academic master plans, strategic plans, innovative curricular (guided) pathways and umbrella majors, numerous policies and procedures, and high school-based dual enrollment and campus-based early/middle college programs in Frederick County and Jersey City. Dr. Hawkins holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from New York University, a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, a certificate of advanced study from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, and a bachelor’s degree from Towson State University.
Victoria Seals, Ed.D.
Dr. Victoria Seals currently serves as the President of Atlanta Technical College. Under her leadership, the college has launched several student success initiatives, established effective industry partnerships, and continues to grow enrollment and academic achievement, boosting a 99% job placement rate. Dr. Seals has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and 18 years of experience in higher education leadership. Dr. Seals holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s degree in mathematics, and an education specialist degree (Ed.S.) from the University of Georgia, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Spelman College.
Shannon Ydoyaga, Ph.D.
Dr. Shannon Ydoyaga currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. In this role, she oversees the South campus supporting 130 full-time, tenure-track faculty and six Divisional Deans. She previously served as the Dean of Health Services and Professional Education at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she was in charge of the West Campus with more than seventy Career and Technical Education programs and directly managed five Department Chairs in addition to the computer science and engineering, technology, human services, education, allied health, nursing, and dental and imagining programs. Dr. Ydoyaga holds a doctor of philosophy in education, leadership for higher education from Capella University, a master’s of science in management from Texas A&M at Commerce, and a bachelor of business administration from the University of Mississippi.
You can learn more about each candidate and read their full bios here.