Yavapai College District Governing Board Names Doug Berry as Acting President

The Yavapai College District Governing Board voted during its July 29, 2026, meeting to appoint Doug Berry, Ph.D., as acting president, effective immediately. Berry currently serves as Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs at Yavapai College. The appointment follows the boards understanding of the resignation of Lisa Rhine, Ph.D. as President of Yavapai College.

“The Governing Board has the utmost confidence in Dr. Berry to lead the College and continue providing the highest quality education to the students we serve,” said Steve Bracety, Chairperson of the Yavapai College District Governing Board. “We look forward to working in partnership with Dr. Berry and the College’s Executive Leadership Team to build on the continued success of Yavapai College. We thank Dr. Rhine for her service to the College and wish her every success in her future endeavors.”

Berry said he is honored to be selected as acting president and looks forward to working with the College’s faculty, staff, and Governing Board to continue serving students and the community.

“Yavapai College is one of the premier community colleges in the country, recognized for its innovation and commitment to providing students with a high-quality education,” Berry said. “We have an outstanding leadership team, and our faculty and staff are deeply committed to the College’s mission. I am confident Yavapai College will continue to be an industry leader and one of the best community colleges in the nation.”

Prior to joining Yavapai College’s leadership team, Berry served as Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the Maricopa County Community College District. He also served as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Paradise Valley Community College, where he was responsible for planning, directing, evaluating, and overseeing the college’s Academic Affairs division.

Berry holds a Ph.D. in General Psychology, with a research emphasis in emotional intelligence and team cohesion, from Capella University; a Master of Arts in Sports and Exercise Psychology from Argosy University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University.

_____

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.