What does the future hold? While I may not have the exact answer, I do know that a better Monroe County Community College (MCCC) means a better Monroe County. You see, as Monroe County Community College goes, so goes Monroe County. Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the greatest weapon with which we can change the world.” MCCC is changing Monroe County.
MCCC is the only college in this county, and without MCCC, the level of educational attainment, diversity, cultural enrichment, and much more would be nowhere near what it is now. That is why, 52 years ago, the community saw fit to establish a college in this county. Since then, the impact of this college, which serves approximately 12,000 students annually (both credit and non-credit), has graduated over 15,000 students during that period, and has an annual economic impact of over $120 million a year, has been felt locally, regionally, and globally.
Monroe County’s associate degree attainment level is higher than that of the state and nation because of MCCC; many local and regional industries continue to benefit from workforce training provided by the College; cultural enrichment continues to be enhanced because of MCCC’s Meyer Theater and Diversity and Culture Series. Yes, MCCC continues to educate, edify, illuminate, and enhance the community. Enriching and transforming lives, that is our mission, and that is what we have continued to do for the last 52 years.
No doubt, Monroe County would not be the county that it is today economically, educationally, and culturally without this college. Over the last 52 years we have transformed and enriched the entire community, with community support. It is our intention to continue to do so for the next 52 years and more, with continued support from our community.
In November, MCCC will seek a millage of an additional .95 mills for a period of five (5) years. This will amount to $47.50 a year or $3.96 a month for any taxpayer who owns a $100,000 home. If one does not own a home or if one lives in an apartment or trailer, there is no additional tax. The funds generated from this millage will be utilized solely for buildings, infrastructure and facilities. Over the course of the next few months, we will be “building the CASE “for the future – the next 52 plus years. The word CASE is an acronym for Competitive, Accessible, Safe/Secure, and Efficient. We want a community college that is competitive not only academically, but also physically and otherwise; we want a community college that is accessible to students and community members with disabilities; we want a community college which is safe and secure for all who step on this campus; we want a community college that is efficient and effective in how it does business and utilizes its scarce resources. This college cannot be all these things without additional community support. Additional community support will ensure an enhanced Monroe County and a better and brighter future for all its residents and their progeny as we continue to transform and enrich lives. An investment in Monroe County Community College is an investment in the future of Monroe County.
MCCC President's Blog 
Well said.