President, Mesa Community College
This year has been one of the most remarkable and celebratory in our history. Commemorating a 60-year legacy of continued growth in our outstanding academic programs, and, most importantly, student success, MCC hosted numerous events for our students, faculty, staff, and community that reflect pride in our past and excitement for our path forward.
Throughout the year it has been my pleasure to engage in open dialogue with key civic and community partners, including the City of Mesa, Mesa Public Schools, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the Mesa Education and Workforce Roundtable, and the PHX East Valley Partnership. We look forward to establishing new opportunities in areas such as work-based experiences and undergraduate research that ultimately assist our students in reaching their career and life goals.
This milestone year also saw the fulfillment of numerous projects that demonstrate our commitment to placing students at the center of everything we do. We are proud to have received reaffirmation of our 10-year accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission through 2035, an accomplishment made possible through the dedication and diligence of our faculty and staff.
The Mesa College Promise Program, a partnership between MCC and the City of Mesa that guarantees Mesa residents can attend MCC for two years with Arizona resident tuition and registration fees fully funded, grew to serve more than 300 students, including 54 adult learners, who were eligible to apply for the first time. In partnership with the City of Mesa, the construction of two billboards on our Southern & Dobson Campus was approved, which are expected to generate $400,000 annually to support the program.
Capital improvements approved this year for the Southern and Dobson Campus include a new STEM Center to house the Veterinary Technology, Landscape Horticulture and Sustainable Agriculture programs. Another expansion project recently approved is a new 30,000 square-foot building for the Welding program which will be the only facility of its kind in the Maricopa County Community College District, offering students multiple pathways to an industry recognized certification.
As we celebrate our legacy of serving Mesa and the East Valley, we affirm our commitment to providing an unsurpassed education at an affordable cost, with flexible learning options and supportive programs and opportunities to ensure each student has the tools needed to succeed. We embrace our pledge to provide opportunities that support our students to create a workforce that transforms industries, communities, and changes lives for the better.
¡Adelante!
Richard Daniel, Ph.D.
President
Mesa Community College