New name reflects expanded programs, enhanced image, and continued commitment to community
MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College has officially transitioned to its new name: Mohave College.
The change marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s history as it expands credit and non-credit academic programs and classes, prepares to offer bachelor’s degrees, increases its workforce development programs, and enhances student success efforts and student life activities on its campuses. The updated name reflects the College’s broader strategic vision to elevate educational access, student success and workforce development training across northwest Arizona.
The move to change the name was led by the Office of College Communications (OCC), under the direction of James Jarman, Executive Director of the office that oversees marketing, public information, branding, social media management and multimedia production for the College.
“This is an exciting and meaningful step forward for Mohave College, students and our communities,” said Jarman. “The new name and image better align with the College plan and vision to create more opportunities and success for the students and communities we serve.”
He says the idea to rebrand and rename the College first emerged more than two years ago, after the Academic division – led by then Executive Vice President Dr. Tim Culver – presented the Academic Master Plan to the President’s leadership team. Dr. Culver now serves as interim President, following the departure of Dr. Stacy Klippenstein who is now president at College of Southern Nevada.
“After that meeting, I mentioned to Dr. Culver and Dr. Klippenstein that the College will want to look at a complete rebrand because the products the College offers will be growing and evolving beyond what most people may associate with a ‘community college’,” Jarman said. “They agreed and let me pursue it.”
Jarman and his team formed a Rebrand Task Force with representatives from departments across the College. After holding more than 20 meetings and focus groups with students, employees, alumni and community leaders – along with conducting public surveys – the Task Force found that more than 70% supported removing “Community” from the College name. Feedback highlighted the new name’s clarity, better alignment with current and future programs, and its potential to enhance public perception.
The College Board of Governors approved the name change in September 2024. Board President Dr. Diane Singer shared, “People I spoke with, when I told them everything the college does and is planning for the future, said ‘that doesn’t sound like a community college.'” She noted the change to Mohave College more accurately reflects the College’s growth, scope and vision.
With the board’s approval, the Office of College Communication’s Brand and Project Manager Brooke Garcia began development of nearly a dozen potential logos to reflect the new brand. After additional internal and external stakeholder meetings and a community survey, the board approved the new logo during its February 2025 meeting.
While Mohave College is changing its brand name and look, its mission and dedication to local students and the communities in the college district remains the centerpiece of its decision-making. It is a local community asset and works hard to provide students and community the higher education services they want and need.
“Our commitment to serving the region has not changed,” said Interim President Dr. Tim Culver. “We remain deeply connected to our communities, and this new name simply helps us better communicate the depth of what we offer, while continuing to deliver affordable, high-quality education with a regional focus.”
The College is also working to avoid acronyms with the new name by developing a Style Guide that discourages the use of “MC.” Instead, employees, students and community members are encouraged to use the full name “Mohave College” on first reference, followed by “Mohave” or “the College” on subsequent references. The College also encourages the use of the name Bighorns, its mascot, for student activities, fun events and athletics, e.g. – join the Bighorns for this year’s Pumpkinfest event on campus.
To learn more about the transition and the vision behind the new name, and read the Style Guide, visit: www.Mohave.edu/about/office-of-college-communications/rebranding-mohave-community-college-to-mohave-college
To get started as a student at Mohave College, visit Mohave.edu/Admission.
Brand Reveal and Campus Celebrations
Mohave Community College is now officially Mohave College. The Kingman campus employees and community leaders gathered Monday morning for a photo with the newly branded marquee.
Havasu campus employees, community leaders and College Mascot Blaze gathered Monday afternoon for a Chamber of Commerce Ribbon cutting in front of the newly branded marquee.
Bullhead City Campus Grand Rebrand Celebration
Colorado City Campus Rebrand Celebration