A Legacy of Leadership

Mark Smith Bryce

2002 – 2018

Gherald L. Hoopes Jr.

1984 – 2002

Gherald L. Hoopes Jr. became president of Eastern Arizona College in 1984, bringing a vision of excellence in every area of the College. Under his leadership, EAC launched its Cosmetology Program, improved student living conditions, and achieved critical financial stability through the establishment of equalization funding, securing the College’s future. Known for his steady leadership and commitment to progress, Hoopes laid the foundation for sustained success in academics, facilities, and student services.

Wayne M. McGrath

1976 – 1983

Wayne M. McGrath, a Duncan, Arizona native, served as president of Eastern Arizona College from 1977 to 1984. A former basketball player at both EAC and NAU, he began his career as a teacher and coach in Duncan before joining EAC in 1960 as a faculty member. During his presidency, he oversaw the expansion of the Art Department to include graphic design. Reflecting on his time at EAC, he wrote, “The most treasured memory I’ll take with me is the knowledge that the people of the valley trusted me enough to be a part of Eastern’s destiny for nearly a quarter century.”

Dean A. Curtis

1965- 1976

A Thatcher native and Gila Junior College alumnus, Dr. Dean A. Curtis served as president of Eastern Arizona College from 1965 to 1976. He led transformative growth, including the construction of the Fine Arts Center, Vocational-Technical Building, and Learning Resource Center, and established EAC’s first Nursing Program. Under his leadership, enrollment grew from 800 to 5,000 students, leaving a legacy of innovation and dedication.

Paul E. Guitteau

1951 – 1965

Born in South Bend, Indiana, Paul E. Guitteau served as a teacher and superintendent at Thatcher Public Schools from 1926 to 1945 before becoming president of Eastern Arizona College in 1951. A builder and visionary leader, he oversaw the development of South Campus, improved faculty salaries, and boosted morale. After retiring, he became superintendent of Tucson Diocese Schools, continuing his legacy of educational leadership.

Delbert R. Jerome

Acting President:  January – September 1947

Delbert R. Jerome served as acting president of Eastern Arizona Junior College from January to September 1947. Assisted by Wesley Taylor, he led the College during President Harless’ leave of absence.

William H. Harless

1944 – 1951

Born on February 14, 1902, in Kelsey, Texas, William H. Harless became president of Gila Junior College in 1944. During his tenure, he oversaw significant changes, including the introduction of a vocational-technical program and the renaming of the school to Eastern Arizona Junior College in 1947.

William C. Kauffman

Acting President:  June – August 1944

William C. Kauffman served briefly as president of Gila Junior College in 1944, bridging the transition between Monroe H. Clark and William H. Harless. During his tenure, he revitalized campus life by making the Little Theatre a hub of activity.

Monroe H. Clark

1940 – 1944

Monroe H. Clark became president of Gila Junior College in 1940 after serving as a faculty member under the previous three presidents. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a new dormitory and guided the College through the wartime years with participation in the Defense Program.

E. Edgar Fuller

1933 – 1939

Edgar Fuller, a Gila College alumnus who attended from 1923 to 1925, became president of Gila Junior College in 1933, the first to lead it as a public institution. He furthered his education at Brigham Young University and the University of Chicago. During his tenure, he spearheaded campus improvements, including upgrades to the College field and stadium, the addition of new buildings, and improved sidewalks, laying the groundwork for future growth.

Harvey L. Taylor

1927 – 1933

Born on August 28, 1894, in Harrisville, Utah, Harvey Lewis Taylor became president of Gila Junior College in 1927. During his tenure, he oversaw significant improvements, including completing the gymnasium, expanding the library, enhancing music program facilities, and increasing faculty retention. Taylor also led the campaign to transition Gila College into a public institution, paving the way for its future growth.

Eugene Hilton

1925 – 1927

Born on November 12, 1889, in Virgin City, Utah, Eugene Hilton became president of Gila College in 1925 after serving as a teacher and secretary-treasurer. During his two-year tenure, he completed the College’s transition to a junior college, advanced the construction of the gymnasium, and updated the library, leaving a lasting impact on the institution.

Ross Smoot Bean

Acting President:  1923 – 1924

Ross S. Bean, a science teacher and secretary-treasurer of Gila Normal College, served as interim president following Leland H. Creer’s departure in 1924. Under his leadership, the College operated smoothly until Eugene Hilton assumed the presidency in 1925.

Leland Creer

1920 – 1923

Born on April 19, 1895, in Spanish Fork, Utah, Leland H. Creer became president of Gila Academy in 1920. During his tenure, he initiated the transition from an academy to a junior college, including renaming the school to Gila Normal College, setting the stage for its future growth.

Andrew C. Peterson

1905 – 1920

Born on September 24, 1870, in Gunnison, Utah, Andrew C. Petersen served as principal of the L.D.S. Academy from 1917 to 1920. Previously a teacher and secretary-treasurer of the Board of Education, Petersen oversaw the renaming of the school to Gila Academy and significantly expanded its programs and curriculum.

John F. Nash

1903 – 1905

John F. Nash was born on May 24, 1865, in Sicard Flat, California. He began his career as a teacher at the L.D.S. Academy in 1898 and was later appointed principal in 1903. During his tenure, Nash successfully secured funding to expand the academy’s facilities and organized a public relations tour to promote the school and increase enrollment across Arizona.

Karl Emil Maeser

1897 – 1903

Karl Emil Maeser became principal of St. Joseph Stake Academy in 1898, following his efforts to reopen the institution. Born on March 29, 1866, in Salt Lake City and raised in Provo, he taught at Brigham Young Academy for eight years before moving to Thatcher. Under his leadership, the academy was renamed the L.D.S. Academy, and he founded the Alumni Association.

Thomas E. Williams

1895 – 1896

Thomas E. Williams became principal of St. Joseph Stake Academy in the fall of 1895. Previously a teacher at the academy since 1893, Williams served as principal until 1896, when the academy temporarily closed due to financial hardships in the Gila Valley.

George Cluff

1891 – 1895

George Cluff, born on April 29, 1860, in Provo, Utah, became the second principal of St. Joseph Stake Academy in 1891. During his tenure, he oversaw significant expansions that enhanced the learning environment and guided the academy through financial challenges critical to its future.

Joy Dunyon

1890 – 1891

Joy W. Dunyon was born on November 25, 1865, in Salt Lake City. He was sent to Thatcher by Dr. Karl G. Maeser, principal of Brigham Young Academy and Superintendent of the Church School System, to establish the academy.