AWC gets new controller, head of student life

The governing board of Arizona Western College approved four new employees at its meeting last week.

The new hires will fill a variety of positions across campus including jobs in finance, student housing, outreach/activities and radio. Candidates were presented for approval by Human Resources chief Kari Gardner.

Michelle Landis is the new director of financial services and controller. She has a Master of Arts in public administration from Western International University in Tempe, and worked as the controller for the Cochise Community College District until last fall, according to the college’s board minutes. Landis replaces longtime controller Dianna Doucette, who retired. Landis’ first day on the job was June 18.

Montrice O’Neal is the new director of Housing and Student Life at AWC. Currently the athletics event coordinator at Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City, Mo., he has a Bachelor of Science in physical education from North Carolina Central University and a master’s of education in counseling. He was a residential director for Lincoln from 2013-14, according to his biography on the Lincoln Athletics website.

Carmen Castaneda is the college’s new outreach and activities coordinator. She comes to AWC with a Master’s of Science in education from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M. She was recently a research assistant for the University of Arizona.

Victor Calderon, a former San Luis High School freshman English teacher, according to his Twitter account, will take a position as a news producer and host for KAWC, Arizona Western’s radio station at 88.9 FM (KAWC) and 1320 AM (KOFA). The station is a National Public Radio affiliate.

Calderon has a Master of Arts in English/writing from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

The board voted unanimously to approve all candidates.