By Jon Johnson
PIMA – Community leaders, educators, students, and residents gathered to celebrate a milestone in local education on Thursday as Eastern Arizona College (EAC) officially opened its new Skilled Trades Building in Pima, transforming part of a former high school building into a hub for skilled trades education.
The ribbon-cutting event highlighted the power of collaboration, bringing together EAC, Pima Unified School District, the Gila Institute for Technology (GIFT), and other partners to expand access to hands-on learning opportunities. This marks the first time EAC has established an official facility in Pima since the college’s founding in 1888, symbolizing a commitment to serving the broader Graham County region.
The ceremony, held at the site of the repurposed building, drew a crowd eager to witness this unique and historic event. Attendees included local dignitaries, educators, students, and community members, all united in their enthusiasm for the facility’s potential to foster workforce development, lifelong learning, and economic growth. The event underscored Pima’s rapid population expansion, which is outpacing the state average, and positioned the new center as a key driver for sustainable progress. The building being repurposed was originally part of Pima’s old high school’s CTE expansion and was built more recently than the rest of the school.
EAC President Todd Haynie kicked off the proceedings with a warm welcome.
“We anticipated that it would be a lot cooler than it is. I brought a couple of jackets, and I don’t think I need any of them, actually,” Haynie quipped, setting a lighthearted tone.
He expressed gratitude to those in attendance and emphasized the significance of the occasion.
“We are excited to be here at Pima Schools for this unique and historic event. On behalf of Eastern Arizona College and the district governing board… It’s my pleasure to be here. Again, we’d like to thank all of you for coming out and being part of this event as we celebrate the opening of Eastern Arizona College’s Industrial Technology Facility here in Pima. This is an important and exciting moment for Eastern Arizona College… Since our founding in 1888, EAC has proudly served this entire region. Today marks the very first time an official Eastern Arizona College facility will be located and opened its doors here in the town of Pima.”
Haynie’s remarks carried a personal touch, and he shared that his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father all grew up in Pima, with his grandfather Clarence Haynie serving as the town’s mayor. His father even graduated from the old Pima High School.
“Frankly, on a personal note, it’s an honor and a privilege to be able to be the college president to do this… So, it’s a pleasure for me to be here representing the college and here in the town of Pima,” Haynie added, before acknowledging special guests, including representatives from partnering organizations.
Following Haynie’s introduction, EAC Dean of Business, Computers, Industrial Technical Education, and Prison Programs Kevin Peck took the stage to highlight the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition. Peck described the facility as a testament to strategic partnerships and their lasting impact on students and the community.
“It is really, really exciting to be here today,” Peck said. “To not only talk about what this facility means for our community, but also what this means for students and for lifelong learners here throughout our region. This project came together from really true collaboration between some real strategic partners and has resulted not only by what we see here on campus today, but what we will see continuing on in the future.”
With the new facility in Pima expanding opportunities in Pima, it has also opened up space for other opportunities – including an HVAC expansion – at the home Thatcher campus of EAC as well.
Peck extended thanks to key contributors on the project, starting with Pima Superintendent Emeritus Sean Rickert, whose vision initiated the repurposing of the building after the new high school was constructed. He also acknowledged a generous grant from the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, which funded expansions like six additional welding booths, HVAC upgrades, and electrical improvements. Additionally, Peck praised GIFT Superintendent Clay Emery and his team for their financial commitment and ongoing partnership. Inside the building, Peck explained, students will have access to classes in woodworking, upholstery, lapidary and gem making, and welding – programs designed to build practical skills.
The dean emphasized the facility’s role in serving dual-enrollment high school students through partnerships such as GIFT, where hundreds enroll in EAC classes each year while still in high school. He also spotlighted opportunities for older adults.
“Last year alone, we had over 1,600 students age 55 and older enrolled at Eastern Arizona College. That is nearly one third of our total enrollment… And, the best part of that is that Arizona residents age 55 and older can take those classes tuition-free.”
