In August of 1962, Deb Williams McCasland moved to Prescott with her family from Enders, Nebraska. She attended Lincoln, Prescott Junior High, Mile High Middle, and Prescott High Schools.

Deb helped her mother collect signatures to get Yavapai Community College established and in January of 1970 she took her first Yavapai College class while still a senior at PHS. During her time at Yavapai she was involved in Student Government and Associated Women Students.

After graduating from YC she attended Northern Arizona and obtained a Bachelors degree in Southwest Studies and a Masters in Community College Education with an emphasis in Guidance and Counseling.

In 1976 Deb started her 34 year career at Yavapai College as the Student Activities Director. Her most successful achievements were founding and developing the Community Events program and the Performing Arts Charitable Endowment.

Deb is married to Jim McCasland and has two children, Sarah McCasland Downs and Nathan McCasland, who are also alumni of Yavapai College.