Search Prospectus: Dean of Instruction

The Dean of Instruction is responsible for visionary, innovative, and collaborative leadership in support of the Academic Affairs Division. The Dean of Instruction reports directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) and works collaboratively as a member of the college executive leadership team to advance Scottsdale Community College’s strategic goals and objectives. The individual in this position provides direct supervision to core areas of Academic Affairs and works closely with the Vice President of Academic Affairs to serve the best interests of the college.

SCC opened at its present 162-acre location in the fall of 1970 with 948 students. Through a partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), SCC is honored to be the only two-year public higher education institution located on Native American land. The College has a robust Native American Indian support program. In addition, it has established the Indigenous Cultural Center to serve its growing Native American student population better and to help all students understand and appreciate the history, contributions, and future of Indigenous peoples.

Student enrollment is about 7,000 each semester and 11,000 each year. The student body reflects the community’s makeup, and the average age of students is 26 (Fall 2024). SCC serves all ages, though, from high school students in dual enrollment courses to senior citizens gaining new knowledge, and every age in between. Many students are enrolled in credit programs leading to an associate degree with planned pathways to transfer to four-year universities to complete bachelor and postgraduate degrees. SCC also has substantial opportunities for students preparing for careers that do not require four-year degrees. SCC offers Applied Science degrees in 11 different career or occupational programs, including Nursing, Film, Architectural Technology, Interior Design, Hospitality and Tourism, Culinary Arts, Administration of Justice, Equine Science, American Indian Studies, and Computer Information Systems. In addition, college personnel work closely with community employers to assess current educational and training needs to ensure the curriculum is current and relevant.

The City of Scottsdale is in the scenic Sonoran Desert at the southern foot of the McDowell Mountains and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest urban wilderness area in the United States. With more than 60 miles of trails, the Arizona landscape is replete with iconic saguaro and prickly pear cacti, Palo Verde and mesquite trees, among other hardy desert flora. Coyotes, roadrunners, javelina, Gila monsters, and jackrabbits may be found there, enjoying year-round sunshine tempered by cool desert nights. True to its slogan, “The West’s Most Western Town,” Scottsdale is a city of delightful paradox. One can go horseback riding in the timeless morning of a hundred years ago, then go shopping in Old Town, renowned as one of America’s great urban centers with over 90 restaurants, 320 retail shops, and 80 art galleries. Ranked the 92nd largest city in the nation, according to the 2020 census, Scottsdale vibrantly exudes small-town, Western heritage charm.

Maricopa County is Arizona’s most populous and fastest-growing county. The largest of Arizona’s 15 counties, it is also the fourth largest one in the nation and is bigger than four states. Of its 9,224 square miles, 53 percent is federal land, 29 percent private, 13 percent state, and nearly five percent tribal land. Maricopa is named in honor of the Maricopa, or Piipaash, Native American tribe. Nearly five million people, or approximately two-thirds of Arizona’s entire population, call Maricopa County home. Phoenix is the seat of Maricopa County, the state capital, and the largest city in the state.

In addition to Scottsdale, other large cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area include Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler, and Gilbert, among others collectively known as the Valley of the Sun. The cities offer a cornucopia of culture, food, and entertainment overflowing with world-class art museums, universities and colleges, thousands of restaurants, open-air concerts, spas, resorts, golf courses, and professional sports. A baseball fan can enjoy spring training games in Scottsdale along with the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium or the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, who practice at Salt River Fields.

As a gateway to other parts of Arizona and the Southwest, trips to signature places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Hoover Dam, Saguaro National Park, or the OK Corral are part and parcel of experiencing the breathtaking splendor of Arizona. As one of ten Maricopa County Community College District colleges, SCC primarily attracts students from its surrounding communities, including Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

As part of the greater metropolitan area of Phoenix, which had 5,070,111 residents in the 2025 Census, the College draws increasing numbers of students who commute from other locations for signature programs like Culinary Arts, Film and Theatre, Computer Information Systems, Hospitality & Tourism, Interior Design, Equine Science, and Business. The College also attracts an international population and is a welcoming environment for students of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

Maricopa County has the fourth-fastest GDP growth rate in the nation, which, while creating many employment opportunities, also reveals leaks in the traditional talent development pipeline. SCC is known for its responsiveness and the ability to move at the speed of business. This fact was noted by a greater Phoenix-area business journal, which cited the College’s partnership with key players in the financial sector to develop a curriculum for the Securities Industries Exam to prepare candidates for this make-or-break point of entry.

