Tuesday, July 14, 2009

PC Faculty Member Appointed Director at the Raul H. Castro Institute

Maria Enciso, Phoenix College Spanish faculty member, has been appointed as the Director of the Raul H. Castro Institute (RCI).

“Maria brings a wealth of experience to the post, and I know she will continue the tradition of excellence established by all involved with the RCI,” said President Dr. Anna Solley.

Enciso has served as a Spanish faculty in the Foreign Language Department at Phoenix College since 1991. Prior to teaching at Phoenix College, Enciso taught as an adjunct faculty member at Northern Arizona University. She also taught for the Nogales Unified School District and for Phoenix Elementary School District.

“I have been teaching for more than 20 years and absolutely love teaching,” said Enciso. “I am happy that education is one of the priority areas for RCI.”

At Phoenix College, Enciso has had the opportunity to serve as chair of many committees. She served as the Title V Grant Director for three years at PC, and most recently she co-chaired the Retention Committee.

In 2006, Enciso received the Ronald McDonald House Charities Excellence in Education Award. For her continued professionalism and motivation to help students succeed through teaching and learning, The National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award was given to her twice.

“I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to act as the RCI Director. This new position will allow me to continue to grow professionally and personally,” she said. “I want to honor RCI’s intent and continue to add to the great work that has already been accomplished. I look forward to this new experience.”

Enciso will continue teaching Spanish while serving as the RCI Director where she’ll receive immediate direction from Solley in collaboration with members of the RCI Executive Committee.

Enciso has received three education degrees from Northern Arizona University. She holds a bachelor’s in Spanish and Secondary Education, a master’s degree in Bilingual/Multicultural Education, and a second master’s in Educational Leadership.

ABOUT THE RAUL H. CASTRO INSTITUTE:
The Raul H. Castro Institute (RCI), named after the Honorable Raul H. Castro the first and only Mexican-American Governor of Arizona (1975-1977), is a collaborative effort of the Office of the Governor - State of Arizona, Arizona State University - Center for Community Development & Civil Rights, Maricopa County Community College District, and Phoenix College. A non-profit organization, the RCI is a "do tank" focusing on issues that affect the Latino community in Arizona, with emphasis on education, health and human services, leadership and civic participation.

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