It was an exceptional academic year for Mesa Community College as we marked our 60th anniversary with celebratory activities and events. We also reaffirmed our commitment to our students, faculty, and the surrounding community with strong leadership, new corporate partnerships, leading-edge curricula, programs and processes, and the careful nurturing of an environment where all students feel welcome and can fulfill their academic and career goals.
The 12,000-square-foot STEM Center will house MCC’s Veterinary Technology, Landscape Horticulture, and Sustainable Agriculture programs, providing modern facilities to support hands-on, interdisciplinary learning. The new 30,00-square-foot Welding Lab will feature state-of-the-art technology and significantly expand the college’s capacity to train skilled welders, addressing a growing workforce demand. The success of these projects and others is made possible through philanthropic support and strategic partnerships with industry leaders. The STEM Center is expected to be completed by Summer 2027, with the Welding Lab to follow in Spring 2028.
MCC’s Commencement Ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of more than 3,700 students, including our first cohort of LPN graduates, a testament to the college’s intensive retention efforts. Plus, for the first time in MCC history, 15 graduates were awarded bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education-Dual Language, marking a significant milestone for this new program.
As MCC looks ahead, the college is building on the progress of its 2020–2025 Strategic Plan with a one-year bridge plan for 2025–2026. This plan positions MCC to continue advancing student success and institutional priorities while preparing for the launch of its next long-term strategic plan. The new plan, to be developed in 2025–2026, will align with the Maricopa County Community College District’s updated strategic framework and the Chancellor’s vision for the system.
Our future is bright as we continue to serve our students with outstanding, affordable academic opportunities while strengthening our community by providing a highly qualified workforce for industries across Arizona.
Philanthropy: Your Impact on Thunderbirds
Mesa College Promise
MCC’s partnerships are transforming lives. From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the Thunderbird community has come together to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and empower student success. The continued generosity of our donors is transforming futures, and we are deeply grateful for all that has been made possible.
In collaboration with the City of Mesa, the Mesa College Promise opens doors to higher education by covering the full cost of tuition for eligible residents.
We celebrated a milestone in Fall 2024—our largest incoming class yet, 301 outstanding students committed to achievement and leadership.
$858,955 in donor contributions supported the Mesa College Promise*
68% of Mesa Promise participants are first-generation college students
84% retention rate for Mesa Promise students compared to 67% for MCC as a whole *Includes cash and pledges
Being a first-generation college student has been a journey full of challenges, but I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family, friends, professors, advisors, and the Mesa College Promise program. Their guidance and support have helped me reach this moment, graduating with my associate degree in Computer Science…
Jason Morales
Student Scholarships
Thank you to everyone who made contributions to the college’s scholarship programs, helping many deserving students gain access to an excellent education and a brighter future.
1,844 students benefited from scholarships
$599 was the average award per student
233 endowed scholarship and program funds
Mesa Community College has easily been the biggest support system I have ever encountered. The faculty and peers have pushed me to do incredible things I never thought possible. MCC will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Jeff Rudolph
Thunderbird Athletics
The generosity of our donors fueled Thunderbird pride, helping student-athletes excel in academics and competition while building leadership skills and campus spirit.
$69,393 in gifts supported men’s and women’s sports
701 donors championed Thunderbird athletics
Daniella Orellana
Going into college can be very overwhelming with picking classes and juggling practices. Here at MCC all student athletes had the same advisor which is a huge help. They really care about you. MCC is a great school for preparing student athletes for the next level both educational and athletic wise.
Daniella Orellana
MCC student smiling
Higher Learning Commission 2025 Visit: Reflections & Next Steps
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has reaffirmed MCC’s accreditation through 2034-2035 after conducting a comprehensive evaluation visit in March as part of the college’s ten-year reaffirmation of accreditation. The HLC’s report found that MCC continues to meet all HLC criteria for accreditation, affirming the strength of our institution and the dedication of our faculty, staff and students.
As we begin a new 10-year accreditation cycle, our focus remains on continuous improvement. We will build on this achievement by incorporating the HLC peer review team’s suggestions to further strengthen student outcomes assessment, make consistent use of academic program review data, and sustain enhancements to our budgeting and shared governance processes. As part of this cycle, MCC will submit a revised assurance argument to HLC in four years to demonstrate our progress in these areas.
MCC nursing students
Statistical Snapshots
We proudly serve more than 25,000 students each year - with nearly halfbeing the first in their families to attend college.
Transfer partnerships with Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and a broad network of institutions nationwide
Exceptional student pass rates highlight the excellence of our Veterinary Technology, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, EMT and Welding programs
Our students also continue to gain national recognition, earning honors at Kennedy Center Regional Theatre competitions and NJCAA national championships. Since 2009, 12 students have been named Coca-Cola Gold Scholars.
Fast Facts provides further insight into student demographics, degrees and certificates awarded, transfer rates, and academic progress.
MCC’s partnerships are transforming lives. From July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the Thunderbird community has come together to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and empower student success. The continued generosity of our donors is transforming futures, and we are deeply grateful for all that has been made possible.
