Women Who Teach

Prescott has always been a place where people still believe in community, where business owners know their customers, students know their professors, and neighbors still show up for each other. When I moved here and joined Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, I quickly realized that success in Prescott is not defined only by professional achievement. It is defined by service, relationships, and impact.

I serve as the Program Chair and a Professor for the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. My work focuses on teaching students how to investigate financial crimes, analyze complex data, and protect organizations from fraud. Before coming to Prescott, I spent over a decade working in government auditing and fraud investigations, including directing audits protecting billions in public pension assets and participating in criminal fraud cases.

Throughout its history, Prescott’s music has been a link that brings community together with its many venues, musicians, actors, and theater. For Erin Johnson, Choral Director and Performing Arts Coordinator for Prescott Unified School District (PUSD), music is more than a subject in the classes she teaches. It’s a way to bridge an even broader connection with students, schools, and the Prescott community. Johnson has taught music at nearly every school within the district during her 13 years and currently leads choirs at Mile High Middle School and Prescott High School for students in grades seven through 12.

As a long-time educator, Jeanette has built relationships with families she continues to see every day throughout town. “Life becomes full circle when the children of my former students come to my school. Having worked at multiple schools means I have extended family on multiple campuses. I enjoy working with these people who help me work through all the various challenging parts about being in public education. I don’t get that level of support anywhere else, and it is extremely important and gratifying.”   

In a landmark season for Prescott High School (PHS), the Girls Track and Field team made history in its 2025 season by securing the school’s first-ever girls state championship title. The athletes themselves and the steadfast leadership of Athletic Director Missy Townsend made the moment possible.

Yavapai College is breaking new ground in higher education with the launch of its accelerated Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Program. Designed to make college more affordable, accessible, and career-focused, this new model offers students the opportunity to earn a full bachelor’s degree in less time and at a fraction of the cost of traditional four-year institutions.

When Sheryl Gillum looks out across Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Prescott campus each June, she sees more than classrooms and dorm halls—she sees possibility. As a long-time Arizonan and director of Embry-Riddle’s Upward Bound program, Sheryl has become a familiar face in the community, guiding underserved local teens toward the promise of higher education.

This summer, 34 bright students arrived at ERAU—eager to begin a six-week journey filled with academic challenges, leadership workshops and life-changing experiences.