SCC’s unique positioning allowed it to create and implement the curriculum in the span of a few months. Compare this to the typical 18-month course development time for a major university, and it becomes clear why the institutional agility of a school like SCC was attractive when the financial industry was searching for educational partners.

The College is a critical partner in developing and sustaining talent development for regional business, industry, and education sectors. SCC programs are well-connected to the employers, and the College has been recognized by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for its positive impact on the Scottsdale economy. Program advisory committees comprised of workforce representatives and educators shape and inform the College’s curriculum in occupational areas. At the same time, corporate partnerships provide professional pathways for students through cooperative work programs and internships.

Much like its community, the College has grown dramatically since those first 948 students enrolled in 1970. Now serving over 11,000 students annually, the College’s enrollment mix features a 1:4 ratio of full to part-time students. Fifty-six percent are female, while about 35 percent are first-generation college students. The student population closely mirrors the College’s service area, and in 2023, was named a Title V Hispanic-Serving Institution.

The College is student-centered with innovative teaching, learning, and support services for more than 100 degree and certificate of completion programs in transfer and occupational areas. In addition, SCC is a leader in Open Education Resources, undergraduate research, and Service Learning, all designed to improve and facilitate student success.

SCC has formalized transfer pathways to the state’s other largest universities: the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and Northern Arizona University. The College also hosts Northern Arizona University-Scottsdale, which offers several undergraduate programs, and SCC2NAU, a joint admission program between the two institutions.

A noteworthy part of the College’s history is encapsulated in its mascot—the Artichoke. Born during a period of student unrest in the early 1970s, “Artie the Artichoke” was adopted as the school’s mascot to express a difference of opinion concerning budget priorities. Originally intended to be a source of embarrassment, Artie has been embraced by students, athletes, staff, and the community as a beloved character. As a result, it is not uncommon to hear the proud rally cry, “Go, Chokes!”

To take a virtual tour of the college campus, visit Virtual Tour of the Scottsdale Community College Campus.

County: Maricopa

Incorporated: 1951

Slogan: “The West’s Most Western Town”

Official Food: Chili, by 1994 Mayoral proclamation

Population: 246,068 (2025 World Population Review)

Size: 184.5 square miles, stretching 31 miles from north to south

Elevation: from 1,150 to 4,877 feet above sea level. Scottsdale Airport is at 1,510 feet

Average sunny days: 314 Average rainfall: 7.66 inches

Our Vision

Excellence in education for a better world.

SCC is a part of the Maricopa Community College District of 10 colleges and contributes to this Districtwide Vision through its work.

Our College Mission

SCC empowers learners to achieve personal, professional, and academic goals in a supportive environment where we value, respect and celebrate all people. SCC fosters lifelong learning, civic engagement, and personal growth while honoring its connection to local and tribal communities.

Our Cultural Values

SCC has also identified the following Cultural Values that speak to the commitments the college has made to the surrounding communities we serve:

Learning. We value learning because it broadens our experience and promotes lifelong growth and success. We are committed to providing opportunities for students, employees, and members of our communities to learn and to develop personally and professionally.

Excellence. We value excellence in all areas because it optimizes the ability to compete and achieve distinction academically, professionally, and personally. By setting high standards, SCC maximizes effectiveness and improves the quality of life for all. We honor our communities by expecting and recognizing exemplary performance.

Service. We value service as an essential expression of care, leadership, and social responsibility to uplift others and build stronger communities. SCC thrives through its meaningful partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, strong connections with local communities, and the caring environment it cultivates. By serving with humility, integrity, and intention, we create meaningful impact, foster trust, and strengthen our shared purpose.

ASPIRE 2026-2030

SCC launched its new five-year strategic plan resting on the following four pillars of success:

Student Success & Learning. SCC is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student has the resources and guidance to persist, thrive, and achieve their academic goals.

Innovative & Responsive Academic Offerings. SCC will expand access to high-quality, future- focused programs that empower students, strengthen the workforce, and create seamless pathways to college and career success.

Caring Campus & Student Belonging. SCC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive community where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.

Operational Excellence & Financial Sustainability. SCC will optimize resources, enhance budget transparency, and expand revenue-generating opportunities to ensure financial stability and efficient campus services.

