Senior Associate Vice President
Dr. Tamara Cochran serves as Senior Associate Vice President of Community Development at Rio Salado College, where she provides executive leadership for a broad portfolio of academic programs, student services, workforce development initiatives, and community partnerships. With more than 15 years of higher education leadership experience, Cochran is dedicated to expanding educational access and creating pathways that connect learners to college, career training, and meaningful employment opportunities.
Since joining Rio Salado in 2014, Cochran has served as dean, associate dean, director, instructional coordinator, and classroom instructor. Before joining Rio Salado, her experience included faculty and academic leadership, learning support, and private-sector roles in business, finance, and communications.
Under her leadership, Community Development has expanded integrated education and career training pathways, strengthened strategic partnerships, and more than tripled external grant funding to enhance educational opportunities and student support services. The division's innovative workforce development efforts have earned national recognition, including selection as a top 10 finalist for the 2026 Bellwether Award in Workforce Development.
A first-generation college graduate, Cochran holds a certificate in adult learning and development, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in technology, and a doctorate in education in organizational leadership.
Recognized with the Arizona Association for Lifelong Learning's Award of Excellence and Rio Salado College's President's Award of Excellence for Leadership in 2023, Cochran brings a commitment to collaboration, student success, and expanding opportunities for the communities Rio Salado serves.