Founded in 1961 as the Pinal County Junior College District, Central Arizona College launched its initial class of students seven years later to become the first – and still the only – college in Pinal County. CAC has been committed to act as a catalyst for economic and cultural vibrancy and to inspire individuals to pursue their unique goals.

The institution is overseen by the Pinal County Community College Governing Board, a leadership group elected by voters to help guide the institution’s growth. The five-person board is comprised of county residents selected from specific geographic areas with a president annually chosen by the board members to lead the organization.