Cochise College recognizes the profession of teaching as a lifetime commitment for many members of its faculty. The college annually seeks nominations for faculty emeritus, a distinction that recognizes this commitment. After all, where would we be without quality instruction? Cochise is very fortunate to have an exceptional and dedicated teaching staff.
To qualify for faculty emeritus recognition, individuals must have retired from Cochise College within the last five years, served as a faculty member at the college for 10 or more years anytime during their tenure, and consistently made significant meritorious contributions to the instructional process. In every sense practicable, emeriti faculty are considered professional peers of the faculty and staff of Cochise College.
Three individuals recommended to and approved by the Governing Board for emeritus status have all been integral, core members of the Cochise College learning community. They have retired, and the institution, while still a great one, isn’t the same without them.
Tanya Biami was hired to teach English courses but diversified to teach a variety of classes, like humanities, journalism, and intercultural and mass communication. Over 28 years, she proved to be much more than a faculty member. By the time she retired in 2020, she added Native American literature and reading to her repertoire, worked with students to host the greater community at campus Native American celebrations, advised and performed extensively with the Dance Club, chaired the Fine Arts & Humanities department and mentored her successor, and worked with faculty to revive the college newspaper and develop a media arts program. Her visibility with community efforts from the Sierra Vista Cultural Diversity Fair to the Mayor’s Arts and Humanities Awards invited the community to engage with the college. Tanya’s passion for the college community led to her nomination as faculty emeritus. To Tanya, we say, “Dance on.”
Cochise College plays a significant role in the training of local information security professionals thanks, in part, to Dan Guilmette. Dan taught part time prior to becoming a full-time CIS/information security faculty member in 2003. Today’s cybersecurity training program, AFCEA Computer Challenge, and CyberPatriots programs all owe their development to Dan, whose complete commitment to students and the college mission made him a leader among his peers. He was known to accommodate students by keeping labs and office hours open late or offering individuals the opportunity to take exams on Sundays. He chaired the department and was diligent about updating courses and making sure faculty needs were met. He chaired the collegewide curriculum committee for many years. As a board member of the local Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association chapter, he brought together faculty, community volunteers and county schools each spring for a day of computer-related competitions. He is directly responsible for the college hosting the largest CyberPatriots program in the state; students come from all over to participate in practices and competitions. Dan remains an exceptional ambassador for the college and is dedicated, first and foremost, to students.
Cochise College athletes sustained consistent competitive and academic success since Dr. James “Bo” Hall (‘71), who played baseball at Cochise as a student, became a member of the staff in 1983. Bo’s Cochise College career began with coaching baseball, and he later transitioned to athletic director, a role that allowed him to spread the philosophy that while there are limits in professional sports, participants should have an education that will open other doors for the rest of their lives. Competitors in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, rodeo and women’s soccer all strive to meet the high academic standards of Cochise College Athletics, and Cochise College has had numerous academic all-Americans. Baseball teams throughout his tenure made it to the postseason and earned two berths in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series, finishing eighth and third in the nation. Bo later became dean and then executive dean of student services, a leadership role that allowed him to have an impact on the entire student body. Since retiring in 2021, he has continued to serve the institution by providing specialized assistance related to his prior role as dean and mentoring his successor in athletics. The college named the baseball field in his honor in April.
These faculty will be honored by their peers at convocation in August, and their names will forever appear on the list of emeritus honorees. I congratulate them on a job well done.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up