YC Associate Dean Heather Mulcaire opens doors in the Verde Valley
By Michael Grady
Heather Mulcaire has a nice office on Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus … and you’ll never find her there.
“I feel like the day is a failure if I’m not out and meeting people,” she said, laughing. “Finding out what students need, how class is working for them…” As Verde Campus Associate Dean, Heather is always on the move. “I could be at the greenhouse in the morning, over at Home Depot buying supplies, then washing dishes and pouring wine because I’m working front-of-house for a recreational cooking class. Whatever it takes to support our programs.”
A Verde Valley native, Heather understands the transformative power of education and works daily to share it with her community.
“My family is in agriculture, construction and real estate. I grew up on construction sites.” The oldest of four, Heather worked her way through high school. She was apprehensive about college, but enrolled at Yavapai Colle to earn an Agriculture certificate and it changed her life.
“I remember how the people here were all very caring. I’m the first in my family to go to college, so it’s not like my parents knew how to maneuver this.” Yavapai College’s teachers and staff created an environment that helped her relax, learn and achieve. “They were just so great here.”
The experience made her a passionate advocate for education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education at the University of Arizona, then returned to Mingus High School, where she taught for 11 years. When an advising position opened up, Heather returned to Yavapai College, where she continues to work with a broad range of students.
“At our Skilled Trades Center, you have retired folks who want to take an HVAC class or learn how to build a shed. They mix with our high school students, who are just discovering their abilities.” The exchange of energy and wisdom is something to see. “I enjoy coaching that, watching my teachers guide them to develop new skills – and I’m excited to see more women taking classes in the trades.”
Since the Skilled Trades Center opened in 2020, a large number of women have signed up for construction classes. “They’re very organized, and show a lot of attention to detail. They’re really good, especially at carpentry. But they’re quiet leaders. The job is always done right the first time, and they’re great about building relationships in the classroom.”
Yavapai College’s labs, kitchens and classrooms are a melting pot of genders and generations, and Heather enjoys being in the thick of it. “Our teachers are phenomenal. The stuff they’re doing in the classroom is inspiring.”
And she enjoys being the ambassador, holding the door open for the next generation.
Learn more about Yavapai College at www.yc.edu.