Chacon assumes dean role on South
by Ines Salomon, reporter

     The new dean of student development and educational services on South Campus looks forward to working at TCC.

     “Everyone here at TCC is very friendly and helpful,” Daniel Chacon said.

     Chacon believes that TCC is lucky to have such great and warm people in this community. He believes people are key. As dean of students, Chacon would like to enhance the concept of student centeredness.

     “We are here for the students, and they are very important to this campus,” he said.

     Dr. Ernest Thomas, South Campus president, is confident that Chacon possesses the attributes and skills to make very positive contributions to TCC’s learning community.

     “I am extremely thrilled and pleased that a new dean with a wealth of experience and support for student success has joined us,” Thomas said.

     Chacon brings over 20 years of professional and leadership experience in all aspects of student development to TCC. He received his B.S. from Arizona State College and his M.A. from Northern Arizona University.

     The new administrator has served as dean of student development at various colleges, where many of his colleagues have described him as a “student-focused team player.”

     Thomas believes that with all three main administrators—president, dean of instruction and dean of students—now in place, the three can enhance the social and intellectual interaction with the student body. Thomas said they will be able to work together to be more responsive to the needs of each student.

     Chacon believes in getting as involved as possible with the students and also personally communicating with them. This interaction will allow for enhancement in our learning community and also in the student environment.

     Chacon’s philosophy is that students “are the reason for our work.” They deserve respect and the college’s best efforts to provide a quality educational environment for them.

     The new dean would like every student to know that they are always welcome in his office.

     Chacon says that he wants to know the student concerns and needs so that he can focus on those concerns to enhance South Campus’ educational environment.