Dear Citizens of Graham County,
As president of Eastern Arizona College, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you who cast your vote to protect and sustain the college by passing Proposition 402 by a significant margin. By choosing to reset our expenditure limitation, which was originally set in 1979, you have ensured that we can continue delivering the education and opportunities that our students —and our community — can rely on for decades to come. This vote represents not only your support but a profound trust in the work that our faculty and staff do each day at EAC.
Since our founding in 1888, 136 years ago, this institution has been rooted in a mission to uplift and empower. Those early founders, mothers and fathers, in the 1880s sacrificed much to establish the small academy that would become Eastern Arizona College as a place where their children could access the transformative power of education. Their legacy lives on in every classroom, every lab, every lecture hall, and on every court, field, and performance space at the College. By passing Proposition 402, you have shown that this mission resonates with you, that you value the College’s impact on our community and its economy, and, most importantly, that you believe in the future of our students.
Your trust is the foundation of our strength. You have entrusted us to prepare students for vital roles in our local economy, from healthcare to education, from skilled trades to technology. We take this responsibility seriously, and it motivates us to strive for excellence in all that we do. It is a privilege to know that you believe in the value of our work, and that belief empowers us to press forward with confidence and purpose.
Looking ahead, we are excited about what this renewed sustaining trust makes possible. With stability in place, and using our existing funds, we will work to spend responsibly to continue our efforts at strengthening existing programs, incorporating new technologies, and creating even greater opportunities for our students. This is just the beginning of what we envision as an era of growth, innovation, and lasting impact in Graham County. We are committed to honoring your faith in us with transformational advancements and continued excellence, ensuring that Eastern Arizona College remains a source of pride for you.
To our voters, our faculty, and our staff: thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and your trust in EAC. This is not just a vote to keep the doors open; it is a vote of faith in our commitment to provide an exceptional, accessible, and affordable education for every student who walks through the doors.
We are honored by the trust you have placed in us and pledge to be worthy of it each and every day. Together, we are building a future worthy of our 136-year history and the vision of those early pioneers of the Gila Valley, ensuring that this institution remains a pillar of opportunity and success for all.
With gratitude and commitment,
Todd D. Haynie
President, Eastern Arizona College
