THATCHER — Tammy Powers, director of the Alumni Library at Eastern Arizona College, asked those in the library Thursday to imagine they were assembling a 500-piece puzzle. And then imagine the satisfaction of the placing the last piece to complete the puzzle.
She said that’s how she felt when the ribbon was cut for the grand opening of the remodeled Media Center at the library.
“We expect our students to do a plethora of their projects (at the Media Center) and we expect the community to come in and use those services as well,” Powers said.
The newly Media Center is the final component of the remodeled Alumni Library, following improved study rooms, the Student Learning Center and the Career Service Center on the second floor.
“Today’s students need places where they can create, collaborate and connect,” Powers said,” whether it’s producing videos, conducting online research or working together on digital projects.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
EAC President Todd Haynie said the college’s strategic plan is to move forward with remodels and new construction to meet the needs of students and the community.
“We have intentionally looked at each of our areas to see what needs to be improved, renovated, strengthened or added,” Haynie said.
The college has worked out an agreement with Pima Unified School District to use part of the old high school building for industrial tech programs that serve dual enrollment students in Pima and Fort Thomas, which will alleviate some pressure in the Industrial Technology Education Center.
Haynie said at some point in the future the college will have to develop a new, larger Skill Center, due to increased demand. He also said college leadership would like to expand on athletic and wellness facilities in the future as well.
However, the next major development is quickly coming to fruition, as construction of the new Cosmetology building and MGRMC Copper Mountain Clinic Thatcher is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.
