Senior UA Leadership Visits the Pascua Yaqui Community
On September, 27, President Robbins and Provost Liesl Folks visited the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. This was President Robbins’ second visit and provided the opportunity to introduce Dr. Folks to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe leadership. Dr. Folks remarked that while it was only her 8th week as provost, she is keenly interested in working closely with the Tribe in closing the “achievement gap” through expansion of lifelong learning opportunities and workforce development for Pascua Yaqui citizens.
The UArizona guests were hosted by Robert Valencia, Chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and members of the tribal council. The meeting was an opportunity for UArizona senior leadership to meet Dr. Ann Par, the newly appointed Pascua Yaqui Tribe Director of Education. The discussion focused on future plans to advance educational opportunities for Pascua Yaqui tribal members.
Regent’s Professor Robert A. Williams, Jr. led the conversation on enhancing our growing relationship with the Tribe through the development of an intergovernmental agreement which will formalize our aspirations to address mutual interests and concerns, which include; development of a student recruitment and retention, life-long learning plans that focuses on continuing education and certificate training; as well as plans to enhance UArizona connections with Pascua Yaqui youth and parents.