Faculty & Staff

Faculty composition, qualifications, and diversity data for South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, AZ.

Phoenix, AZ

🎓 Leadership

Dr. Veronica Hipolito

President

Chief Administrator

📊 How Does the Instructional Staff at South Mountain Community College Compare?

The faculty at South Mountain Community College comprises 52 instructors, supporting a 20.0:1 student-to-faculty ratio that's well above average. Students can expect meaningful engagement with their teachers.

👨‍🏫
52
Total Instructional Staff
🎯
52
Core Faculty
👥
20.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Very Good - Strong student support
🛡️
4.8%
Job Security Index

How South Mountain Community College Compares

South Mountain Community College maintains a 20.0:1 student-to-faculty ratio — better than most trade schools achieve. 52 total instructional staff and 52 core faculty reflect a deliberate investment in instructional capacity. Smaller ratios usually correlate with stronger completion rates and tighter feedback loops in skills training.

🎯 What Does a 20.0:1 Student-Faculty Ratio at South Mountain Community College Mean for You?

At 20.0:1, the student-faculty ratio at South Mountain Community College is a real advantage. Smaller groups mean more time with your instructors.

👍 Very Good - Strong student support

What This Means For Your Education:

Regular interaction with instructors

Good balance of attention and independence

Manageable class sizes for discussion

Faculty available for guidance and support

Opportunities for meaningful relationships

How This Compares

Typical for:

Quality private colleges, well-funded state schools

Industry Context:

Small colleges/specialized programs: 8:1 - 20:1
Average trade schools: 15:1 - 30:1
Large universities: 25:1 - 50:1
Online-heavy institutions: 50:1+

Faculty Composition & Diversity

52
Total Instructional Staff
52
Total Faculty
42.3%
Faculty of Color

Tenure Status Distribution

Tenure Status
Tenured

Faculty with permanent positions

3.8%
2 faculty
Tenure-Track

Faculty on path to tenure

1.9%
1 faculty
Non-Tenure Track

Contract-based faculty

5.8%
3 faculty

Faculty Composition Summary

Faculty Size:52 faculty members

Job Security:4% have tenure, 2% are tenure-track

Diversity:42% faculty of color, 31% underrepresented minorities

📊 Complete Faculty-Student Ratio Analysis

The official student-to-faculty ratio for this institution:

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Good
20.0:1

What it measures:Official IPEDS ratio using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty

Why it matters:The standard metric used by College Navigator and official comparisons

🎯 Understanding This Ratio

This is the official ratio reported to the U.S. Department of Education, calculated using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty. FTE adjusts for part-time enrollment and staffing, giving a more accurate picture of actual class sizes than raw headcounts. This is the same ratio shown on College Navigator and used in official comparisons.

🌟 Why Does Faculty Diversity at South Mountain Community College Matter?

South Mountain Community College's faculty includes 42% instructors of color, reflecting a strong commitment to diverse representation. Here's how students benefit.

Real-World Industry Representation

Industry Connections

Diverse faculty bring connections across different sectors and companies, expanding job opportunities for graduates.

Cultural Competency

Faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to work effectively in multicultural workplace environments.

Role Models & Mentorship

Students see themselves reflected in faculty, increasing confidence and career aspirations in their chosen trades.

Academic & Job Security Benefits

Teaching Continuity

Higher tenure rates mean more stable, long-term relationships between students and experienced instructors.

Investment in Excellence

Institutions with secure faculty positions attract and retain higher-quality instructors committed to student success.

Program Consistency

Lower faculty turnover ensures curriculum consistency and ongoing improvements to training programs.

Faculty Performance Benchmarks

Faculty-to-Student Ratios

Lower ratios indicate more personalized attention for students

Student-to-Faculty Ratio (IPEDS)

Official FTE-based ratio

20.0:1
Average

Ratios shown as students per faculty member. Lower numbers indicate smaller class sizes and more individual attention.

Performance Summary

Student Support: Overall faculty-to-student ratio of 20.0:1 (average)

🏆 What makes our instructors exceptional?

Industry-Certified Professionals

Our instructors hold current certifications and licenses in their respective trades, ensuring students learn the most up-to-date skills and standards.

Hands-On Experience

Faculty members bring years of real-world experience from the field, providing students with practical insights that go beyond textbook learning.

Small Class Focus

Low student-to-instructor ratios ensure personalized attention, individualized feedback, and hands-on guidance for every student.

Continuous Professional Development

Faculty regularly attend industry conferences, update certifications, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies.

🤝 Who supports your success beyond the classroom?

Beyond our expert instructors, a dedicated team of professionals supports your educational journey and career success.

Academic Advisors

Guide your program selection, course planning, and academic progress to ensure you graduate on time and job-ready.

Career Services Team

Provide job placement assistance, resume writing help, interview preparation, and connections to local employers actively hiring.

Financial Aid Counselors

Help you navigate financial aid options, scholarships, payment plans, and budgeting strategies to make education affordable.

Student Success Coaches

Offer tutoring, study skills development, personal counseling, and resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed.

💡 Key Takeaways About Faculty at South Mountain Community College

1

The college employs 52 instructional staff members, providing a 20.0:1 student-faculty ratio.

2

The faculty includes 42% faculty of color, reflecting diverse perspectives and industry connections.

Bottom Line: The teaching team at South Mountain Community College may include more adjunct and contract faculty, which can mean more current industry connections. Evaluate the overall learning experience rather than tenure alone.

0 of 3
+ Add school+ Add school+ Add school
Compare Now