The Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC) presented Matt Mintzmyer with its Outstanding Service Award at its annual conference.

The AGIC Outstanding Service Award is presented to an individual or group that has advanced geospatial solutions in Arizona, promoted AGIC’s philosophy of ‘make once use many times by many people,’ and whose efforts not only benefited their agency or organization, but Arizona as a whole.

Mintzmyer, who serves as the Director of Aerospace Science and Printing and Manufacturing programs at Yavapai College, was nominated for his contributions to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and his involvement in the AGIC Data Committee UAS Workgroup and hosting the AGIC Spring Summits in 2022 and 2023 at Yavapai College.

Mintzmyer’s work focuses on teaching students how to use the technologies of 3D printing and UAS, or drones, to benefit communities. He has operated drones to help assist in wildfire suppression and prevention, helping firefighters pinpoint hotspots, guide firefighting equipment through heavy smoke, and determine where best to deploy water cannons. Students are also taught how to use drones to inspect solar and agriculture fields for anomalies, conduct aerial inspections of power lines and real estate, and even dabble in filmmaking.

“Yavapai College’s – Division of Workforce Innovation & Economic Development is committed to providing our students with a world-class learning experience,” stated Dr. Kimberly A. Moore, Chief Workforce Innovation Officer, “In order to accomplish this, it requires world-class, industry-led faculty and Matt Mintzmyer and the recognition that he has garnered, is a great example of what sets YC apart.”

Under his leadership, Yavapai College became the 41st collegiate program recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration UAS Collegiate Training Initiative (FAA UAS-CTI). Yavapai qualified after meeting the program’s requirements by offering an associate's degree and certificate program in UAS with a curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.

In addition to his accomplishments with Yavapai College and AGIC, Mintzmyer is a U.S. Navy Veteran who continues to assist with UAS training for the military.

The Division of Workforce and Innovation at YC encompasses the College’s adult education, career and technical education, health science, and workforce and economic development programs. Its goal is to respond to industries’ shifting needs and demonstrate Yavapai College’s unwavering commitment to becoming a national leader in workforce and innovation. Yavapai College aims to work strategically with existing industries to provide a skilled and qualified workforce that ultimately leads to a sustainable and vibrant economy.

To learn more about the Division of Workforce and Innovation, contact Dr. Kimberly Moore at kimberly.moore@yc.edu. 

Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.

To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.