The Rodney Dangerfield of Higher Ed
February 26, 2010Our community colleges are the Rodney Dangerfield of higher education. They just “don’t get no respect” — respect that they deserve and continue earning every day.
Community colleges are the grand entranceways to enhancing knowledge and skills, giving individuals a boost up life’s economic ladder while strengthening our communities. Given the troubling, tumultuous, transformational times we are now living in, our community colleges are truly a life saver for many.
Stopping at restaurants as I crisscross the state, I often ask servers whether they are in college. A lot of kids boast: “Of course! I attend U of M (or MSU, Wayne State, Oakland, K-College, Madonna, Northern, Grand Valley, Davenport or Marygrove, to name a few). But often, if they are attending community college, they will look away sheepishly and respond in a soft voice: “I’m just going to community college.”
“Just?” I tell them to lift their heads proudly, since they are attending an educational institution that cares deeply about them. They are being taught by instructors who are focused on teaching what they know best, and students are saving themselves and their families a ton of cash.
“Too often, community colleges are treated as an afterthought — if they’re thought of at all,” President Obama said in a speech at Macomb County Community College last summer. The president proposed sinking $12 billion into revamping our country’s community college system.
This ambitious and much-needed plan would invest $9 billion in grant money to boost academic programs and raise graduation rates, plus another $2.5 billion to upgrade school infrastructure. It would also fund open-source e-learning courses so that schools don’t have to build more classrooms to admit more students. (See my 2005 Wayne State University report on the value of e-learning: Exploring E-learning for Michigan: The New Education (R)evolution).
While this good news of financial help for community colleges was delivered in Michigan by the president of the United States, the soaring rhetoric has yet to translate into money. Legislative bills are still winding their way through committees in Congress. The original request for $12 billion has been cut to $9 billion in a House committee and not yet taken up in the Senate. And when you spread $9–12 billion over 10 years and 1,200 community colleges across the nation, it seems more like a down payment than the bonanza community colleges urgently need.
Community colleges make a significant difference in Michigan and the United States in helping prepare students and employees for our hyper-competitive, disruptive, and technologically driven global economy, where ideas and jobs can now move across the globe effortlessly.
We can thank educational leaders and community college boosters such as state Sens. Mike Prusi, Glen Anderson, Ron Jelinek, Wayne Kuipers and Mike Nofs, and state Reps Fred Miller, Tim Melton and John Walsh, as well as members of the Michigan Community College Caucus for their support. In the last Michigan budget cycle, community colleges were one of the only areas not reduced, and we’ll be fortunate to repeat that again this year. Yet we all know that may be difficult when costs such as health care, utilities and pensions continue to rise and tax revenue has flatlined.
Thirty years ago, on average, Michigan’s community colleges received nearly 50 percent of their funding from state appropriations and another 25 percent each from property taxes and tuition. Today, the state’s contribution is less than half that — 20 percent — while the other 80 percent is derived from property taxes and tuition, according to Mike Hansen, president of the Michigan Community College Association.
In the face of the downsizing of Michigan firms, community college enrollment is now rising at all 28 institutions across the state. Timothy Meyer, chancellor of Oakland Community College, Michigan’s largest community college and the 26th largest in the nation, attributes the increase to several factors, including Michigan’s poor economy.
“Ironically, and unfortunately,” Meyer said, “enrollment is often countercyclical to the economy — when the economy goes down, enrollment increases.”
What Meyer did not say is that while need and enrollment are up, support for these educational gems is depressed. Community colleges are supported by state appropriations that have declined or been flat and property tax revenues that are threatened by serious declines in property values. Making up the difference for the loss of revenue from state and local property taxes by adopting huge tuition increases is unrealistic, especially in the depressed economy Michigan currently finds itself in.
The Wayne County Community College district plans to turn away up to 10,000 students this spring because it doesn’t have the resources to meet demand. This “should sound an alarm across Michigan,” blared a recent Detroit Free Press editorial. The editorial went on to call on the governor and legislators to “give community colleges the priority they deserve.”