• SCC was named the winner of the 2022 Sterling Award in the Big Business category by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. The Sterling Award is one of the most coveted business awards in the Valley and recognizes SCC for making a significant impact on the lives of its employees and the economic fabric of the community. 
• In 2022, SCC named Dr. Eric Leshinskie as its permanent president. Dr. Leshinskie has ushered into the campus a new sense of energy and optimism, while embracing SCC’s reputation as a caring campus community for students and employees. 
• The College is the home of the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife, where one can watch burrowing owls and solitary bees, visit pollinator gardens and visit a native seed library. Here, college students may be engaged in undergraduate research side-by-side with fourth-grade students from Scottsdale schools learning about native plants and geology, while learning how to handle a chuckwalla. 
• The College’s robust Dual Enrollment program enables high school students to achieve college credit while simultaneously completing their high school diploma. 
• The College’s portfolio of vital and dynamic workforce development programs and partnerships ensure connectedness between industry and education. 
• The College is well-regarded as a leader in Open Education Resources (OER), Undergraduate Research, and Service Learning. 
• One of the most beautiful campuses imaginable, with indoor and outdoor spaces thoughtfully designed for learning. 
• Variety magazine named SCC’s Film program one of the best in the country in its 2023 and 2024 annual rankings. 
• SCC Promoting an Inclusive Community (SPAIC) is a nonpartisan council whose mission is to strive for a healthy and prosperous college community that promotes equitable access and opportunity for all people. The group builds awareness, solutions, and leadership by generating transformative ideas, information, and experiences. Part of SPAIC’s mission is to create, support, and partner on educational experiences, events, and activities that promote a sense of belonging and community for all SCC students and employees. 
• SCC offers the Forever Fit program, a unique community initiative focused on improving senior health while giving SCC’s Exercise Science and Nutrition students hands-on internship experiences, through a partnership between HonorHealth, Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, and SCC. Forever Fit blends group exercise classes, personalized training, and nutritional guidance, creating lasting health benefits and building meaningful connections among seniors. 
• In 2026, SCC opened its new Equine Science facility at WestWorld, through a partnership with the City of Scottsdale and WestWorld. The new site provides SCC students with direct access to one of the nation’s leading equine venues – ushering in a new era of opportunity for Arizona’s equine industry. 
• Starting in the Fall 2025 semester, SCC began offering its first-ever four-year degree program: Bachelor of Business Administration – Management. This new offering allows students to invest in their future with a bachelor’s degree while paying one-third the tuition cost of a traditional four-year state university. With a streamlined curriculum and a lower cost per credit hour, SCC students can get the same quality education as comparable programs at a traditional four-year university. The program is designed to be student-focused, removing traditional barriers to admission and creating more opportunities for a wide range of applicants.

“At SCC, I’ve been able to gain confidence and feel like I’m genuinely part of a collegiate experience.”

Everett Pervall, Motion Picture Production major

“Having a small class size is really wonderful for being able to connect with your professors and be able to get even more out of the class than just sitting down and learning the material. The community college experience is so immersive,and really lets you get in touch with what it is that you want to do. There’s a focus on getting yourself into the career field. So, it’s not just a hypothetical academic experience.”

Keri Filsinger, Interior Design major

“SCC faculty has been outstanding, to say the least. I felt like everyone is here to pour themselves into all of their teaching and they truly have a closer connection to their students with smaller class sizes that SCC offers. They’ve all been incredibly encouraging and always seem to have the time for you and whatever it is that you needed in their course. I’ve had a chance to experience the student services on campus, like the library, tutoring, counseling and advising. My experience has been phenomenal.”

Landon Moncada, Justice Studies major

Scottsdale Community College is a regionally accredited institution through the Higher Learning Commission. In January 2017, SCC successfully completed the HLC’s Open Pathway reaffirmation of accreditation process until its next Reaffirmation of Accreditation in 2026-27.

SCC students pay one of the lowest tuition rates in Arizona. At $97 per credit hour or an estimated $2,328 per year for a full-time student, SCC offers an affordable college education that minimizes student debt. Upper-division courses are $145.50 per credit hour. A recent innovation is a textbook-free associate degree pathway that uses Open Education Resources (OER) instead of printed books, thereby reducing the cost of a degree by as much as one-third. The College has 237 courses with OER (2022-2023) and offers two degrees that can be completed using low- or no-cost materials.

The College offers over 100 programs with course work available across three primary modalities: in-person classroom, hybrid, and 100 percent online, providing maximum flexibility in how students wish to learn.

An advantage of many community colleges is the small class size and the low faculty-to-student ratio that facilitates better learning through increased engagement and faculty accessibility. SCC’s average class size was 16.7 in the Fall semester 2024, optimal for individualized attention.

