By Jon Johnson
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College celebrated a major milestone Thursday morning, Aug. 13, hosting a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially open its new state-of-the-art Cosmetology Program facility at 951 N. College Ave.
The 12,000-square-foot facility nearly doubles the program’s student capacity—increasing enrollment limits from 70 to 130 students—after more than a decade of community demand exceeding available space. Following the morning ceremony and speeches, the public was welcomed inside for guided tours, interactive giveaways, and a firsthand look at the new salon floor and instructional labs.
The new building features three modern classrooms, specialized esthetics and nail technology rooms, a practice salon, a full-service main salon, student locker rooms, and break areas. It is part of a $15 million joint educational and healthcare project built at the corner of College Avenue and U.S. Highway 70, funded through EA reserve funds and state legislative support secured by District 19 lawmakers, without local bonding or tax increases. The adjacent 7,300-square-foot medical facility, owned by EA and leased to Mount Graham Regional Medical Center, now houses the Copper Mountain Clinic – Thatcher, with additional healthcare spaces planned for future expansion.
Honoring History and Community Investment
Welcoming community leaders, state officials, faculty, and students, EAC President Todd Haynie highlighted the generational impact of the new facility and reflected on the college’s deep roots in the Gila Valley.
“Today marks the completion of a project that represents an investment in our students, our workforce, and the future of all of the communities that we serve,” Haynie said.
Connecting Thursday’s ribbon cutting to EAC’s founding in 1888, Haynie shared the story of a time capsule uncovered in the early 1980s during the demolition of Old Main—a building constructed in 1908 following community fundraising efforts that included small donations from 856 local children.
“Inside are the original receipts from the families who helped build Old Main. These were not wealthy benefactors. They were hardworking families who came to this valley to build homes, farms, schools, and a better future for their children,” Haynie told the crowd. “For years, our cosmetology program maintained a waiting list because demand far exceeded our capacity… Today, students are already learning in this beautiful facility. This building represents far more than brick, steel, and concrete. It represents opportunity. It represents hope.”
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were members of the EAC District Governing Board, Arizona State Senator David Gowan, and Frank Migali, Executive Director of the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board.
A “Launchpad for the Future”
Introduced by Dr. Susan Wood, Vice President of Academic and Student Services, EAC cosmetology student Gracie Stearns shared how training in a modern, professional environment has transformed her cohort’s educational experience.
“Hair, skin, and nails aren’t just about aesthetics to us; they’re an art, a science, and a powerful way to make people feel good about themselves,” Stearns said. “Training in a space like this is a game changer. We now have access to modern classrooms and state-of-the-art equipment that we would find in top-tier salons… You didn’t just build a facility; you built a launchpad for my future as well as my classmates’.”
Stearns also invited community members to support the program by booking student-provided salon services, which run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Building Through Strong Partnerships
Designed by SPS+ Architects and constructed by CORE Construction, the project broke ground in March 2025 and reached completion this summer.
Seth Beer, Vice President of Education at CORE Construction, praised the collaborative effort between builders, architects, and college leadership to bring the vision from a dirt lot to a functional community asset.
“It’s exciting to have stood on a dirt field with a lot of anticipation and then to actually be inside the building where the vision has become a reality,” Beer said. “It’s not about the building; it’s about what happens inside of the building that is enabled by that. So, we’re just glad to be a part of it.”
Beer noted that CORE Construction was also proud to deliver the adjacent healthcare clinic shell, attributing the project’s success to a transparent partnership with EAC administration and facilities teams.
Following the formal ribbon cutting, guests toured the 12,000-square-foot center, collected promotional gift bags filled with hair and skin care products, and enjoyed refreshments provided by the college. Community members interested in scheduling low-cost appointments for haircuts, color treatments, manicures, or facials at the new facility can call the EA Cosmetology department directly at (928) 428-8237. The facility is open Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and “occasional” Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