Another reason for investing in our community colleges is how responsive they are to local needs by providing re-education for laid-off workers. These colleges are also agile in providing classes on demand by employers.
It has been argued that our country’s university system stands on tradition — change for it is like turning an ocean liner. In contrast, community colleges respond like a speedboat in providing education to meet immediate community and business needs.
Lansing Community College President Brent Knight demonstrated the agile, creative thinking of community college leaders in his recent state of the college speech. He made an offer almost unheard of in higher education: training with the guarantee of a job at the other end or your money back. President Knight explained, “Why spend money and take time to learn when you may not get a job?”
While only applying to four short-term non-credit training programs for high-demand occupations — pharmacy technicians, customer service call center workers, certified quality inspectors and home technology integration technicians — the “money-back guarantee” sends a strong message to students.
Other recent innovations include:
- Macomb Community College tapped a new source of funds — to the tune of $5 million — to retrain unemployed people for new careers in the defense industry.
- Kellogg Community College’s Legacy Scholars program ensures that students who enter the local school districts in 6th grade and graduate are guaranteed a two-year scholarship to attend KCC. It is a partnership between the K-12 schools, parents, students and the college to prepare students for academic success.
- Jackson Community College, due to an aggressive recruitment and retention action plan, has the highest minority enrollment in the college’s history.
- Grand Rapids Community College reports applications for the fall semester are up 65 percent. The jump can be attributed to three things: the economic slump, a simplified application process and waiving the application fee.
- GRCC also has launched its new iPhone app to make the college’s information as close as a student’s fingertips. The goal is to expand the app to real-time information to assist students in such practical tasks as finding a parking space or finding out when the next bus will arrive.
My support for community college education is personal as well as professional. I am a product of Michigan’s excellent community college system with degrees from Michigan State and Wayne State built upon the solid education I received at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn. I would not have had the exciting and rewarding career I enjoy without the educational foundation provided by the excellent instructors at Henry Ford — they are there to teach, and they do so with passion, excellence and hands-on experience.
As Michigan’s economy evolves, many of our residents are using community colleges as the means to tap into change. Gone are the days when one could leave or drop out of high school, enter an auto factory and emerge with a middle-class income. Michigan’s community colleges carry a heavy load and will continue to do so as Michigan transforms itself from a “heavy lifting” state to one with a knowledge-based economy.
Community colleges are essential to Michigan’s ability to move from the state that “put the world on wheels” to the state that provides the education and skills to all its citizens to compete as we reinvent ourselves.
We cannot and will not compete with developing nations on low-wage and low-skilled jobs. Our future depends on skilled, knowledgeable and flexible workers who can pivot rapidly and stay ahead of our global competitors. That workforce is being prepared today by a community college near you.
Kevin Carey, research and policy manager at Education Sector, an independent, Washington non-partisan think tank that is devoted to developing innovative solutions to the nation’s most pressing educational problems, had this to say in Washington Monthly magazine about the value of our nation’s community colleges:
- Community colleges now represent a huge slice of the higher education pie: 43 percent of college freshmen begin their education at two-year institutions.
- Community colleges have taken on the toughest job in higher education, teaching lower-income students. Fifty-four percent of community college students receive a Pell Grant (the main federal need-based financial aid program).
- Community colleges will be a linchpin to jump-start our economy. Today’s students/workers need to be able to learn continuously, think critically and adapt to a changing economy.
Because of their accessibility, affordability, and ability to provide reasonably priced continuing education, community colleges meet the needs of a significant portion of America’s population.
Many Michigan Community College faculty I spoke with emphasized that their colleges are not “step down” junior colleges of yesteryear that only took students rejected by their big brother, four-year universities. Community college campuses across the state boast multiple high school valedictorians among their student bodies.
At a time when national data suggest that one of every five students at our finest and more costly universities requires developmental and remedial assistance to graduate, the value of a quality, less-costly community college education comes into sharper focus.
