(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 16, 2004) - Phoenix College selects Sharon Halford of Denver, Colorado as the new associate dean of instruction. Halford brings extensive knowledge to the position as an experienced community college professional from the Community College of Aurora.

Since 1992, Halford has worked in various capacities for the Community College of Aurora. Among those positions, she has served as the coordinator for professional and technical education, assistant to the vice president for instruction, assistant to the dean of business and professional studies division, chair of the public service department and professor/coordinator for the service learning program.

While at Aurora, she designed and implemented an orientation and e-mentoring program for faculty and collaborated with faculty to identify student learning outcomes. Additionally, she provided leadership for the Assessment of Student Achievement Project, gained American Bar Association approval for the paralegal program and developed a mediation program to meet the emerging community needs.

Halford has been active within her community. She is a volunteer for Junior Achievement and member of the Colorado Bar Association. She is also involved in the Community College National Center for Community Engagement and the Colorado Campus Compact.

Currently, Halford is a doctoral candidate in Education and Human Resources at Colorado State University. She has received a M.A. in Criminal Justice and B.S. in Education from the University of Colorado.

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