Who Will Be The Next Cochise College President?

Earlier in November, it was announced that longtime Cochise College President Dr. James Dale Rottweiler would be retiring from his position. He served from 2009 to 2024, and turned the school into a regional powerhouse.

Now, three finalists are vying for his spot. Let's break down the choices.

Dr. James Perey

First on the list is Dr. James Perey. He is currently serving as the Vice President of Academics at Cochise College, meaning he has an in-depth understanding of how the college runs. He has been in education for 27 years, and hopes to bring that experience to the students and staff at Cochise College. He also serves as the chair-elect of the Sky Islands Regional Partnership, as well as an ambassador for the Cochise County Sports, Tourism, and Film Authority.

Dr. Ian Roark

Second up is Dr. Ian Roark. Currently, he stands as the Vice Chancellor of Workforce and economic Development Initiatives at Pima Community College. He has 24 years of experience in education, as everything from a music and social studies teacher to a community college dean. His largest contribution at Pima was his push to align the college with state economic priorities, allowing for a more developed student body, ready for the workforce.

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Dr. Justin Hoggard

Lastly, is Dr. Justin Hoggard. He has been serving as Coastal Bend College's President since 2019. He's spent the last 20 years in education, mostly bringing secondary education to rural areas across the country. Hoggard is also an active member in his community, working with his local Chamber of Commerce, athletic associations, and more.

Read More:

Cochise College President Resigns

Make Your Voice Heard

The three will host forums to discuss why they should be the next choice in early December, and the public is invited and urged to attend.

For each candidate's forum visit:

Dr. Perey: Dec. 3rd

Dr. Roark: Dec. 4th

Dr. Hoggard: Dec. 5th