Perhaps former President Bill Clinton captured the value of our local community colleges best when he reflected, “If community colleges had yet to be invented, there would be a mad rush to do so today.”
So give your local community college the respect it deserves. Better yet, enroll yourself or a family member now to pursue a two-year technical degree or certification, begin the quest for a four-year degree or take a class for self-improvement.
Even Rodney Dangerfield would respect you for your efforts.
Tom Watkins is an education and business consultant in the U.S. and China and served as Michigan’s state superintendent of schools from 2001-2005. His “Bridge to China” cover story appeared in Dome in September.
43 responses so far ↓
1 Jim Pierce // Feb 26, 2010 at 3:01 am
Once again Watkins nails it with this essay! The value of Community Colleges tend to get lost in the debate for adequate education funding in Lansing.
Wedged between K-12 and our powerful universities it is easy to forget the value they add to helping many get the education they need to be competitive in these tough times.
Times are tough in Michigan. Tough budget decisions need to be made. I hope the Governor and Legislature will tuck a copy of this rational article in their suit pockets and heed Watkins words about the value of our community colleges to the individual, our communities and our state.
Our community colleges should not be looked at as an “expense,” but a “sensible investment” in our collective future.
Let’s give all 28 community colleges the respect and the resources they need and have earned.
Go ahead, make Rodney Dangerfield proud!
2 cindy fadel // Feb 26, 2010 at 5:48 am
As a parent, I am very thankful to have a Community College in my community. The local community college allowed my son to start college at an early age in a friendly safe environment, by doing this he will enter the University, with over 30 credits toward his degree. It is a great transition into college life and gives a little extra time to mature. The instructors are interested in him and his goals. The counseling staff and instructors know him by name and make sure his classes all transfer to the University he is headed. The community college also has a partnership with both Western Michigan and Kettering, making a seamless transition for students headed there. It is very valuable to our community. We are now searching for a new President as our current President is retiring. It is of great interest to our entire community who will fill this position because we feel it is ” our” college and want it to be the best it can be. Actually it IS our college. I am in great hopes the board will allow us to be part of the process in choosing this important leader. Yes, I agree, our community college is very important to the citizens of our community.
3 Robin Dale // Feb 26, 2010 at 5:50 am
Once again Tom you are right on the money. American kids are much too sensitive to outward appearances and brand names. The heart of this country cannot afford it and are the ones who will bring it back to greatness by pulling up their own boot straps. Most likely in community colleges. It is the disadvantaged that will find a way to find a way!
Keep ringing the Michigan bell. No-one listened to Winston Churchill until it was almost too late. I pray that won’t happen to this beautiful country.
4 sheree jones // Feb 26, 2010 at 5:54 am
IF ever there was a pied piper of education — it is Tom Watkins. He is a breath of fresh air!
5 James Stoner // Feb 26, 2010 at 5:55 am
As Mr.Watkins points out, those of us involved in educations at community colleges understand. Just wish our leaders in Lansing also got it too.. Keep up the good fight Mr. Watkins!
6 sally van clete // Feb 26, 2010 at 5:57 am
Education is the way our state will get out of the mess it is in with this new knowledge economy..
Few say this as well as tom watkins.
7 classroom 13 // Feb 26, 2010 at 5:57 am
Mr. Watkins gets it right again. Community Colleges are the backbone of this State and Country. If we are going to turn this failing economy around, increase the quality of our workforce, and add to the intellect of our nation, this is the answer for the mainstream. Tom, keep articulating your vision, one day society will open their eyes.
8 TIP Lady // Feb 26, 2010 at 6:06 am
Tom gets it!
The rest of us should get it as well!
Our community colleges are one of our greatest resources! Knowledge is the key here! Promote learning, support learning! Our kids are smart, let’s give them credit for enrolling in an institution of higher learning!!
BRAVO TO OUR KIDS AND THE FOLKS WHO EDUCATE OUR KIDS!! ~The TIP Lady
9 Ellen Jones // Feb 26, 2010 at 7:19 am
Tom! Terrific essay and so glad you mentioned LCC’s “Get a Skill, Get a Job” initiative. I am pleased to report that I am the new Director of Public Affairs for LCC and am terribly excited to be here at this critical time. Your voice of support for community colleges is so appreciated.
