**Press Release**

**Mohave Community College Welcomes New Dean of Student and Community Engagement**

*Lake Havasu City*—Mohave Community College (MCC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Jenna Lowder as the new Dean of Student and Community Engagement at the Lake Havasu City Campus. Dr. Lowder brings extensive experience in higher education, a genuine passion for serving students, and strong connections to the Lake Havasu community.

Dr. Lowder joins MCC following her tenure at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Lake Havasu campus, where she served as a faculty member and was instrumental in various academic and community initiatives. With the impending closure of ASU Lake Havasu, her transition to MCC underscores her commitment to advancing education and fostering student success in the region.

“We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Lowder to the MCC team,” said MCC President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein. “Her extensive experience in higher education, deep roots in Lake Havasu City, and dedication to student and community engagement make her an exceptional fit for this role. We also want to extend our gratitude to Dr. Maria Ayon for her outstanding service to MCC and the Lake Havasu community since 2020.”

Dr. Tramaine Rausaw, MCC Vice President of Student and Community Engagement, echoed this enthusiasm: “I am thrilled to have someone of Dr. Lowder’s caliber in the role of Dean at LHC. She is highly motivated, student success-oriented, and forward-thinking. Her involvement in the Lake Havasu community and experience with the Lake Havasu Unified School District, MCC, and most recently ASU Lake Havasu provides her with a strong foundation for success. Faculty and staff who met her during the interview process were inspired by her energy, ideas, and vision.”

Originally from Lake Havasu, Dr. Lowder began her higher education journey at MCC through the college’s partnership with Northern Arizona University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, two master’s degrees in English and educational leadership from NAU, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from ASU. Her dissertation focused on college choice in rural areas, specifically Lake Havasu City.

“I am beyond excited to join Mohave Community College as Dean of Student and Community Engagement,” expressed Dr. Lowder. “Having been both a student and adjunct faculty member at MCC, this feels like a homecoming. I look forward to working with the incredible MCC team to create a vibrant campus culture, foster student success, and build meaningful connections between students, faculty, and the local community.”

At ASU Lake Havasu, Dr. Lowder played a significant role in initiatives such as introducing a degree in elementary education to the campus, developing concurrent enrollment programs for high school students, and supporting student success through mentorship and leadership. She also acted as a liaison for community engagement, collaborating with local organizations like the Lake Havasu Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Havasu Museum of History.

In her new role, Dr. Lowder aims to enhance campus life, expand high school dual enrollment, and strengthen community partnerships to benefit students and local stakeholders. She is also eager to support MCC’s rebranding to Mohave College, aligning with the institution’s expanding academic offerings and regional role.

In her personal life, Dr. Lowder enjoys spending time with her family in Lake Havasu, kayaking, traveling, and pursuing her latest hobby, embroidery. She and her husband are raising their two children, who are in 6th and 7th grade locally.

Dr. Lowder succeeds Dr. Maria Ayon, who served since August 2020. MCC extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ayon for her dedication and contributions to the college and the Lake Havasu community.

As Dean of Student and Community Engagement, Dr. Lowder will play a pivotal role in fostering student success and community involvement, ensuring MCC continues to be a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation in Lake Havasu City.

MCC is currently enrolling students for upcoming semesters. New and returning students are encouraged to begin their journey at Mohave.edu/Admission. The first spring semester classes start January 13, with shorter-term classes beginning in February. Summer semester classes begin June 2.