Many community college students pursue a 4-year degree by taking their first two years at SCC at a much lower cost then seamlessly transfer those credits through relationships with numerous colleges and universities (including ASU, UA, and NAU), saving time and money while remaining close to home.

The average student at SCC takes 7.40 semester credit hours and is 26 years old (2024). As research repeatedly validates, greater levels of student success are correlated with accessible and relevant student support services. Therefore, in addition to traditional services such as Advising, Counseling and Personal Development, and Tutoring, SCC offers Learning Centers, a Food Pantry, Veteran Services, and Disability Resource Services, and other methods designed to impact the retention and completion rates positively. A total of 1,364 degrees and certificates were awarded in 2024-2025.

The high persistence is aided by developing a Guaranteed Course Schedule, which ensures that a specified minimum number of courses by subject will be offered each year without cancellation, guaranteeing certainty for students in their pathway progress.

Student life is full of opportunities to learn outside of the classroom and make friends through shared interests. Undergraduate research in the biological sciences, internships, and other work-based learning enable students to enhance their traditional classroom learning. In addition, many students attend one or more of the seven sports team competitions or are active in one of the more than 20 student clubs and organizations. Others meet and mingle at the Fitness Center and the extensive fine and performing arts events.

Students are satisfied with their SCC experience. The most recent Community College Survey of Student Engagement results showed the College scored high on several key quality indicators. For example, compared to peer institutions regionally and nationally, SCC full-time students are more engaged than those at peer institutions. Students also report high levels of engagement related to active and collaborative learning in class and in Service-learning. Faculty student interaction is also high, as are various efforts at student support.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Ryneldi Becenti, the first Native American to play in the WNBA; Robert Garrigus, PGA Tour golfer; NFL players Josh Miller, Charlie Garner, Will Tukuafu, and Terry Wright; and actors Bill Hader and David Spade, two former cast members of Saturday Night Live and leads in numerous movies and television shows.

With over 100 degree and certificate programs, SCC prepares its increasingly diverse student body for work, career development, transfer education, and personal enrichment.

Students work closely with faculty members who are experts in their areas of instruction. Sixty-four percent of faculty hold master’s degrees; 27 percent hold doctoral degrees. Many have extensive career experience working in their area of instruction, providing real-world training, mentoring, and industry contact. Many faculty members have won various honors, recognitions, grants, and awards for outstanding scholarship and teaching.

The College employs 134 residential faculty members, 323 adjunct faculty, and 339 full- and part-time staff and administrators (Fall 2025).

SCC recently added the following workforce development programs, to meet the employment needs of local industry: Foundations of Applied Artificial Intelligence Certificate of Completion, SCC’s first-ever AI credential, completable in a single semester; the Communication Competence in the Workplace Academic Certificate, designed to help students develop the communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership competencies that employers consistently identify as essential for workplace success across industries; and the Associate in Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts and the Certificate of Completion in Commercial Baking and Pastry, which give students two flexible on-ramps into a high-demand industry, whether they are pursuing a full degree or stacking credentials for a faster entry into the workforce.

With the very strong interest in SCC’s Bachelor of Business Administration-Management, the innovative Bridge2Bachelor’s program was launched in 2026 enabling students to earn two stackable degrees in approximately four years with one connected pathway. Students can build hands-on expertise in a field they are passionate about. Earn a career-ready associate degree here – and then continue to earn their Business Bachelor degree.

SCC currently has 14 active Community Advisory Committees (CAC) with representatives from industry partners who regularly work with faculty to provide insight into the industry’s needs, offer internship and employment opportunities to students, and assist with curriculum, fundraising, and program support.

College faculty are very adept at online instruction, and the college uses Canvas as its learning management system. All faculty members teaching online or in the hybrid modality use SCC’s Blueprint to have consistent navigation and policy from course to course.

Leadership development is a significant aspect of the faculty experience at SCC. The College offers the New Chair Experience for all new and sitting department and division chairs while also creating a Leadership Academy for all sitting division chairs to engage in strategic planning and change management.

"I appreciate my colleagues in all areas of the college, and I especially appreciate when leadership supports innovation and gives us (faculty) the reins to do what we do best."

Sara Beakley-Mercill, M.S. GIT
Computer Information Systems
Faculty/Department Chair

SCC leases tribal land from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and is honored to be the only two-year public higher education institution located on Native American land. As a result, there are regular, extensive communications with SRPMIC related to SCC Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Administrative Services. According to the lease with SRPMIC, SCC sits on 162 acres and has 25 buildings.