10 Craig Douglas // Feb 26, 2010 at 8:27 am
Tom’s article is great; it is timed very close to an exceptional experience we had here in Carrollton. When V. P. Biden visited Delta College last week, you can imagine it was a very, very big deal for Delta…… Yet, Delta College President Jean Goodnow took time to extend a personal invitation to one of our alternative education students (who is dual – enrolled at Delta), to attend the speech.
The student had quite an experience, one that will help shape her life well beyond 2010.
Credit, too, to Carrollton administrator Nancy Paris, who went with the student…. assisting with every detail including a chance “meet/greet” with the V.P. afterwards.
Delta College, located n the Great Lakes Bay Region, is outstanding!
Tom is right: Community Colleges are great!
Sincrely, Craig Douglas, Superintendent of Carrollton Public Schools (Saginaw County)
11 Ben Starling III // Feb 26, 2010 at 10:11 am
Amen.
Community colleges for far too long have been overlooked and not given their due. For years, I have seen deserving students thrive when given the ability to remain the community.
Going away to college is not for everyone… especially in these days with working families, older siblings care for younger ones, etc.
Community college fills an important niche in America.
12 ron j stefanski // Feb 26, 2010 at 11:13 am
Watkins hits it right on, but more needs to be said about why community colleges are seeing enrollment spikes. Witness the meteoric rise in enrollments in proprietary schools as well (Univ of Phoenix, etc.) Both of these institutions place a ton of emphasis on post-graduation placement. For many who are looking for the direct benefit between more education = more money, this is critical. Not only do we need to see more praise and funding going to our 28 community colleges. We need to raise the bar on some of our 4 year institutions– accountability will be the watchword in postsecondary education going forward. None of us can afford for it to be otherwise.
13 Dave Lambert // Feb 26, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Excellent column! My daughter attended Oakland Community College and I believe it was a great educational experience for her. Maybe one suggestion to enhance the image of our state community colleges is to drop the name “community.”
14 Jill // Feb 26, 2010 at 1:25 pm
This is a great column as people should take pride in anything that they do everyday without status attached to it. Excellent Column!!!!
15 M.H. // Feb 26, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Watkins – “Thank you Thank you” for such a well written article. 2 points: 1) The paragraph where you mention Community Colleges’ budgets – the first on the proverbial chopping block……hence until they are respected from the top politico’s, the community colleges will always be expendable.
2)A statistic to research:
Of the freshman attendees to a four year university – what is the drop-out rate their first year, second year?
That being said, therefore, what is the loss (cost) of scholarship monies, grant monies, and university funded and/or federally funded money these students receive to go these universities and then lose b/c they drop out…..
What is THAT cost?
THAT cost should be researched and is what should make “leaders” value the community college education and be more willing to fund their budgets and CUT the four year University budgets……….there’s your next article!!
ps (you need a leadership job in education)
6477968
16 patricia // Feb 26, 2010 at 2:16 pm
I got my start on a college degree by first attending HFCC in Dearborn on a Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial scholarship in the early 70s. From there, I transferred to UM for an undergrad degree and eventually to Wayne State for my graduate degree.
I can recall my high school pals scoffing at attending ‘community college’ – but their parents could afford sending them to MSU or UM. My mom was raising 7 kids on child support payments from a father who worked in a steel mill in the Rouge — there was NO money for college, so community college fit the bill.
Those who really WANT education will find a way to get it — community colleges provide that start.
17 Michael Warren // Feb 26, 2010 at 7:17 pm
As a former member of the Michigan State Board of Education, I agree 100% with Tom’s insights that community colleges are an underutilized resource that Michigan can ill-afford to ignore. As we move forward in re-imagining Michigan, we should keep our powerhouse institutions at the forefront – including community colleges. In fact, as Tom notes, in today’s economy, they could very well become the nimble “bridge” for learning that many of our citizens need to not only survive – but prosper in the global economy.
