THATCHER, Ariz. – Eastern Arizona College (EAC) celebrated the opening of its new Career Service Center today, a dedicated resource for preparing students for career success and enhancing connections with local employers. Community leaders, College officials, and special guests gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the center on the second floor of the EAC Alumni Library.

“The Career Service Center represents a pivotal step in fulfilling EAC’s mission by offering our students the resources they need to transition successfully from education to employment,” said EAC President Todd Haynie. “It will also serve as a bridge between EAC and the local business community, providing employers with direct access to a skilled talent pool of EAC students ready to take on new job opportunities.”

Speakers at the event underscored EAC’s essential role in supporting the region’s economic vitality. EAC’s Career Service Center aims to further address local workforce needs by connecting businesses with qualified candidates.

“EAC is truly an economic powerhouse for our community,” said Corina Pino-Reyes, president of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to contributing nearly $230 million annually to the local economy, EAC’s broader impact is remarkable. For every dollar the state of Arizona invests in EAC, society gains $9.40 in added income and social savings. This reflects the far-reaching benefits of having EAC at the heart of our region.”

The ceremony featured remarks from several key speakers, including EAC President Todd Haynie, EAC Career Pathways Coordinator Jinger Stephenson, EAC Career Service Center Director Alison Villalobos, Arizona@Work Business Service Representative Bobbie Reed, and Mexican Consul Rita Vargas-Torregrosa. Graham County Community College District Governing Board Member Tina McMaster was also in attendance.

A highlight of the event was Jinger Stephenson’s introduction of Camron Cosen from Bylas, the first student to benefit from the center’s services. With the center’s support, Cosen secured a campus job, enhanced his résumé, and participated in mock interviews to prepare for the role.

EAC’s Career Service Center was made possible by a $2.2 million Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students at all stages of their career development, offering services such as career exploration, résumé guidance, job board access, and hands-on experiences like internships.

The center also provides valuable resources for employers looking to connect with skilled candidates, offering job postings, internships, job shadowing opportunities, and workforce development workshops.

“Employers gain access to a pipeline of skilled, educated talent, while our students receive invaluable real-world experiences that prepare them for their future careers,” said Villalobos. “We’re thrilled to offer a range of services that help employers tap into this pool of emerging talent.”

EAC’s Career Service Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the second floor of the EAC Alumni Library, located at 3670 W. Church Street. For more information, visit www.eac.edu/careerservicecenter or call (928) 428-8609.