Cochise Newsroom

Cochise College has welcomed Dr. J. Michael Gaspar as assistant dean of business and career and technical education (CTE).

 

With 17 years of experience in education, Gaspar brings a practical, student-centered approach to connecting classroom learning with career opportunities, local employers and the regional workforce.

 

“Career and technical education matters because it transforms lives by connecting learning to opportunity,” Gaspar said. “It gives students the skills, confidence and pathways they need to build meaningful careers while strengthening the communities and industries they serve.”

 

In his new role, Gaspar said one of his goals is to be a servant leader by removing barriers and creating opportunities for success. “For students, that means making sure they have access to high quality programs, support and career pathways that lead to family-sustaining wages," added Gaspar. "For faculty, it means providing tools and resources for collaboration so they can continue doing what they do best - helping students learn. For industry partners, it means listening to workforce needs and working together to develop and retain skilled talent.”

 

Before joining Cochise College, Gaspar served as a faculty member and program director at Mesa Community College. There, he led curriculum development and helped create workforce pathways in sustainable horticulture and applied sciences. His experience includes working with students, faculty, employers and community partners to design programs that respond to changing workforce needs.

 

Gaspar's own path into education began with CTE. "Career and Technical Education played a significant role in shaping who I am today," Gaspar said. "As a student, my high school agriculture CTE program inspired me to pursue higher education and eventually a career in teaching. That experience led me to spend 11 years as a high school agriculture teacher and the past six years teaching in higher education. Now, I have the opportunity to support programs that help students discover their passions, develop valuable skills, and prepare for successful careers."

 

Gaspar holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Postsecondary and Community Leadership. His research focused on how career and technical education pathways influence educational attainment and workforce outcomes.

 

Through his leadership, Cochise College will continue to strengthen partnerships, expand workforce pathways and support students as they prepare for careers in business, technical education and high-demand fields across southeastern Arizona.

 

Students interested in business or career and technical education programs can learn more at cochise.edu.