Tohono O’odham Community College will inaugurate James Vander Hooven, as its fourth College President today. Dr. Vander Hooven comes to TOCC from Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, New Hampshire, where he served as Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
The inauguration ceremony will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building at Baboquivari High School in Topawa, Arizona. After the ceremony, the Tohono O’odham Youth Council will lead attendees in an O’odham Round Dance, and there will be a reception featuring waila music.
TOCC Vice President of Education Juana Jose said, “We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration to welcome our new College President. The public is invited to join in the event. You will enjoy hearing from Dr. Vander Hooven, who is known for his energy and sense of humor. We are already benefiting from his creative leadership at TOCC.”
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr., will recognize past TOCC presidents and other dignitaries, and the ceremony will feature greetings from students, faculty, and alumni. TOCC Board of Trustees President Bernard Siquieros will administer the oath of office, and President Vander Hooven will give an inaugural address.
Two college basketball games will follow the Presidential Inauguration at the gymnasium of Baboquivari High School (BHS). At 5:00 p.m., Salt Lake City College will play Pima Community College, and at 7:30 p.m., the Tohono O’odham Community College Jegos Men’s Basketball Team will play the Run and Gun basketball team. On Saturday, December 10, the TOCC Jegos will play Salt Lake City College at 7:00 p.m. in the BHS gymnasium.
Dr. Vander Hooven holds a B.A. in English from Ohio State University, an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Wyoming, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from The University of Maine. Dr. Vander Hooven has experience working with institutions through self-assessment and accreditation, which will be important for TOCC as it develops into the Tohono O’odham Nation’s center for higher education.
Dr. Vander Hooven lives with his wife Jennie Vander Hooven and their sons Jude and Jonah in Tucson, Arizona.