THATCHER — With the snip of a bedazzled scissors, Eastern Arizona College doubled its ability to instruct the next generation of hair stylists, manicurists and estheticians.
Thursday morning, EAC conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the new Cosmetology Program facility.
“Our community has entrusted Eastern Arizona College with an important responsibility — to prepare students for meaningful careers and to strengthen the workforce that sustains this region. This building is, simply, one example of that incredible commitment,” EAC President Todd Haynie said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Community members were then given a tour of the new facility that features:
- 19 station clinic floor
- 8 station manicure lab
- 5 station pedicure lab
- 6 bed esthetics lab
- Color bar
- Student practice salon
- 2 25-student classrooms
- 1 skincare classroom
- Locker room
- Kitchen/snack room
The 12,000 square-foot facility doubles the space of the old cosmetology building, allowing students to come off the wait list and enroll in the program that offers three certificates and one Associate’s degree.
“Training in a space like this is a game-changer,” said student Gracie Stearns. “We now have access to modern classrooms and state-of-the art equipment that we would find in top-tier salons. It is truly a professional environment and will push us to step up our game every single day.”
The budget for construction of the facility, along with the Copper Mountain Clinic Thatcher and space for an urgent care, was $16 million and Haynie said the project came in about $400,000 under budget.
The EAC Cosmetology program also serves the community. Customers can get haircuts, styles, color and textures; nail services; skin care and waxings. Call 928-428-8237 for an appointment.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