18 Larry Meyer // Feb 27, 2010 at 7:23 am
The Lansning Community college’s, “get a skill, get a job” is student centered and customer driven. This is an exciting development in the field of public education. Tom, thanks for great article. Community Colleges will be a driver in making the new Michigan.
19 Greg Olszta // Feb 27, 2010 at 7:54 am
Kudos, Tom. Community colleges have been the educational foundation for many of us that have gone on to complete undergraduate and graduate professional degrees. Without the easy access, affordability, and often personalized attention of the dedicated instructional staff of community colleges many of us would not have completed college degrees or the level of personal and career success we have enjoyed. I can say for me that things learned at Oakland Community College and Henry Ford Community College have been as important and significant in my career and life as things learned at the University of Michigan. Let’s give community colleges the respect and the funding that they deserve to meet the needs of Michigan students.
20 Danny Bloom // Feb 27, 2010 at 8:03 am
important piece here. vital!
21 SL // Feb 27, 2010 at 10:13 am
Tom Watkins articulates so well the value Community Colleges bring to the state and its citizens. By providing a comprehensive array of educational opportunities, from career and vocational training to continuing education for personal and professional growth, Community Colleges have enriched and positively impacted many lives. As Tom points out we need to nurture and provide the necessary funding to sustain this valuable resource so that Michigan can be competitive in the global marketplace, now and in the future.
22 Steve // Feb 28, 2010 at 11:58 am
Tom is right on. Many students who attend community colleges have a much stronger work ethic because they are employed while pursuing a degree. Also,community colleges, such as Schoolcraft College, have joined with other institutions, Lawrence Technological University to establish satellite classrooms. They also tend to have instructors who are employed in their teaching fields.I started out at OCC, then transferred to , then LIT, and finished at Uof M , Ann Arbor. It was an economical way to go and graduated without any debt.
23 Matt Friedman // Feb 28, 2010 at 12:59 pm
The State should take another cue from Rodney Dangerfield… How about “Back To School?” It’s time to rethink education in the state, as Tom articulates so well. Maybe the legislators and candidates for Governor should all spend some time on community college campuses to see, first-hand, the opportunities.
24 Phillip // Feb 28, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Talent, skills and education matters. That is what we hear from Lansing all the time.
I think most of us believe this statement. Yet, year in and year out we continue to hear the right rhetoric from our “leaders” in Lansing about the value of education, while they slice, dice and cut K-12, community college and our universities.
What is wrong with this picture? Are we just going to stand by and watch Michigan continue to sink?
I think we have to ask our so called Lansing leaders if they truly beleive that education is Michigan salvation– or not?
25 Ken Beedle // Mar 1, 2010 at 6:47 am
Too often employers only consider the 4 year degree obtained instead of the value of the skills the employee can bring to the workplace. Fortunately, for me, the community college system gave me a jumpstart into the business world from which I have now retired.
26 koralo // Mar 1, 2010 at 7:35 am
It’s the first time I read this tittle ” The Rodney Dangerfield of Higher Ed”.
I do not exactly get the meaning of it.
There are problems in US education system, but people from all over the world are running into US for better education. These foreign students are offering huge financial income. If Community Colleges are able to attract more foreign students , it would be a way of lessing our tax payers money and the same time keep in better shape.
27 SD // Mar 1, 2010 at 8:18 am
Great article. Community colleges have long served us. Those of us not yet ready to embark on a 4-year journey. Those of us undecided about their profession. Those of us without 4-year institution sources. Those of us smart enough to take advantage of the cost-savings associated with completing freshman and sophomore credits at a reduced cost. In the meantime, unless voters use our voice at the national level to loudly demand that U.S. tax dollars be redirected into domestic institutions and infrastructure, state coffers will continue to be depleted under the fiscal and social policies of the last 10 years. All public and private educational institutions will suffer. As long as the populace frets about what might happen tomorrow (a rising deficit) and do not force our congressional reps to allocated funds now — we will remain responsible for educational shortfalls . . . today.
