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Dr. Joan Fisher named new YC Dean - YC Alumna, longtime professor invests experience, doctoral work in education leadership post
Last updated: 7/12/2018 4:47:13 PM
Dr. Joan Fisher’s footsteps have echoed in the halls of Yavapai College since 1984 when she was a first-generation college student and aspiring teacher. Today, Fisher navigates the halls, staircases and sidewalks of YC’s Prescott and Verde campuses as dean of multiple schools: Arts and Humanities, Business and Computer Systems, and Social Science. Her new role, announced earlier this month, also has her leading the Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center on the Prescott campus and the Literary Southwest’s acclaimed author series.
Fisher’s new role at YC follows her service as chair of the YC English Department – the most recent notch on a YC career ladder that had her advancing from tutor to part-time instructor and then to full professor. She also earned a doctorate degree for good measure – all while raising five children.
While teaching has been her passion and her life for the last 30-plus years, Fisher said she applied for the dean’s job to invest her teaching experience and doctorate work in instructional design in an educational leadership role. She said she is honored by her appointment, which culminated a national search. “YC supports innovation and professional development in its employees, so over the years I had the support and training needed to compete for this opportunity,” she said.
The top priority for the new dean -- a job that Fisher described as being a “conduit between administration and faculty and staff” -- is student success. “I want to make the educational experience fulfilling for all of our students by providing the support needed to ensure instructors are engaging and inspiring in the classroom and online.”
Fisher said she is as committed to helping teachers succeed as she was her students. “Teaching, for me, is all-consuming. My students deserved everything I had to give and I gave it. Metaphorically, I see this role (the dean’s post) as more of a slow, steady burn and not the consuming flame teaching requires.”
Fisher earned her Ph.D. from Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She earned a master’s degree in English from Northern Arizona University after graduating from Prescott College with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.
A world traveler and singer, Fisher continues to perform with a community choir and is a member of the Prescott Sister Cities organization. She is married to retired YC Music Professor and Emeritus Faculty member Dr. Will Fisher. Along with five children, the couple boast five grandchildren and three miniature Australian shepherds.