Time management is now one of Jonathon Van Ormer’s strongest skills as he prepares to transfer to Northern Arizona University this summer to complete his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Industrial Leadership degree.

Van Ormer, a mining applications engineer at Empire Southwest, is participating in the MCC/NAU 90/30 Bachelor Degree Completion Program. Empire Southwest, Northern Arizona University and Mesa Community College partner together to offer a college degree that helps Empire employees gain business insights and develop valuable skills to rise to leadership positions at Empire.

He completes his AAS in Organizational Management this summer and will participate in the ceremony on May 13.

As a family man who works full time and takes college classes, he’s a busy individual.

“I had to focus extensively on time management to complete the courses required,” said Van Ormer, who resides in Anthem. “My wife and two kids have been very supportive.”

Van Ormer, an Empire Southwest employee for four years, helps local companies like Freeport-McMoRan with copper mining. He said Arizona has a great deal of copper all over the state, in Safford, Globe-Miami, Bagdad and areas south of Tucson.

“I like being part of the team,” Van Ormer said. “Mining is a large challenge for our clients, with fierce competition. We have a good team to help our clients do business as they produce and supply copper wire and other products to places that need it. It’s a product that’s needed and good for the Arizona economy.”

When times got tough with his busy schedule, Van Ormer pushed through and relied on Mesa Community College staff to answer specific questions.

“Tiziana Marengo has been extremely helpful throughout my tenure at MCC,” he said. “She is always available to answer questions and provide guidance when necessary.”

Van Ormer is pleased to be able to take advantage of the opportunities the partnership between Empire Southwest, MCC and NAU offers.

“They provide us with a pathway for a degree utilizing college courses from MCC and credits from our company training,” he said. “My career goal is a leadership position within Empire Southwest’s mining division.”

Van Ormer said the program is an affordable and convenient path to earning a bachelor’s degree for Empire Southwest employees.

“It’s a unique program,” he said. “I appreciate the availability of online courses, as well as the willingness of staff to assist me when I have questions,” he said.