Traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Coconino Community College Kaibab Campus. Photos by Frank X. Moraga ©2025. SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW.
Also see: Arizona Daily Sun — Coconino Community College celebrates Kaibab Campus grand opening
FLAGSTAFF — Dozens of college, community and business supporters gathered on Aug. 16, 2025 at the new Coconino Community College Kaibab Campus for the grand opening for a facility that will provide hand-on instruction in automotive technology and serve as the home for the college’s growing trades training program, including a potential welding program.
The event included speeches by CCC President Dr. Eric Heiser and other college and community officials, the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, food and tours of the new facility, which previously served as the unused Flagstaff Chevrolet automotive repair center.
The event underscores CCC’s commitment to expanding career training pathways and preparing students for in-demand, high-wage jobs across northern Arizona, the college stated in a media release.
According to college officials, “the new 10,500-square-foot automotive training facility is designed to reflect the real-world environments of professional service centers. With equipment such as vehicle lifts, tire machines, and alignment systems, the space offers students hands-on experience and practical knowledge aligned with current industry standards.
Through CCC’s Automotive Technology Certificate, students build a strong technical foundation while gaining shop safety training, expert-led instruction, and live experience servicing and maintaining vehicles. The training also prepares students to earn nationally recognized certifications, including:
- ASE G1 Maintenance and Light Repair Certification – covering essential systems such as brakes, engine performance, HVAC, and electrical.
- EPA 609 Certification for Mobile Air Conditioning – ensuring students are trained to safely and legally service air conditioning systems.
- Service Writing and Customer Service Skills – equipping students to communicate repair needs and navigate customer-facing roles with confidence.
Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level automotive technician roles and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
The creation of the Kaibab Campus reflects CCC’s broader vision for accessible, affordable workforce training throughout Coconino County. The facility is the result of strong local partnerships and a shared goal of strengthening the regional talent pipeline.”
” ‘This grand opening highlights the ongoing and strategic collaboration between Coconino Community College and our community partners to deliver high-demand workforce training, ensuring Coconino County can train people locally, keep them local, and meet the evolving needs of our regional economy,'” said Dr. Sandra Hinski, CCC Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
“With this facility, CCC is also positioned to expand future offerings in areas such as automotive collision repair and welding training, building on its commitment to grow Career and Technical Education (CTE) across the region,” college officials stated in their media release.
New signage celebrates the grand opening of the new CCC Kaibab Campus.
CCC President Dr. Eric Heiser addresses the growing crowd.
Community members attending the event include Patricia Garcia, from left, member of the CCC Governing Board, United Way of Northern Arizona Executive Director Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta, Flagstaff City Councilmember Anthony Garcia and Coconino County 2nd District Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez.