Peck invited the audience to envision themselves or loved ones engaging in these activities, from building furniture to welding projects, fostering intergenerational learning.
As a Pima Junior and GIFT student, Nia Berume provided a youthful perspective on the program’s transformative power. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she described how the classes have enriched her education and prepared her for the future.
“The GIFT program is a great blessing to be able to participate in. It has taught all of us who take it very valuable lessons, not only how to weld, but other life skills. It’s shown us all how to be a team and work together. I’m very grateful to be a part of this program and set up a career for myself,” Berume said.
She highlighted practical skills like reading a tape measure, building projects, and using tools, crediting her instructor, Mr. Van Green (the literal poster boy for the program), and the college staff.
“Being able to come to this class is definitely the best part of my day, and many of my classmates agree with that… I thank everyone who has made this possible for me, my classmates, and my friends.”
Pima Superintendent Emeritus Sean Rickert reflected on the building’s legacy and its seamless transition to EAC’s use. Rickert, in his final semester before retirement, humorously addressed his new title: “And we’re just wrapping things up. That’s why the uh, the emeritus comment. Thank you so much for that one… Nobody knows what to call me.” He explained how the facility, originally built to teach employable skills, became available after the new high school increased capacity. Recognizing a need for more welding space at EAC, Rickert initiated discussions that led to this partnership.
“You know, this is a great opportunity for the community of Pima… When I learned that there were students that wanted to take welding classes that couldn’t find a place uh to do the work because the college you know has has reached its capacity in those areas, you know I automatically thought well gosh there’s a welding lab that’s going to be sitting empty… That’s what it’s all about: is community, you know, coming together to achieve the needs.”
Pima Town Council Member Teresa Bailey framed the event within the context of Pima’s booming growth. She celebrated the partnership between EAC and the school district as a model for resource utilization.
“What a great day for Pima,” She said. “Our community is experiencing one of the strongest growth we’ve ever seen. In fact, Pima’s population growth is outpacing the state average. That’s the sign of momentum, confidence, and opportunity people see in our town.”
She emphasized how the facility provides accessible education and training, supporting local businesses and purposeful growth. Bailey thanked all involved, from EAC’s governing board to donors, and described the project as embodying hope for families, employers, and the community.
“Beyond academics, this facility represents hope,” she said. “Hope for families, hope for employers, and hope for a stronger, more resilient Pima.”
GIFT Superintendent Clay Emery echoed themes of collaboration and student empowerment. Introducing GIFT as a publicly funded district focused on technical and soft skills, Emery praised the community’s shared vision.
“Today is a great example of what can happen when members of a community get together and create and share a vision to benefit the community and benefit our young people,” Emery said. “Nia is a perfect example of that. She is, as if you visit with her, she radiates confidence… Girls make some of the best welders. They outdo the boys almost every single time.”
Emery shared impressive statistics: This year, GIFT enrolled 600 students in early college classes with EAC, with over 1,000 total through dual enrollment. Last year, 150 GIFT students participated in the EAC commencement, earning certificates or degrees. The new facility doubles welding capacity and fills up immediately with eager students. In his concluding remarks, President Haynie tied the event to EAC’s broader mission.
“As I’ve listened this morning to everyone’s remarks and comments on this facility and the opportunity… I don’t think I can overstate it how excited we are from the college’s perspective to be able to expand our presence here in the town of Pima… We have been guided by a clear mission to create opportunity, uplift individuals, and prepare students for what comes next… Last year, Eastern Arizona College awarded 876 degrees and certificates, an increase of more than 160 graduates from the year before.”
Following the speeches, participants cut the ribbon amid applause, and Dean Peck led a tour of the upgraded labs and classrooms. Attendees explored welding booths, woodworking areas, and spaces that will soon be used for gem making, envisioning the hands-on learning to come. This expansion not only addresses capacity issues but also strengthens the link between education and community needs, ensuring that Pima’s growth translates into opportunities for all ages.
