Cochise Newsroom

Cochise College has named Sheena Brown provost. She is an academic leader who has helped guide the college through accreditation, strengthen academic programs and advance efforts focused on student success. 

 

Dr. Brown joined the college in September 2022 as dean of academic affairs and served as interim vice president for academics beginning in February 2025. She officially began her new role as provost July 1. 

 

Her appointment brings continuity to one of the college’s key leadership positions as Cochise College builds on its recent accreditation reaffirmation and prepares for its next phase of academic and strategic planning. 

 

During her time at the college, Brown has led collegewide efforts focused on academic quality and continuous improvement. Her work has included assessment and academic program review, coordinating an environmental scan to inform strategic planning, and strengthening connections between academics and student services. 

She also played a key leadership role in Cochise College’s recent Higher Learning Commission accreditation reaffirmation. The extensive review examined the college’s academic quality, institutional effectiveness and commitment to continuous improvement. 

 

Cochise College’s accreditation was reaffirmed in 2026, with its next reaffirmation scheduled for the 2035-36 academic year. 

“Dr. Brown brings a strong understanding of Cochise College, our students and the communities we serve,” President James Perey said. “Her leadership through the accreditation process and her focus on academic quality and student success position the college well as we look ahead and continue strengthening the educational opportunities we provide.” 

 

As provost, Brown will help guide the college’s academic direction and work across departments to support students, faculty and academic programs. Her experience at the college gives her a solid understanding of the institution and provides continuity as the college moves into its next chapter. 

Brown’s path to academic leadership began in scientific research. 

 

Before joining Cochise College, she held academic, research and program leadership roles at the University of Arizona. Her experience include dean of academic affairs at Cochise College, program director at the University of Arizona College of Applied Science and Technology, research specialist at the University of Arizona office of research and discovery, and staff scientist at the University of Arizona department of neuroscience.

 

Brown earned a doctorate in zoology and anatomy and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Otago. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona.