University of Arizona Yuma Programs
The University of Arizona is fully committed to Yuma and to sustaining and growing the educational opportunities, research partnerships, and community engagement that have long been a hallmark of our presence in the region. As the state’s flagship land-grant institution, our mission is to serve all of Arizona, and Yuma plays a vital role in fulfilling that promise.
Commitment to Engineering Education in Yuma
The College of Engineering remains fully invested in Yuma’s engineering programs, including systems, industrial, and biosystems engineering, and in maintaining in-person instruction that meets the needs of local students and industry. We will be posting a position for a Professor of Practice (Open Rank) in Yuma to replace a departing faculty member, ensuring continuity in face-to-face teaching. We anticipate filling this position by January 2026.
In the near term, ENGR 498A/B senior design courses will continue to be offered in Yuma for students entering their senior year. With the leadership of our future faculty hire and the expertise of Nicholas Bahr, students will have access to multiple, locally relevant projects in partnership with the community and industry.
Arizona Online Integration and Local Impact
The Yuma Academic Center’s integration into Arizona Online strengthens operational capacity while preserving the distinctive in-person experiences that the Yuma community values. Students in Yuma will continue to benefit from face-to-face instruction tailored to local needs, while also gaining access to Arizona Online’s comprehensive student success services — including dedicated success coaches, mental health resources, and career readiness tools. This integration expands our ability to support Yuma students while maintaining the strong community connections, applied learning, and workforce-aligned programs that define the University of Arizona in Yuma.
Broader Commitment to Yuma Partnerships
Our engagement in Yuma extends well beyond academics. We are actively exploring ways to strengthen transfer pathways for students from Arizona Western College. We will continue working with regional employers, including Yuma Proving Ground, MCAS Yuma, and agricultural technology companies, to create opportunities for internships, senior design projects, and career pathways for graduates. Recent successes, such as securing $1.3 million in support for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA), demonstrate our ongoing investment in Yuma’s economic vitality and our commitment to addressing regional priorities through research, innovation, and workforce development.
The University of Arizona’s leadership, including President Suresh Garimella, Provost Patricia Prelock, and College of Engineering Craig M. Berge Dean David W. Hahn, is united in affirming that Yuma will continue to be a valued partner and a critical part of our mission to serve the state through excellence in education, research, and community engagement, as detailed in the university’s strategic imperatives: Delivering on Our Promise.
