08 Apr AWC names new VP of Learning Services

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YUMA — Arizona Western College has recently named Dr. Kathleen Iudicello to the position of Vice President of Learning Services.
The Vice President of Learning Services (VPLS) is the Chief Academic Officer that oversees the scope, sequence, and integrity of academic programs at AWC. She is also responsible for creating and sustaining excellence in all aspects of educational offerings districtwide.
The process to select a new VPLS began in August of 2022 with AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr hosting multiple listening sessions where he received valuable feedback from staff and faculty regarding how to move forward with this important hire. Based on that feedback, Bryan Doak, Vice President of Student Services, was named interim VPLS, bringing stability to the college’s Learning Services team during this time. The feedback also led AWC to hire an external search firm, Cizek and Associates, who partnered with the college to create a position profile to accompany the job description that highlighted the unique characteristics of AWC and the communities it serves.
Dr. Iudicello was selected by Dr. Corr through the support of a screening committee that included administration, faculty, and staff. The committee was established and co-chaired by Dr. Sara Amani, Professor of Multilingual Composition/Specialist, and Reetika Dhawan, AWC Vice President of Workforce Development & CTE. The committee spent nearly three months vetting applicants and ultimately brought forward four final candidates who conducted public forums this March. Employees had an opportunity to tune in to open forums via Zoom and provide forum survey responses regarding each candidate.
“I am excited to be part of the Matador Family and join Arizona Western College in their commitment of transformative education in Arizona,” said Dr. Iudicello. “To be part of a dynamic college like AWC, I look forward to partnering with our community and furthering education and workforce programs to provide students access to upward socioeconomic mobility through higher education. AWC’s Mission of “Transforming lives through education and partnerships to create thriving communities” aligns perfectly with my vision and practice as a leader in higher education.”
Dr. Iudicello comes to AWC with over 25 years of experience in higher education. With over 15 years as a community college faculty member, eight years as a Division Chair, and over 10 years as an administrator, she is looking forward to continuing to provide exceptional and creative learning experiences at AWC to prepare all learners to achieve their dreams and transform their lives.
As Dean of Instruction at Scottsdale Community College, Dr. Iudicello led multiple areas to support faculty professional development, institutional innovation, and student success. She led the college’s pursuit of its first Baccalaureate Degree, served as the administrative lead for the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee, and provided leadership support for numerous academic departments such as Behavioral Sciences; Communication and Film Humanities; English, World Languages, and Journalism; Life Sciences; Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering; Music; Physical Sciences; and Social Sciences. Dr. Iudicello was also the administrative champion of the college’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee and is a Foster Care Champion. In addition, she has provided leadership and support to the Performing Arts Center, the Library, the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife, and the OneDesign Center.
Previously, as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Estrella Mountain Community College, Dr. Iudicello led two Academic Deans, 12 Academic Divisions, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Performing Arts Center, Instructional Services, and the Title V Program. She was a Tri-Chair for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce and worked with the Title V Director to provide faculty professional development opportunities with the Association of College and University Educators. She fostered community partnerships for workforce and transfer education with organizations such as the Arizona Community Foundation and the Tolleson Union High School District.
Dr. Iudicello has a proven track record of success with grants and accreditation. She has secured funding on previous Department of Education grants, specifically those to support Hispanic Serving Institutions through Title V opportunities. In partnership with the STEM Center for Excellence, she has also supported National Science Foundation grant efforts. She recently led efforts to submit for a Department of Education Title III Grant to enhance and support the success of Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community students and low-income students. As for accreditation, Dr. Iudicello has extensive experience and expertise, especially with the Higher Learning Commission. She has served on multiple writing teams to support the reaffirmation of accreditation as well as an interim monitoring report. One of her assurance arguments was showcased at an HLC Annual Conference as an example of excellence in accreditation. In addition, she continues to serve as an HLC Peer Reviewer.
Dr. Iudicello practices servant leadership and is dedicated to educational equity and providing pathways for upward socioeconomic mobility through creative problem-solving, analytical decision-making, interest-based negotiation, collaboration, and innovation. She is committed to working with students, staff, faculty, and community members to support student success, program development, community partnerships, and workforce initiatives.
“Over her 20-plus year career, Dr. Kathleen Iudicello has served at Arizona community colleges as an educator and leader committed to success at every level, from faculty member to Vice President. This experience and service speaks directly to her dedication to the student experience and the impact education has within our communities. I am thrilled to have a talented and collaborative leader as our next Vice President of Learning Services who will join our community and further our students’ success,” said Dr. Daniel Corr.
Starting her higher education journey at Scottsdale Community College, Dr. Iudicello transferred to Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English as well as a Master of Arts in Literature. She also holds a Doctorate in English and a Master of Philosophy in Literary Theory from George Washington University.
Dr. Iudicello will start in her new role at AWC in July, at which time she will conduct a districtwide tour to visit each campus location for introductions and conversation.