28 Gary Marcicano // Mar 1, 2010 at 9:07 am
Tom,
Right on as usual. Having been involved in Macomb County for years, I have enjoyed MCC and their continued growth throuh their relationships with Wayne State, Michigan State and more. They are a valuable source of higher education at a local level making access to many programs availe to the communities they serve. Let’s hope Obama’s promise comes through!
29 Marvin // Mar 1, 2010 at 9:29 am
Wayne County Community College or Wc3 is doing and excellent job of preparing students for this world that is changing rapidly talks about.
Now, all we need is jobs for the folks with the education!
For years, in the metro area, and across the state young people were able to get a minimum education and even drop out of school– enter a factory and a middle class existence– those days are gone and are never coming back.
Sure we will hear lots of “talk” about support for schools, community colleges and universities– because it is an election year. We have a saying on the “streets” — money talks and BS walks.”
We will be hearing a lot of BS by people running for office — saying they are going to bring these factory jobs back—wrong! They will promise that they will find “revenue” ( meaning taxes) for schools– and they will not be telling the truth. Things are going to be hard in Michigan for a long time—get over it and get and education to support yourself and your family.
Our ONLY hope out of this mess we find ourselves in here in Michigan is EDUCATION.
Once you obtain it– it is yours– no one can take it from you!
Educate yourself– because you are not going to be getting much help out of Lansing— that is for sure!
30 L. Brooks Patterson // Mar 2, 2010 at 6:49 am
Community colleges are the educational heart and soul of the new knowledge-based economy I am trying to build here in Oakland County through my Emerging Sectors strategy. In my recent 2010 State of the County address, I announced the Dennis Toffolo Endowed Scholarship to be awarded to Oakland Community College students studying and achieving in high tech fields. Dennis’ legacy proves what a community college education can do. He rose to become president of Hudson’s and then my deputy county executive in charge of economic development.
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32 Michael Schwartz // Mar 3, 2010 at 4:32 am
Community Colleges have always played a vital role for college bound young men and women who lacked the funding to attend a major university, but they turned out to be so much more. The quality of the education received at our community colleges is superb, by truly dedicated educators. I know of many students who have graduated from larger institutions in technical fields, who utilized the community college system to take their non-discipline humanities courses at the lower per credit hour rate and then transferred to study in their fields at the higher priced state and private colleges.
Today, more than ever, we need to support our community college programs and we are grateful to advocates, like Tom Watkins, who care so much about our educational system, to take up this cause. Community Colleges play an even more significant role in our present economy as they are also a source for retraining our work force as the paradigm shift in Michigan’s industries propagates. Until recently, retraining assistance was only available to unemployed individuals from the auto industry. The assistance has now been opened to displaced employees from other industries as well. This will place an even greater demand on our Community College system. They need our support. Thanks for ringing this bell, Tom.
33 Rocco Pollifrone // Mar 3, 2010 at 6:01 am
Great job Tom, I couldn’t agree more, our community colleges get little to no respect. In my 30 years of business I have come across individuals that have degrees from all over the world. Not to be disparaging to the Ivy League schools or other fine universities but some of the brightest and best were home grown in our Community colleges.
34 Dan Redford // Mar 3, 2010 at 7:00 am
You are right, community colleges do not get enough respect. This is really causing a “collaboration vacuum” as well. Because students at Michigan’s 4 year higher education institutes are considered “off limits” by the “community college kids,” they don’t seek friendships with those students, nor integration into the resources that are provided at the 4 year institutions.
I myself am a student at MSU, and my one regret in my four years here is that I have only recently explored LCC. That place certainly has some innovative minds and some great resources for young, budding entrepreneurs. Their video, tv, and radio production facility is top notch. Everybody that graduates from somewhere gets the same thing: a piece of paper. Its all about what you do with that piece of paper, which is only limited by a) your imagination and b) your willingness to act on your imagination every day.
