Last Thursday, Pima Foundation and Pima Community College hosted a heartfelt welcome event for Chancellor Jeffrey Nasse, marking a new chapter for the college and the community it serves. The evening was filled with warmth and optimism, as donors, industry partners, college staff, and community members gathered to extend their support to Dr. Nasse and his wife, Krista. It was truly a celebration of hope, collaboration, and the bright future ahead for Pima Community College under his leadership.
Tucson, your sincere words of welcome are a testament to the strong bond between Pima Community College and the community. The welcoming of Chancellor Nasse is a significant moment as he steps into his new role, and we are all optimistic about his leadership as we move forward. Speaking on behalf of the PCC Faculty Senate, President Denise Riley mentioned just how “thrilled we are to have a new leader with such an extensive educational background that stems from the classroom”. His commitment to excellence and his vision for the future will undoubtedly strengthen PCC’s role as a beacon of opportunity in Southern Arizona and as a model for educational institutions nationwide.
Dr. Nasse brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, spanning collegiate teaching and administration across various institutions. From his time as Provost at Broward College to his leadership roles in academic affairs, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to forge strong teams that drive student success. Whether improving outcomes in Computer Science, Health Science, and Education programs or scaling innovative learning modalities, Dr. Nasse’s track record reflects a deep commitment to fostering student achievement.
In his remarks, Chancellor Nasse expressed his excitement to join the Pima family and his sense of responsibility in leading such a vital institution. “I am to my core, deeply committed to serving this community, by ensuring our community college, and it is THE community’s college, I take that very seriously, meets its obligation, it’s promise for opportunity to this community.”
Dr. Nasse’s leadership philosophy centers on placing students at the heart of every decision. His vision for the college’s future is one of collaboration, shared governance, and strengthening trust across the institution. He has embarked on a “Listening, Learning, and Leading” initiative for his first 100 days, engaging students, faculty, staff, and community partners to ensure the college’s continued success and to explore new opportunities for growth.
As Chancellor Nasse begins his journey with us, we are excited about the future he will help shape. His dedication to addressing systemic barriers and creating an inclusive environment where every student has the chance to thrive will ensure that Pima Community College continues to fulfill its mission as a transformative force in education. As Pima Community College’s Governing Board Chair, Theresa Riel put it, “I honestly have to say that you have done a lot of amazing, amazing things in your life and we are really fortunate, and we are lucky to have you here”.
To the entire Tucson community and all who welcomed Dr. Nasse, thank you for your continued support. Together, we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead as we embrace this new era for Pima Community College, because “it doesn’t take one Chancellor, it takes all of us embracing it and working together as one…we can come together and lend a hand to help Chancellor Nasse and this entire organization to help our students strive.” – Dustin Williams, Pima Country Superintendent.
Learn more about Chancellor Nasse here.
