Cochise College: Then and Now

Cochise College opened its doors in 1964 as one of the first community colleges in Arizona. Today, we provide high-quality associate's-level education, professional development and workforce training to about 14,000 students each year.

The establishment of our College can be attributed to the efforts of the dedicated citizens of Cochise County, who voted in 1961 to create a community college district. A 1962 bond election resulted in the construction of the Douglas Campus, a 540-acre facility featuring unique architecture, scenic landscaping, and panoramic views of the Mule and Chiricahua Mountains, as well as neighboring Sonora, Mexico. [Read Jack Ziegler's "A Brave Beginning," a history of how the College was established. PDF: 446 KB]

From the first semester, we have committed to serving citizens throughout the county. Our two campuses and three centers are located in an area rich in history, cultural diversity and natural beauty. Classes also are offered online, and, under a contract with Santa Cruz County, we began offering classes there in fall 2003.

Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista grew rapidly since the 1960s, and, after several years of providing classes in a network of temporary locations, we opened the Sierra Vista Campus on North Colombo Avenue in 1978. [Read Jack Ziegler's "A Brave New World," which tells the story of the Sierra Vista Campus. PDF: 603 KB] 

Our centers in Benson, Nogales and Willcox provide classes, computer labs, library access, distance learning, admissions, registration, placement assessment and financial aid services to students in those areas.

Driven by teaching and learning, access and diversity, and the use of technology and innovative instruction, we now focus on the College as a learning community. We continue to expand general education programs while also addressing the needs of the healthcare and technology industries.

In addition, our community-directed programs include Adult Education, the Career Services Center, the Center for Economic Research, the Small Business Development Center, and Workforce Training and Community Education.

Cochise College Historical Publications
Retired Cochise College instructor Jack Ziegler has authored two books about the history of Cochise College.

• "A Brave Beginning" tells the story of the establishment of Cochise College, paints a picture of 1960s Cochise County, and provides interesting insights from many of those who made it happen. PDF: 446 KB.

• "A Brave New World" focuses on shifting county demographics and the population growth in the Sierra Vista/Fort Huachuca area that ultimately led to the opening of the Sierra Vista Campus. PDF: 603 KB

Ziegler is originally from New Jersey. After being discharged from the Army at Fort Huachuca in 1972, he worked for Cochise College as an administrator and English and humanities teacher. He retired in 2004.