35 william arnold // Mar 3, 2010 at 7:18 am
Mr. Watkins articulates well the value of our community colleges… much more than simply a feeder system for our branded universities.
36 Jon Todd // Mar 3, 2010 at 9:26 am
I agree with Mr. Watkins the Community College is an important asset and should be viewed as such. I went to HFCC and it helped me get back to college after dropping out a few years earlier and it allowed me to start a new career. It is the best way to help people get re-educated after being laid off and it allows new students to get started without paying the high costs of a four year university.
37 Jordan // Mar 3, 2010 at 11:19 am
As a student, I have to agree that I’ve often felt embarrassed about telling people that I attend Schoolcraft Community College. I generally follow the statement up with some kind of excuse, such as “Well, I’m only at Schoolcraft until I have enough credits to transfer to Wayne State…”. After reading Mr. Watkins article (and doing a bit of self-evaluation) I’ve realized that I am on an educational track that will get me to where I want to go just as fast as the “University Kids”. I save money, receive more personalized attention from the professors, and I enjoy the convenient location. I have seen many university students become swallowed up in the stimulus overload that comes with a big school, and I have personally never felt that pressure at a Community College. The atmosphere is laid back, but still professional and demanding. Like many, I am interested in pursuing a career in Nursing. The only issue that I have encountered is with the admission and counseling department. Today, I went to apply to the Nursing Program. Though I have an excellent GPA and great test scores, I was told that they were hoping to get me into the Fall 2013 semester. This suggests that they desperately need to broaden their program and expand to meet the capacity demands. If our state has such a nursing shortage, it can surely be blamed on the restricted and limiting programs!
38 Mark Savitskie // Mar 6, 2010 at 7:37 am
The community colleges certainly serve an important purpose in this evolving process of how secondary education is provided. Though not delivered in the ivy-covered buildings of our great universities, the community college education received is economical, effective and efficient. For the first generation college student in particular, they provide entre into the American dream.
39 Glen McWalters // Mar 7, 2010 at 9:01 pm
The Clinton quote says it all–” If CC’s were not invented yet, there would be a mad rush to do so!”
Let’s hope the leadership at every Community College across the state and nation have picked this essay up and are sharing with their staff, Boards ,local community leadership, our legislature, Congress and the President .
We need leader at all levels to recognize this valuable community assest and provide the funding so they can help prepare young people today to be productive citizens and provde the retraining for displaced workers so they may earn a living and turn the currrent “American Nightmare” back into the American Dream.
4 stars!
40 Mike Rush // Mar 10, 2010 at 6:03 am
As we have grown accustomed to, Tom Watkins is right on! In the Great Lakes Bay Region Delta College is an integral part or our educational system. The college not only challenges advanced high school students and students just beginnng their collegiate years, it also provides an outstanding opportunity for those in the workforce needing a fresh start to retool their careers. Excellent article Tom, keep bringing it!!
41 Skipper Novack // Mar 10, 2010 at 12:58 pm
What frightens me is when money is wasted. Why do these college and university chancellors make 250K/year plus have $3K/month housing allowances, chauffeurs, extreme perks and more coming out of the college budgets? If they claim to care how the money is spent, why waste it on a driver? Why the crazy high salary in these hard times? Why are the lowest paid staff getting laid off and the highest paid folk getting bonuses? I never made that kind of money in the military!
42 Dan W // Mar 10, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Thank you for the recognition for community colleges. If it were not for my local community college–I would never of had the chance to complete my degree.
I was accepted at one of Michigan’s top 4 year universities– but, I was not ready to go away to school. I came home, feeling rejected and later enrolled in my local community college.
It was a life saver! Thanks community colleges everywhere for the second chance you provide to many.
43 Valerie // Apr 23, 2010 at 11:47 am
As a community college professor for over 25+ years I have NEVER read such a thoughtful and articulate overview of what community colleges are all about!
There are few individuals, families and communities that a local community college has not touched in a positive way.
I only wish this guy was the President of the community college where I work— you are lucky Michigan!
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