Cochise College President Search

James Perey, EdD, has been selected to serve as the 12th president of Cochise College, effective February 2025.

“James brings a wealth of experience that aligns with the college’s mission to serve students and the community. He understands and knows our college, the communities and its leaders best,” said Governing Board Chair Tim Quinn, a retired Army Colonel. “His optimism, visionary leadership, and genuine care for the college’s staff, students and their families form a strong foundation from which he will fulfill his duties and responsibilities as the next Cochise College President.”

After a comprehensive worldwide search, over 70 applications were received for the new president and CEO position. The college contracted with the Association of Community College Trustees organization to conduct the six-month-long search. Then, a 16-member presidential search committee comprised of county community members and college faculty and staff narrowed the applicant list to eight semi-finalists. The search committee interviewed the semi-finalists and selected the top three candidates. Two candidates withdrew from the search due to personal and professional considerations.

The five-member governing board interviewed Dr. Perey and considered public feedback during their final deliberations. At the December 17 public meeting, the Governing Board unanimously and wholeheartedly endorsed Dr. Perey as the next Cochise College President.

Dr. Perey currently serves as the college’s executive vice president for academics. He is an experienced educator with over 27 years of leadership and teaching experience across K-12 and higher education. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Perey is dedicated to service and community engagement. An Arizona native and U.S. Army veteran, Dr. Perey received his doctoral degree in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Arizona. 

J.D. Rottweiler, PhD, the current president and CEO of the college, will remain in his role through February 15, 2025, and continue as a special assistant through his retirement date in early March 2025 to ensure a seamless transition. 

“We look forward to working alongside James as he and the dedicated college staff continue to educate and train future generations of students and families in Cochise County,” adds Quinn.

Community College Advocate

• Advocates effectively for Cochise College at the local, state, and national levels by being a passionate expert about the role of community colleges in rural Arizona.
• Serves as an excellent spokesperson, possessing the skills to navigate complicated and sensitive political environments.

Shared Governance Advocate

• Practices collaborative leadership and open and transparent decision-making that includes all constituent groups and by doing so creates a positive campus climate.
• Embraces policy governance and works collaboratively with the elected governing board to fulfill the guiding principles of the college, including its mission, vision, values, and goals.

Resource Developer

• Ensures financial support for college programs by possessing a clear understanding of sound financial management practices, acknowledging and planning for the uncertainty of state funding, and being adept at acquiring external resources through a variety of means.
• Recruits, retains, and develops new leaders at all levels in the institution as competition for talent remains high and the need for different sets of skills increases.
• Interacts comfortably with a variety of diverse cultures and promotes an administration, faculty, staff and student body that is reflective of Cochise County’s demographics.

Visionary and Strategic Leader

• Provides a clear vision that aligns with the college’s mission, inspiring and motivating the college’s stakeholders to embrace the vision.
• Serves as an effective change agent leading the college in its commitment to excellence.
• Positions the college to support the city of Douglas and the region as it prepares for expanded commercial and civilian Ports of Entry.

College and Community Leader

• Maximizes enrollments at the two main campuses and each extended learning center by identifying and responding to changing demographics and emerging community needs.
• Communicates and collaborates with the leadership of Fort Huachuca, whose military personnel comprise a major portion of the college’s student population.
• Promotes current college programs and initiates new programs in support of building a skilled local workforce through partnerships with business, government, public agencies, and educational entities that contributes to local economic development.

Student Success Champion

• Supports the identification and provision of traditional and alternative style learning opportunities and support services promoting student engagement and success, including the use of successful new and emerging technology.
• Leads the college in expanding access for its students to higher education, including development of new certificate, associate degree, and baccalaureate degree programs to meet the needs of local and regional communities.

Visionary Leadership

• Empowers and encourages creativity and innovation through visionary and strategic thinking and openness to change.
• Displays empathy and self-awareness while also conducting themselves ethically and honestly in all actions.
• Values and dedicates time and effort to working effectively with an elected governing board.

Mission-Driven Advocacy

• Serves as the compelling public face of educational expertise, garnering support and resources at the local, state and national levels.
• Understands, values, and can speak comprehensively about the rural community college mission.

Continuous Partnership Development

• Builds strong, productive relationships with key local community and military leaders in order to advance student success.
• Sustains relationships with military leaders on Fort Huachuca to improve military student success; K-12 school administrators to improve dual enrollment; university partners to advance transfer outcomes; and employers and others in the economic development of our communities.

Effective Communicator and People-Focused

• Exhibits excellent writing, listening, and oral communication skills.
• Practices collaborative decision-making and open exchange of information.
• Is authentic, approachable, accessible, flexible, patient, and respectful to others.

Strong Workforce and Economic Development

• Views Cochise College as a leading contributor to the workforce and economic development of the region.
• Is committed to the advancement and success of Cochise College and Cochise County.

Cultural Appreciation and Community Engagement

• Understands the challenges and opportunities of working and living in a rural environment in a southern border county.
• Recognizes, adapts, and interacts effectively with a variety of cultures and communities.
• Is familiar with the opportunities of being a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
• Values the opportunity to provide educational services to military personnel.

Financial Oversight

• Possesses strong fiscal management skills and is experienced in the acquisition of resources at local, state and federal levels.

Human Resource Development

• Builds and sustains high-quality organizational management and operational structures that recruit, retain, and develop talented leaders, faculty and staff.
• Encourages employee engagement in community activities and organizations while leading by example.

Positive Student Experience

• Actively promotes and champions learning and student success.
• Interacts directly with students and ensures that their voices are heard.
• Demonstrates a commitment to student success through holistic support, encouraging student involvement and promoting athletic programs with an emphasis on inclusivity and belonging.

State-of-the-Art Technology

• Understands and supports the appropriate role and use of technology in higher education.
• Leads the leveraging of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, mixed reality, and other advanced technologies to enhance college operations and student learning.