SCC invests in many capital projects to retain its status as a premier institution of higher learning. Upcoming projects include: a full renovation of the Student Center building to design spaces that are conducive to modern student services and enabling all of SCC’s student enrollment services to be in one building; extensive updates to the Physical Education building; renovating the bathroom and lobby/corridor in the Art building; and making updates to the Culinary Arts facilities. The College makes regular IT infrastructure investments to improve campus and classroom technology that helps facilitate better instruction.

SCC’s annual operating budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 was $56,400,939. There are no satellite campuses or offices.

The Maricopa County Community College District’s Governing Board has seven seats, including five elected positions from geographical districts within Maricopa County and two at-large positions representing the entire county. Board members serve staggered four-year terms.

The Dean of Instruction position at SCC is responsible for visionary, innovative, and collaborative leadership in support of the Academic Affairs Division. The Dean of Instruction provides leadership and vision for career and technical education, program/project development, implementation, assessment, and program review/ evaluation. This position reports to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Additional responsibilities include actively engaging partnerships serving as a bridge between SCC programs/faculty and community/ industry needs. As part of SCC’s Leadership Team, the Dean promotes a culture of care and collaboration, process improvement, data-driven decision-making, programmatic excellence, and service excellence and demonstrates a genuine commitment to access and inclusion. The Dean works closely with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Administrative Services administrators, faculty, and staff in support of student success. This position requires in-person presence to meet the needs of students, staff, and faculty. For additional information about this opportunity, please review the SCC Dean of Instruction Webpage.

30% - Provides leadership, direction, review, and coordination for Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Career Services programs, projects, services, and partnerships by working with faculty and staff to improve outcomes for students.

25% - Collaborates with faculty, community partners, and industry to develop and enhance programs to meet current and future workforce needs.

15% - Utilizes shared governance to provide leadership in collaboration with department chairs, program directors, faculty, and staff to guide development opportunities pertaining to non-credit, dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, assessment, program review, and other accreditation activities.

15% - Develops and sustains strategic partnerships with business and industry, economic and workforce development organizations, and non-profit/community-based organizations, and prepares, recommends, and manages operating workforce development funds/budgets. Works closely with faculty and staff in facilitation of CTE projects and expenditures: prepares reports (i.e., Perkins, Prop 301, College year-end). 10% - Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of faculty and staff in Academic Affairs.

5% - Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications for Student Affairs or Non-Academic Pathway

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in education or field related to area of assignment and five (5) years of progressively responsible management and/or leadership experience in field of assignment that includes three (3) years of supervisory experience. Examples of student affairs academic support or non-academic pathway management/leadership experience includes: program management, project management, budget development and management related to programs or projects, staff supervision, policy development, administration, evaluation and compliance. No degree equivalency.

–Or–

Minimum Qualifications for Academic Pathway

Master’s degree in a teaching field related to area(s) of assignment and five (5) years of experience in an academic leadership and/or supervisory role in higher education and three (3) years of teaching that includes curriculum/coursework development. Examples of academic leadership/supervisory experience includes: division/department chair, project management, policy development, administration, evaluation and compliance, committee leadership, program director, and shared governance. No degree equivalency.

1. Doctoral degree in a recognized academic field of study from an accredited college or university.
2. Three (3) or more years of teaching experience, preferably in the community colleges.
3. Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience serving as a dean, program director, department chair, or similar leadership position.
4. Demonstrated experience partnering with faculty to develop, implement, evaluate, and strengthen academic and/or Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including the strategic allocation and stewardship of resources to support student success and completion.
5. Demonstrated experience developing and sustaining business, industry, and/or community partnerships that advance academic programs, workforce pathways, or student opportunities.
6. Demonstrated experience using shared governance, collaboration, and evidence-informed decision-making to advance institutional priorities and measurable outcomes.
7. Evidence of outcomes-driven leadership in CTE and/or workforce education, including collaboration with Career Services, industry partners, or other stakeholders to strengthen pathways from education to employment.
8. One year of full-time, relevant MCCCD experience within the previous two years.

"The faculty and staff here, from Admissions to Financial Aid, have been so patient and understanding. The work that goes into making the school a welcome place for everyone is outstanding. Overall, in just my short time here I feel embraced as a member of this community by everyone.” 

Ramon Amador-Carmona
Business Major