Vice President, Academic Affairs

Vice President, Academic Affairs - Dr. CJ Wurster

Interim VPAA - CJ WursterDr. CJ Wurster has been with the Maricopa County Community College District since 2010.  In his current leadership position, as the Vice President of Academic Affairs, he oversees 17 Academic Departments as well as the Academic Support Services.  Additionally, he is serving as the Project Administrator for the current Title V Grant and helping to lead the college through its HLC Open Pathways Accreditation. 

Dr. Wurster has served MCCCD in various leadership roles such as Executive Director, Associate Dean, and Dean at GateWay Community College.  Just prior to his current role, he served as District Director of Academic Affairs where he effectively co-led the systemwide work toward launching Maricopa’s first bachelor’s degrees.  He was a long-time member of the Occupational Administrator’s Council and Joint Instructional Deans Council, and has been very active in the District’s Pathway Mapping and Curriculum Redesign work. 

He is a first-generation college student who earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Master's in Administration/Project Management through Northern Arizona University.  His Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice was earned through Rochester Institute of Technology, where he was also captain of the men’s basketball team.  He is a graduate of The Chair Academy and the AACC John E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute.  Recently, he completed the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Postsecondary Leadership Success Fellowship Program (PLSP), along with other higher education leaders from across the country.

CJ is originally from central New York, and has lived in the Phoenix area for over 20 years.  In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Kara and daughters Grace (17) and Reagan (3).  He also enjoys participating in endurance sports, such as distance running and triathlons.

“I am so excited and honored to join the Phoenix College team.  There is such incredible history and pride at this institution, with a central focus on student success.  With a commitment to shared governance, transparency, and equity, I embrace the opportunity to provide leadership and support toward education and workforce solutions for the communities that PC serves.  Let’s go Bears!”

 

Academic Affairs Organizational Chart