Arizona Western College President Dr. Daniel Corr has been named the recipient of the 2026 National Pacesetter award by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, according to an April 2 announcement.
The award recognizes Corr’s decade of leadership in higher education and his efforts to expand access for students at Arizona Western College (AWC). The honor was presented on March 19 in Washington, D.C., during NCMPR’s annual conference attended by marketing and communications professionals from two-year colleges across North America.
In his acceptance speech, Corr said, “On a daily basis, I get to work side by side with such talented professionals, many of whom have benefited from the support of NCMPR. As a result, we’ve created an environment on our campus that our students, the vast majority of them first-generation, feel supported, and welcomed like they belong.”
Lorraine Stofft, AWC Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the AWC Foundation said: “Dr. Corr has been a strong supporter of clear communications and for telling the stories of our college students, faculty, and staff since he came to the district nearly 10 years ago. He understands the value of brand, consistency, and connection with our media partners. His catch phrase ‘It’s a great day to be a Matador’ is often repeated around town. He wisely set the tone early with the tradition of starting and ending every major college event with a student speaker, and our colleagues love hearing their stories. He is a communications wiz!”
Corr had previously received recognition as District Pacesetter for NCMPR District 6 at its October conference in Las Vegas before advancing as a national honoree. Under his leadership at AWC over ten years—including support for rebranding efforts in 2022 and launching Matador Merch—the college has experienced record enrollment growth along with expanded early college programs.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs wrote in her letter supporting Corr’s nomination: “Under his leadership, AWC has grown to become a state leader in enrollment growth, transfer success, and early college enrollment. Arizona is fortunate to have leaders like Dr. Corr who continually strive to ensure that every learner has a pathway to success.”
Corr will retire from Arizona Western College this June after completing ten years as president.
