Sonya Pearson

Sonya Pearson is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and lives in the San Tan Valley. She joined Mesa Community College in November 2007 as Dean and the National Council on Student Development in 2013 as Director At-Large. Her areas of responsibility include Enrollment Services, Compliance Programs/Specialized Educational Services, Student Conduct, Support and Retention Programs, Community Outreach & Early College, Recruitment, Student Life, Athletics, and Early Alert Referral Program.

Sonya brings more than 20 years of management and leadership experience in Student Affairs to MCC. She has extensive experience in working with at-risk populations, family and adult literacy programs (Head Start, GED and ESL), migrant programs, disability services, enrollment services, and community programs, worked as an adjunct professor and department head for the Academic Resource Center and College Success courses. She has vast experience working in multi-campus environments.

She holds a Juris Doctorate from Taft Law School and Ph.D. in organizational psychology from Walden University in Minneapolis and a master's degree in counseling and psychology from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Sonya is also a former Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma.

Service to the community is Sonya's personal mission. In addition to her educational and work experience, she has been involved with the United Food Bank, Red Cross, Relay for Life, Special Olympics, Economic Security, Urban League, Department of Workforce Development, Martin Luther King Committee, Margaret Hudson Alternative School for Pregnant Teens, Boys Home Alternative School, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and United Way. Sonya’s recognitions include:

Recognition for serving on the colleges first Women in STEAM Conference as Facilitator and Sponsor 2016

Outstanding Leadership in Education and Community Partnerships, Arizona Black Law Enforcement 2016

Vice President Serving Largest Community College in Maricopa Community College District, Who’s Who

Among Arizona Highest Ranking Female Leaders 2015

College Service Excellence Recognition for Development of the College’s first Early Alert Referral System, Student Success

Program Champion Mesa Community College 2012

Women of Distinction and Leadership Award, Maricopa Community College District 2011