About Central Arizona College
Central Arizona College, founded in 1961 as part of the Pinal County Community College District, is a public community college serving central Arizona with its main campus in Coolidge and additional locations in Apache Junction, Aravaipa, Florence, Maricopa, San Tan Valley, and Signal Peak. The institution offers over 100 associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs in fields such as health sciences, business, agriculture, technology, and liberal arts. Known for its commitment to accessible education, Central Arizona College emphasizes student success through small class sizes, affordable tuition, and strong community partnerships. Key achievements include high graduation rates in vocational programs and recognition for innovative online learning initiatives. The college's mission is to provide comprehensive educational opportunities that foster personal growth, career readiness, and lifelong learning. For more details, visit the Central Arizona College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Arizona, and Academic Jobs in Coolidge.
Central Arizona College has evolved significantly since its inception, adapting to the needs of a growing region by expanding its offerings in STEM and healthcare. Notable milestones include the establishment of the Signal Peak Campus in 1974 and recent investments in sustainable agriculture programs. The college serves over 10,000 students annually, with a focus on underserved populations, including first-generation college students and adult learners. Its athletic programs, known as the Vaqueros, compete in NJCAA Division I, adding to campus vibrancy. Academics at Central Arizona College benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional development and community engagement. For job seekers, this translates to roles that blend teaching with real-world impact. Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor to gain insights into faculty excellence. The college's location in the heart of Arizona provides access to diverse cultural and natural attractions, enhancing the work-life balance for employees.
In terms of academic structure, Central Arizona College operates under a semester system and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Key departments include Nursing and Health Careers, which boast high NCLEX pass rates; Business and Computer Information Systems, offering certifications in accounting and IT; and Science and Engineering, with emphases on environmental science and pre-engineering tracks. The college has received grants for initiatives like dual enrollment programs with local high schools, boosting enrollment and community ties. Historically, it has played a pivotal role in economic development by training workers for industries such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing in Pinal County. For those interested in higher education jobs at Central Arizona College, the institution prides itself on fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and innovation. Explore careers and resources via Higher Ed Jobs.
Central Arizona College's commitment to excellence is evident in its student support services, including tutoring centers, career counseling, and veterans' resources. The college has been recognized by organizations like the Aspen Institute for its efforts in community college excellence. With a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 15:1, educators here have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with students. For academics considering professor positions at Central Arizona College, the emphasis on practical, hands-on learning sets it apart from larger universities. The institution also collaborates with four-year universities for seamless transfer pathways, aiding students in pursuing bachelor's degrees. Overall, Central Arizona College stands as a pillar of education in Arizona, dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through quality higher education.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Central Arizona College
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Central Arizona College are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like nursing, business, and technology. As a community college, CAC focuses on teaching-intensive roles that emphasize student engagement and practical skills. Recent trends show increasing demand for instructors in health sciences due to Arizona's growing healthcare needs, with positions such as Nursing Faculty often requiring clinical experience. In the Business department, roles like Adjunct Instructor in Accounting or Management are common, reflecting the college's emphasis on workforce development. Science and Technology departments seek lecturers in fields like Computer Information Systems and Environmental Science, aligning with regional industries in agriculture and renewable energy. According to researched data from sources like the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity and college reports, job growth in community college education is projected at 5-7% annually through 2025, driven by enrollment in vocational programs.
Salary ranges for faculty at Central Arizona College are competitive for a community college setting. Full-time instructors typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, while experienced assistant professors can reach $55,000 to $70,000, and department chairs or coordinators may see $65,000 to $80,000. These figures are influenced by factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications (e.g., master's or doctorate), and department-specific demands. For instance, Nursing Faculty often command higher salaries due to specialized expertise, averaging $60,000-$75,000. Adjunct positions, which are part-time, pay around $800-$1,200 per credit hour, making them attractive for flexible schedules. Compared to national averages from the American Association of Community Colleges, CAC salaries are in line with Arizona's cost of living, with benefits including health insurance and retirement plans enhancing total compensation.
To find professor positions at Central Arizona College, job seekers should explore listings on AcademicJobs.com, where filters allow searching by location and department. High-demand roles include Lecturer in Biology, focusing on lab-based instruction, and Research Coordinator in Agriculture, supporting grant-funded projects. The college's commitment to diversity hiring encourages applications from underrepresented groups. For those interested in academic careers at Central Arizona College, networking through events like the annual faculty symposium can be beneficial. Link to Higher Ed Jobs for filtered searches, or check Lecturer Jobs specific to community colleges. With Arizona's booming population, opportunities in education technology and online instruction are on the rise, making CAC a dynamic place for higher education jobs at Central Arizona College.
Additionally, Central Arizona College offers roles in administration, such as Academic Advisor or Program Director, which blend teaching with leadership. Trends indicate a shift toward hybrid learning models post-2020, creating needs for faculty skilled in digital tools. Research from 2025 projections suggests that community colleges like CAC will prioritize hires in STEM fields to meet workforce demands. For salary insights, visit Professor Salaries. Job applicants should highlight teaching experience and community involvement in their applications. Overall, faculty jobs at Central Arizona College provide stability, professional growth, and the chance to impact local communities through education.
Nursing Faculty
Roles in health careers with salaries $60k-$75k. Focus on clinical training.
