Phoenix College | 100 Years of Excellence| 1920 - 2020
In 1920, the City of Phoenix was a burgeoning metropolis and the Phoenix Union High School (PUHS) was a highly successful school district, but there were few post-secondary educational opportunities available to Phoenix residents. Two PUHS District administrators envisioned a two-year college and consulted with the University of Arizona to design curriculum.
On September 13, 1920 Phoenix College welcomed its first students, and was initially housed in three small cottages on the PUHS campus on Taylor Street and 6th Avenue. Programs of study included: chemistry, English, home economics, mathematics, mechanical arts, military training, physical training and Spanish. In 1926, the College relocated to its first stand-alone campus, a mansion called Anderson House on Cottonwood Court, across the street from the high school.
Phoenix College grew from its first class of 18 students to enrollment today of more than 12,000, housed on a 50-acre campus in the heart of Phoenix at 11th Avenue and Thomas Road. PC has a long history as a pioneering institution, with a special place in the history of Phoenix and Arizona. PC's founders envisioned the College as a place of inclusion, and the College continues to be a place of diversity, equity and access.
Phoenix College is dedicated to providing student-centered teaching and learning experiences that inspire the lifelong pursuit of educational, professional, and personal goals. PC's vision is to be the premier provider of student-centered learning opportunities for our community to go far close to home.
Vision, Mission, Values
PC Vision
Phoenix College will be the premier provider of student-centered learning opportunities for our community to go far close to home.
PC Mission
Phoenix College serves our diverse community with student-centered teaching and learning experiences that inspire the lifelong pursuit of educational, professional, and personal goals.
PC Basics: Core Values
Engagement
We connect with our campus and community through clear and frequent communications, collaborations, and the valuing of differences.
Excellence
We promote quality teaching and learning experiences that prepare individuals for life, work, and leadership.
Innovation
We support learning, discovery, informed risk taking, and an entrepreneurial spirit that creates new possibilities.
Integrity
We are committed to the highest principles of academic, professional, and personal conduct.
Respect
We value deliberation, tolerance, and our obligation to treat each other with dignity, fairness, and civility.
Stewardship
We are committed to prudent management of our resources.
Learning College Principles
Four learning principles drive the learning college concept:
Evaluation
Evaluation guides every decision making process by asking the question, "How does this improve and support learning?"
Communication
We communicate expectations required at all levels of the institution by choosing common vocabulary, clear language, and open dialogue.
Collaboration
A shared vision for a learning and learner-centered college is cooperatively constructed by the institution, the community it serves, and the partners to whom the institution is accountable.
Responsibility
Learners are responsible for their learning.
Read the complete learning principles on the Learning College web pages.
