Southwest Colorado Community College recently announced the selection of Tonya Nelson as the executive dean.
SCCC is a division of Pueblo Community College with a campus in Durango and one between Cortez and Mancos.
Nelson goes to SCCC from San Juan Community College in Farmington, where she was the director of quality improvement and the Career Center. Nelson was at San Juan Community College for nine years and has a master’s in business administration and health care management. She has also served as the health services director at Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and the program manager at the Mohave County Health Department. She was born in Ganado, Ariz., and raised in the Many Farms/Chinle area.
“I am excited to be the new executive dean of SCCC, a division of PCC. Community colleges play a prominent role in the educational experiences of college students. I have lived in the Four Corners region for most of my life and look forward to collaborating with the local communities and business industries,” Nelson said.
Nelson will take the reins as the head of SCCC on Oct. 19, Pueblo Community College President Patty Erjavec announced recently.
“Her familiarity with the region, as well as her rich tenure in higher education, is a winning combination as we work to position SCCC as a regional resource for academic excellence in programing and student success,” Erjavec said.
“Ms. Nelson will bring the leadership and passion needed to take SCCC to new levels of success,” Erjavec said.
Dr. Sunny Schmitt, Pueblo Community College’s Chief Academic Officer served as interim dean after Dean Norm Jones resigned over the summer. Schmitt will remain involved with SCCC during the transition.
Two receptions will be held for Nelson. The public is invited, and light refreshments will be provided.
The first reception will be Monday, Oct. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Commons Area on the West Campus, 33057 U.S. 160, between Cortez and Mancos.
The second will be on the East Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Learning Center, 701 Camino del Rio, Durango.
For more information, visit www.EnrollSouthwest.org or call 970-247-2929 or 970-564-6200.
