By Jon Johnson
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College (EAC) and Mount Graham Regional Medical Center (MGRMC) are collaborating on a new 19,300-square-foot multi-use facility that will nearly double capacity for EAC’s in-demand Cosmetology Program while adding a convenient community healthcare clinic. The project, located on College Avenue across from the EAC Activities Center near the southeast corner of College Avenue and Highway 70, represents a significant investment in education, workforce training, and access to local healthcare.
At last month’s MGRMC quarterly meeting, Danny Smith, MGRMC’s Director of Marketing and Community Relations, highlighted the collaborative “friendly neighborhood situation” with the college. “We are building the building, and we are doing the tenant improvements in an effort to get healthcare a little bit closer to the community members,” he said. This marks MGRMC’s (operating as Copper Mountain Clinic Thatcher) first off-campus clinic. Providers are being selected, and operating hours and services are being finalized. The clinic is expected to serve college students and staff as well as the broader Thatcher and surrounding community, offering another world-class option for primary care and behavioral health services.
Facility Details and Benefits
The building includes approximately 12,000 square feet dedicated to cosmetology and 7,300 square feet for the medical clinic. The cosmetology space will feature three instructional classrooms, a skincare room, a manicure/pedicure room, a practice salon, a main salon, student locker rooms, a student/staff breakroom, two offices, restrooms, and a laundry room. This upgrade addresses a decade-long waiting list, increasing capacity from about 70 students to 130 and providing state-of-the-art, hands-on training for real-world experience.
The adjacent Copper Mountain Clinic Thatcher will expand access to primary care and behavioral health services. It will also serve as a clinical training site for EAC students in related healthcare programs, such as phlebotomy, imaging, and medical assisting.
Funding, Timeline, and Construction Update
The $15 million project is funded through EAC reserve funds and state support, with no bonding or tax increases required.
Groundbreaking occurred on March 11, 2025. Construction by CORE Construction (designed by SPS+ Architects) began thereafter and remains on track—and in some views ahead of schedule—for completion ahead of the Fall 2026 semester. Visible progress included completed exterior brick veneer on the cosmetology side, ongoing storefront work, interior texturing and painting prep, electrical rough-ins, and framing/plumbing/mechanical advances on the clinic portion. Site work on parking, grading, and utilities was also advancing.
As of May 2026, the project continues to move forward steadily toward its target opening. Monthly project updates on the EAC website confirm ongoing progress without major delays.
Community and Leadership Support
“This project represents a significant investment in both education and healthcare for our region,” EAC President Todd Haynie previously stated. “By doubling our cosmetology program’s capacity and expanding healthcare services, we are ensuring that students and community members alike have greater opportunities for growth and access to essential resources.”
Graham County Community College District Governing Board Chair Jeff Larson praised the long-term planning and support from District 19 legislators (Senator David Gowan, Representative Gail Griffin, and Representative Lupe Diaz). Architect Mark Davenport from SPS+ Architects previously called the design a “game changer,” highlighting the welcoming entrance structure that “literally opens its arms to welcome the community.”
This partnership exemplifies efficient use of public resources, strategic growth, and direct benefits to students and residents in the Gila Valley through enhanced training opportunities and closer-to-home healthcare.
