Macomb Community College

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Macomb Community College is a community college with several locations in Michigan.

Contents 1 History 2 Profile 3 Locations 4 External links

[edit] History

Macomb Community College has existed as a learning community since 1954 when classroom space was borrowed and fall-semester enrollment was only 84 students.

Macomb Community College offers nearly 200 degree and certificate programs at many locations throughout Macomb County; nearly 40 bachelor's completion and master's degree programs at Macomb's University Center; pre-college programs to help high school students plan for their future; customized workforce training; certification and professional education; and community enrichment programs.

Macomb's resources include a one-mill tax levy on Macomb County property. Consequently, tuition for Macomb County residents is considerably lower than it is for out-of-county residents. But, as promised in 1954, "all are welcome, no matter where they live."

[edit] Profile

The Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction approved the establishment of South Macomb Community College as an extension of the traditional K-12 system in the Van Dyke Public School District on May 22, 1953. Through assistance from faculty and administrators at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University, curriculum and a catalog were developed.

Classes officially began at South Macomb Community College on September 16, 1954 with 84 students in Lincoln High School. On August 7, 1962, Macomb County voters approved the creation of the Community College District of the County of Macomb and authorized a one-mil property tax to support its operation. Commonly known as Macomb County Community College (MCCC), the institution took form and began offering classes under the governance of its own elected Board of Trustees. Robert E. Turner was selected as the college's first president in 1963, and land was subsequently purchased in Warren and Clinton Township for two campus sites.

In September 1965, the first three classroom and administrative buildings opened on South Campus, located in Warren. In September 1968, the first classroom and administrative buildings were opened on Center Campus, located in Clinton Township. A third campus site was purchased in Ray Township, but the property was subsequently sold to the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) to be used as a site for a Metro Park.

The College continues to flourish under the leadership of its fourth president, Albert L. Lorenzo, who was appointed to office in July of 1979. Although its legal name remains the same, the Board of Trustees shortened its popular name to Macomb Community College in 1981.

In 1982, the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts opened on Center Campus. The Macomb Center presently brings a diversity of cultural arts experiences to nearly 260,000 individuals annually. Building on its already strong commitment to provide meaningful enrichment programs for the residents of Macomb County, Macomb Community College introduced the new Macomb Cultural Center in September 2006. Adjacent to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, the new cultural center creates a unique opportunity for residents to be educated, entertained and celebrate the influences and experiences that shape our heritage.

In 1986, the college undertook a feasibility study which showed Macomb County residents they were lagging behind their neighbors in Oakland and Wayne counties in both bachelor's degrees and annual salaries earned. This survey led to the passing of a millage in 1988 to establish Macomb's University Center at its Center Campus. On August 26, 1991, the first classes leading to a bachelor's degree were offered at the University Center. The first of its kind in the country, the University Center model is now replicated on dozens of community college campuses. Currently, the Macomb University Center accommodates eight senior partner institutions, houses the Professional Development Center, and the Engineering and Technology Center (UCII), built for higher-level engineering courses. UC III is currently under construction and is scheduled to open Fall 2007.

In 1996, Macomb opened its Fire and Emergency Services Training Center near the County Government complex just north of Mount Clemens. Further expansion in 2003 has created a comprehensive Public Service Institute for training emergency first responders from across the nation. With the purchase of additional land and further expansion slated for completion in 2007, the Board of Trustees designated the site as the College's East Campus in January 2006.

In 1999, Macomb Community College was awarded a $5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to build one of the state's 16 Michigan Technical Education Centers (M-TEC). Opened in 2002, the M-TEC has become the headquarters for the Workforce Development Institute. It is located in Warren, only a half mile from the General Motors Technical Center and the U.S. Army TACOM facility.

The Physical Education Center on South Campus was also renovated in 1999, reopening as the Sports & Expo Center. The only expo space in Macomb County, this 61,000 square foot facility meets the needs of the physical education and athletic programs along with playing host to community events and special interest shows that serve more than 100,000 community members each year.

Each semester at Macomb more than 27,000 students take degree, community education, and professional development classes at locations throughout the county. Three out of four college-bound seniors in the county attend Macomb within five years of their high school graduation. More than 2,700 students work toward completing their bachelor's or master's degree at Macomb's University Center. More than 100,000 Macomb alumni currently reside in southeastern Michigan. Annually, Macomb reaches more than 325,000 individuals of all ages through classes, training and performances at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts; family and athletic events at the college's Sports & Expo Center; and other special events hosted by the college. Nearly $10.5 million is awarded to Macomb students each year for degree-credit coursework through financial aid programs and Macomb's private scholarships.^{[citation needed]}

The South Campus of Macomb is known colloquially in the area as "12 Mile High", since it is located on 12 Mile Road in Warren, and is perceived to have a classroom atmosphere similar to that of local high schools.

[edit] Locations

South Campus
14500 E. 12 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48088-3896

Center Campus
44575 Garfield Road
Clinton Township, MI 48038-1139

University Center
44575 Garfield Road
Clinton Township, MI 48038-1139

East Campus
21901 Dunham Road
Clinton Township, MI 48036-1025

Northwest Gateway Center
80650 Van Dyke
Romeo, MI 48065-1333

Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC)
7900 Tank Avenue
Warren, MI 48092-3936

[edit] External links

• Macomb Community College
• Macomb College Online

Michigan Community College Athletic Association
Alpena CC • Ancilla College • Delta College • Glen Oaks CC • Grand Rapids CC • Henry Ford CC • Jackson CC • Kalamazoo Valley CC • Kellogg CC • Kirtland CC • Lake Michigan College • Lansing CC • Macomb CC • Mott CC • Muskegon CC • Oakland CC • St. Clair County CC • Schoolcraft College • Wayne County CC