Phoenix GateWay Community College names new president
After serving for more than two years as GateWay Community College’s interim president, Amy Diaz has been given the permanent job.
GateWay and the Maricopa County Community College District announced Diaz would take the role as GWCC president after having conducted a nationwide search to fill the post. She will take office on April 15.
Diaz is the school’s first permanent president in three years. She stepped into the interim role on the first day of 2021, when she took over for Maria Wise, who retired while also serving as interim president. Before Wise, GWCC’s president for seven years was Steven Gonzales, who was named chancellor of MCCCD last year after serving as interim chancellor since January 2020.
Gonzales said Diaz has shown impressive dedication and ethical stewardship during her time as interim leader at GWCC.
“For over two years, she has led GateWay Community College with integrity, focus, and compassion, driving success and reinforcing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Gonzales said in a statement. “I am excited to continue working alongside Dr. Diaz as we expand GWCC’s crucial workforce programs in both credit and clock hour offerings.”
Diaz has a doctorate in educational psychology and a master’s degree in counseling for higher education from Northern Illinois. Her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa is in secondary math education. Diaz is also a member the seventh cohort of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship.
Diaz said she looks forward to discussing the school’s next steps with stakeholders.
“GateWay Community College holds a special place in my heart,” Diaz said in a statement. “It is where I serve students, faculty, and staff to ensure we meet our mission of educating the community and changing lives.”