McNeal resident Don Hudgins will represent Precinct 2 on the Cochise College Governing Board beginning in April.

Hudgins, energy delivery manager for the Arizona Public Service Cochise and Mountain districts, fills the seat vacated by Dr. Michael Carter, who moved out of the area and resigned. He was appointed by Cochise County Superintendent of Schools Trudy Berry and begins his service on April 1.

Berry received eight applications from Precinct 2 residents seeking to fill the vacant board seat.

“The number of people who were interested in this position was amazing,” Berry said. “It’s great to see that individuals want to serve their community and be a part of the education process. Don Hudgins will be a wonderful complement to the Cochise College board.”

 In seeking the board seat, Hudgins cited his passion for the future of Cochise County, particularly in regard to education and access for local residents. A Bisbee native, he has been involved with the college for 11 years, supporting the Center for Economic Research, as a member of the Bisbee and Douglas Economic Advisory Committees, and as a member of the college President’s Advisory Committee for Douglas. Hudgins also was instrumental in bringing Arizona’s first commercial solar heating and air-conditioning system to the Douglas Campus, which was completed in cooperation with APS.

 “Cochise College has successfully set a high standard of excellence for all Arizona colleges to follow, from the quality of educational opportunities offered, to its students, creative planning and market agility, and fiscal responsibility,” Hudgins said. “Along with all other educational levels in our state, Cochise College is facing many new challenges in the near future, and it would be my honor to assist the Governing Board in navigating these difficult times.”

Hudgins also has been involved as a volunteer with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team, Arizona Rangers, Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission, Cochise Community Foundation Board, U.S. Border Patrol, and Citizen’s Advisory Board.

Precinct 2 of the Cochise County Community College District encompasses the communities and surrounding areas of Douglas, Pirtleville, Double Adobe, McNeal, Elfrida and Apache. Hudgins’ term expires Dec. 30, 2010, and the position will be up for election in November 2010, the date of the next general election.