staff
Director - Brian Goegan. Ph.D.
Dr. Brian Goegan, a Residential Faculty member at our college, teaches Economics and Statistics with a unique blend of enthusiasm and humor. With a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. Goegan is passionate about uncovering the fascinating insights that basic economics and statistics can reveal about our world.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Goegan is an avid movie enthusiast and coding hobbyist, constantly working on new projects. As the incoming director of our Honors program, he is excited to bring his innovative approach and energy to foster an enriching environment for our exceptional students.
Email: brian.goegan@paradisevalley.edu
Director- John Douglass, Ph.D.
John Douglass is in his fifth year as an Honors Director at PVCC, and eleventh year teaching at Paradise Valley Community College. He currently teaches the honors hybrid section of GPH 111, two sections of the Honors Lecture Forum, one online sections of GPH 211 Landform Processes, and an in person section of GCU 221 Arizona Geography.
John earned his doctorate from Arizona State University in Geography, Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University in Rural Geography, and Bachelor’s from Northern Arizona University in Geography and a minor in Geology. When he is not teaching he enjoys hiking with his puppy dog, playing D&D, and disc golf.
Email: john.douglass@paradisevalley.edu
Honors Coordinator - Ashanti Ruiz, B.A.
Ashanti Ruiz is a proud graduate of Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University, where she earned her degree in Justice Studies with a focus on Arizona immigration and a certificate in Socio-Legal Studies. As a first-generation college student, she is deeply passionate about student success and committed to empowering those around her.
A former Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) officer and recipient of the prestigious All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship, Ashanti is always eager to support others in their academic journeys, offering guidance and advice—especially in scholarship writing and applications.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Ashanti enjoys baking, cooking, painting, and spending time with her two beloved chihuahuas, Coco and Butter. She has a vibrant taste in music, with favorites including corridos, rap, banda, and R&B. Her favorite color is pink, which reflects her bright and energetic personality.
Ashanti continues to be a dedicated advocate and catalyst for change through her volunteer efforts, educational background, and involvement in various community organizations.
Email: ashanti.ruiz@paradisevalley.edu
Office Assistant - Alexis Payton Cisneros, A.A
Alexis currently serves as Honors Program Office Assistant. She is a former Presidential Honors Scholarship recipient and Honors graduate from PVCC. She has engaged in many campus opportunities including being a member of PTK and PSI Beta. She was also a peer mentor during her final year at PVCC in FYE103 and Honors SOC101. Alexis is dedicated to helping students make the full potential of their college experience. She is now taking her studies to ASU to complete a BS in Psychology. She hopes to continue her education journey until she reaches her doctorate.
Email: amanda.payton.cisneros@paradisevalley.edu