In just one year as director of Paradise Valley Community College’s (PVCC) Esports program, Josh Moss has catapulted the program to national prominence. Under his leadership, all four PVCC Esports teams—Valorant, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate—earned a spot in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) playoffs, with three advancing to their respective championship games in their first season. For his efforts, Moss was nominated for four distinguished awards at the January 2025 Scholastic Esports Awards, including Program of the Year, Director of the Year, Educator of the Year, and the Phil Ala Game Changer Award.
“Josh is a student-centered leader so it comes as no surprise that he received these outstanding nominations,” said Dr. Jana Schwartz, PVCC President. “Josh has taken his passion for gaming and a commitment to community and turned it into a championship-caliber Esports program here at PVCC.”
With the guiding principle – All gamers are welcome here! – Moss has created a competitive and inclusive environment for Puma gamers. Leveraging his degree in Game Design from the Art Institutes and 15 years of industry experience, Moss has attracted students from diverse academic paths, including nursing, dental hygiene, paleontology, graphic design, and business. Through this approach, Moss ensures that students from all walks of life can find belonging in the esports community.
“I couldn't be more proud to represent the amazing work our students are doing to make PVCC the best college to choose for competitive collegiate gaming. It was an honor to be recognized amongst my peers from around the continent. These people are doing incredible things for students and esports, and I hope that this recognition takes us even further and showcases how important PVCC is to shaping the future of esports in the southwest to potential students, parents, and sponsors.”
Moss’ achievements have not gone unnoticed. Moss has been invited to participate as a panelist at the Spring NECC conference. Out of more than 250 colleges and universities, PVCC is one of only a few community colleges invited to present, joining Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University as the only Arizona institutions represented. This invitation highlights the program’s growing influence and Moss’s role as a leader in the esports education community.
“When we started the Esports program four years ago, we had the stated goal of making PVCC the epicenter for Esports in Arizona. We knew Josh possessed all the leadership qualities to make that a reality, and he has surpassed those expectations. He's really put this program on the map,” said Ryan Stone, English Division chair, PVCC.
Moss’s future plans are as ambitious as his first-year achievements. PVCC is set to double its roster for the spring 2025 season, expanding from four to eight teams for national competition. Recruitment is in full swing, and the program aims to continue its trajectory of success, inclusion, and industry relevance.
To learn more about PVCC’s Esports program, degrees, and certifications, visit the website. If interested in joining the team, check out Puma Esports social media – https://www.instagram.com/pvccesports/ and https://x.com/pvccesports.