SE Valley Times

Myrna Harrison, a former president of Rio Salado, Gateway, and Phoenix College, has passed away at the age of 93. Born in Hollywood, California in 1932, Harrison was the daughter of an animator and director at Screen Gems and a hat designer. Her family relocated to New York City in 1943 where she attended Music and Art High School.

Harrison briefly studied at the University of New Mexico before returning to New York City to pursue art studies with notable instructors such as Morris Davidson and Jack Tworkov. She later attended the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Art. During the 1950s, she showcased her artwork in various exhibitions while working several jobs including positions at Western Union and as a sales clerk.

In 1954, she married painter Earl Pierce. Harrison earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English from New York University. The couple moved to California in 1960 where Harrison worked as a teaching assistant at UC Berkeley and taught at North Richmond and Laney College in Oakland. She held administrative roles at Contra Costa College and San Jose City College.

In 1980, Harrison became President of Rio Salado College, serving until 1985. Her tenure included launching initiatives like the Incarcerated Re-entry Program which contributed to Rio Salado being recognized as “a college without walls.” She also established the Sun Sounds program for individuals with reading impairments.

Harrison continued her leadership roles as President of Gateway Community College from 1985 to 1988 and Phoenix College from 1988 to 1993. After retiring to Wickenburg, Arizona, she focused on painting expressionist works inspired by the Sonoran Desert landscape surrounding her home.

Her contributions extended beyond education into community service; she served on boards for institutions such as the Desert Caballeros Western Museum and Phoenix Art Museum’s Asian Art Council.

Harrison's artistic career featured solo exhibitions across various venues including Sedona Art Center and group shows internationally. Her work is part of collections at multiple museums including those in Phoenix and Provincetown.

In recognition of her impact on education within Maricopa Community Colleges, an endowment has been created in her name through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation to support students across MCCCD.