Verde Valley News – Yavapai College has named Dr. Marylou Mercado as its Vice President of Workforce Development and Health Sciences.
Dr. Mercado has served as interim for the last two months. Before being named interim, she was the Associate Vice President of Health Sciences and Wellness.
As a member of the Yavapai College Executive Leadership Team, Dr. Mercado will oversee the Division of Workforce Development and Health Sciences, which includes the areas of Career and Technical Education, Health Science and Wellness, the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Adult Basic Education.
“I am excited to add Marylou to our Leadership Team. She is a perfect fit for YC and our communities,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, President of Yavapai College. “She is an outstanding leader and person, and her unwavering support for student success and awareness of community needs will play a large role at YC moving forward.”
Dr. Mercado brings with her many years of leadership in higher education and healthcare, along with numerous affiliations in local, state, and national organizations, and has created strong industry and community partnerships to help develop the future workforce of Yavapai County.
She has been at YC since 2018, where she has held positions of Director of Nursing, Dean of Health Sciences, Math, Engineering, and Adult Basic Education, and Associate Vice President of Health Science. Through these roles, she has served on numerous college and statewide committees and groups, helped develop academic programming that filled employers’ needs, helped secure federal and state grants, and created partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Before YC, Dr. Mercado served as the Associate Dean of Nursing at Moraine Park Technical College in West Bend, Wisconsin. She also has experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner and was a Wisconsin State Aide Evaluator.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.