MESA, Arizona – October 1, 2026 -- Mesa Community College’s (MCC) student-run newspaper, The Mesa Legend, will host a conversation and Q&A with Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Dr. Terry Leyba Ruiz from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 in the Library, room 145, at the Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. All candidates for the office were invited to participate; Kimberly Yee has not confirmed participation. The event is free and open to the public.

Themed “Arizona’s Education Future," the event will provide MCC students, Mesa residents and educators an opportunity to hear directly from the candidate and engage in a meaningful discussion about the future of education in Arizona.

Ruiz, a former president of Glendale Community College, and State Senator Yee are seeking the office of Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction that oversees the Arizona Department of Education.

The forum is designed to inform voters and encourage civic engagement by providing a platform for candidates to discuss their priorities, policy positions and visions for the state’s K-12 education system. 

“Opportunities like this are what make The Mesa Legend so special. Not just being able to provide real world experiences for our writers and editors, but providing information in an accessible way for our community and fellow students,” said Joseph Barnhurst, The Mesa Legend managing editor. 

Hosting the forum at MCC is particularly meaningful given Mesa’s central role in Arizona’s education landscape. Mesa Public Schools (MPS) serves more than 55,000 students annually, making it the largest K-12 school district in Arizona. The connection between MPS and MCC is strengthened through programs such as the Mesa College Promise, which provides eligible Mesa residents with two years of fully funded tuition and fees.

MCC, one of the largest of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District, is also home to the district’s only Early Childhood Education-Dual Language bachelor’s degree program. Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce immediately, helping address Arizona’s growing need for qualified educators in diverse classroom settings. The demand is especially significant in Mesa, where 35% of the student population come from homes that speak a language other than English. 

Soon after the event visit The Mesa Legend website (mesalegend.com) to review the student journalists' coverage of the conversation.

# # #

Media contacts:
The Mesa Legend -- Joseph Barnhurst, [email protected], 303-801-7823
MCC -- Dawn Zimmer, [email protected], 480-461-7892

The Mesa Legend is Mesa Community College’s official student-run newspaper. The Legend has its roots back to 1963. All of these decades, we’ve aimed to bring the truth to the Mesa area. Learn more and read recent stories at mesalegend.com.

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 23,000 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 5,677 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. 

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.