State of the College: Big Moves in 2025, Bigger Momentum for 2026
Dr. Tim Culver, Interim President, Mohave College
As we step into 2026, I’m proud to share that 2025 was a year of bold progress for Mohave College, and an even stronger launchpad for what comes next. In the past year, we continued delivering on our goals to empower students and improve communities through innovative pathways, high-quality education, and workforce-aligned training.
We’ve continued to see student success and growth, and behind every statistic are terrific student stories. Mohave served nearly 8,000 credit and noncredit students and saw year-over-year growth in headcount and credit hours, including growth in Early College programs as well as in our Corporate and Community Education Division.
At Commencement, we celebrated 807 graduates who earned 402 associate degrees, 720 certificates, and 131 Early College graduates under the age of 18.
And because access to higher education matters, Financial Aid disbursed nearly $15 million, helping keep college within reach for thousands of students.
Becoming Mohave College
In August, we officially changed the brand name from MCC to Mohave College, reflecting what our community already knows: we’ve grown beyond what many think of as a “traditional community college,” while staying grounded in access, affordability, and student-first service.
The name changed, but our purpose did not: empowering students, strengthening communities, and proudly serving Mohave County.
This transition also positions us for stronger return on investment in the years ahead. As Mohave County grows and diversifies, our name and brand more clearly communicate who we are today and where we are headed: a college expanding all pathways to meet the needs of students and our communities. More on those expansions in just a bit.
That impact is already measurable. An independent study found Mohave College generates $199 million in added value for the county economy and supports one out of every 28 jobs. It also estimates a $6.40 return for every $1 invested in higher education over time through higher earnings and broader economic and social benefits.
Building for the Future
We continued investing in infrastructure that supports students and strengthens the region, building on the opening and launch of a major workforce-training facility – the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC).
It was an honor to welcome the Governor, county supervisors, city leaders among many others at the grand opening of the AMTC.
The 36,000 square foot facility is already serving students in high-demand careers including welding, HVAC, industrial maintenance, robotics, CAD, and manufacturing fundamentals, with more than 125 students enrolled since the grand opening, and more than 1,600 attending events at the facility.
Looking ahead, the next big project in the College’s Facilities Master Plan is the Transportation Technology Training Center (T3C) based in Havasu. It would meet the high demand throughout our region for mechanics trained to work on Recreational Vehicles, UTVs and boats. The College has some funding available and will be seeking local, state and federal support for the T3C over the coming year.
These facilities represent more than buildings, they are gateways to opportunity for students and a strategic workforce pipeline for employers across the region.
Four-Year Degrees Right Here at Home
In November 2025, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) granted accreditation approval for Mohave College to offer its first-ever bachelor’s degrees.
Our first three bachelor’s programs are already open for enrollment:
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
These programs were shaped through collaboration with community and industry partners, aligned to real workforce needs, and designed to keep four-year education affordable and accessible for northwestern Arizona students.
Our faculty are continuing to work actively to expand bachelor’s degree offerings, ensuring the College remains a hub for opportunity, innovation, and upward mobility.
Expanding Pathways to Success
Our Academic Divisions continue to expand degree and certificate options to meet the evolving needs of regional business, industry, government, education, and nonprofit partners.
Recent examples include the addition of a new HLC-accredited Cosmetology certificate program. Other new and expanded programs include Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Rehabilitation Technician, Network Support, Law Enforcement Academy Preparation, Residential Construction, and Refrigeration Technician, among others.
This work will not slow down. In 2026 and beyond, our faculty and academic leaders will continue building and refining programs that help students move from possibility to purpose, and into careers that matter.
Bighorn Pride: A Banner Year for Athletics
In 2025, our Bighorns Men’s Soccer team made a historic run to the NJCAA national semifinals, reaching the Final Four in just their second season. The Women’s team also surged, making the playoffs in only year two.
To our student-athletes, coaches, employees, and fans, I want to thank you for representing Mohave with heart, grit, and class.
We are so grateful to the City of Bullhead City for recently naming our home field Bighorn Field, and to the members of the Bighorns Athletics Booster Club whose continued support make this program possible.
I look forward to seeing everyone at Bighorn Field at Rotary Park for our first home match this August!
National Presidential Search Underway
In July 2025, following Dr. Stacy Klippenstein’s departure to serve as President of the College of Southern Nevada, I was honored to step in as Interim President.
The Board of Governors has launched a national search for Mohave College’s next president, with a process that includes public forums and opportunities for the community to meet finalists.
Current timelines anticipate finalist visits and community engagement the week of March 23, 2026, a board decision in early April, and a planned start date of July 1, 2026.
Thank you
To our students, employees, Board members, community partners, donors, local and state leaders, thank you for believing in Mohave College and investing in the people of Mohave County. Together, we’re building something special: a college that meets learners where they are, expands opportunity, and strengthens the future of our communities.
Here’s to a phenomenal 2026.
Go Bighorns!
Dr. Tim Culver
Interim President, Mohave College