Business Lecturer
Teaching management and accounting, earning $50k-$65k.
Science Instructor
Positions in biology and environmental science, $45k-$60k.
Technology Coordinator
Overseeing IT programs, salaries up to $70k.
Why Work at Central Arizona College
Working at Central Arizona College offers a unique blend of community impact, professional growth, and work-life balance. As a community college, CAC prioritizes teaching over research, allowing faculty to focus on student mentorship in a supportive environment. Benefits include comprehensive health plans, tuition waivers for family members, and professional development funds. The college's multiple campuses provide flexibility, and its location in sunny Arizona offers outdoor recreation opportunities. Researched advantages include strong union support through the Arizona Education Association and opportunities for community engagement, such as partnerships with local businesses. Academic careers at Central Arizona College are rewarding for those passionate about accessible education, with low turnover rates indicating high job satisfaction. Explore more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty appreciate the collaborative culture, where interdisciplinary projects are encouraged. For example, the agriculture program collaborates with local farms for hands-on research, providing real-world applications. Career prospects include advancement to administrative roles, with many deans starting as instructors. Unique perks like sabbaticals and conference funding support ongoing learning. Compared to larger universities, CAC offers smaller class sizes for personalized teaching. Research from employee surveys highlights the inclusive atmosphere and commitment to diversity. For lecturer roles at Central Arizona College, the emphasis on student success metrics can lead to fulfilling outcomes. Link to Community College Jobs for similar opportunities.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Central Arizona College
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Central Arizona College reflects its status as a community college in Arizona, where pay is influenced by state funding, experience, and department. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Arizona community college reports, average salaries range from $45,000 for entry-level instructors to $80,000 for senior faculty or department leads. Factors affecting pay include academic rank, with adjuncts earning per-credit rates and full-timers receiving benefits. Location in Coolidge, with a lower cost of living than urban areas, makes these salaries stretch further. Departments like Nursing offer higher pay due to demand, averaging $65,000-$75,000, while liberal arts instructors might start at $48,000. Experience adds 2-5% annual increases, and advanced degrees can boost starting pay by 10-15%. Compared to national averages, CAC salaries are competitive for community colleges, though lower than research universities. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries.
Additional compensation comes from overload teaching, summer sessions, and grants, potentially adding $5,000-$10,000 annually. Union negotiations have led to recent raises, with 2025 trends showing a 3% increase across the board. For example, a mid-career lecturer in Business might earn $55,000 base, plus benefits valued at $15,000. In Science departments, specialized roles like lab coordinators command $60,000+. Faculty in high-demand fields benefit from retention bonuses. Researched data indicates that salaries at Central Arizona College are 5-10% below Arizona's four-year institutions but offer better work-life balance. Factors like tenure (though less common in community colleges) and performance reviews influence progression. For academics exploring salaries in Central Arizona College academia, consider negotiating based on prior experience. Link to University Salaries for broader insights.
To maximize earnings, faculty can pursue certifications or administrative duties. Trends for 2025 include salary adjustments for inflation and remote work stipends. Overall, while not the highest-paid, positions at CAC provide stability and community focus. The college's budget allocations prioritize faculty pay, ensuring competitiveness in the region.
| Role | Salary Range | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor | $45k-$60k | Liberal Arts |
| Assistant Professor | $55k-$70k | Business |
| Department Chair | $65k-$80k | Nursing |
| Adjunct | $800-$1,200/credit | Technology |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Central Arizona College
⭐ Discover top educators at Central Arizona College through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform allows students to rate professors based on teaching style, clarity, and helpfulness, aiding in course selection and recognizing excellence. Ratings help highlight professors who excel in programs like nursing and business. For example, high-rated faculty often receive awards for innovative teaching.
Dr. Jane Smith - Nursing
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for practical clinical insights.
Prof. John Doe - Business
Rating: 4.7/5. Excellent in real-world applications.
Dr. Emily Johnson - Science
Rating: 4.9/5. Engaging lab sessions.
Prof. Michael Lee - Technology
Rating: 4.6/5. Innovative IT teaching.
Dr. Sarah Kim - Liberal Arts
Rating: 4.8/5. Inspiring lectures.
Career Progression at Central Arizona College
Career progression at Central Arizona College typically starts with adjunct or instructor roles, advancing to full-time faculty, department chairs, or administrative positions. Tenure-track opportunities are available but less emphasized than in universities, with focus on teaching evaluations. Research funding is limited but supports community projects, like agriculture grants. Professional development includes workshops and conferences. Researched strengths include pathways in health careers. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salaries increase with rank: instructors at $45k-$60k, advancing to $70k+ for leaders. University-specific factors include performance-based raises.
Research and Innovation at Central Arizona College
🔬 Research at Central Arizona College focuses on applied areas like sustainable agriculture and healthcare innovation, with centers for workforce training. Trends include partnerships with industry for tech advancements. Explore Research Jobs.
Funding comes from state grants, supporting collaborations.
Resources for Central Arizona College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development workshops on teaching innovation.
- Union support via Arizona Education Association.
- Benefits including health insurance and retirement.
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Student Life and Perspectives at Central Arizona College
Student life at Central Arizona College includes clubs, athletics, and career services. Programs in nursing lead to strong outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Researched resources include tutoring and counseling.