As part of their commitment to the region’s shared goal of helping 71,000 more young people reach economic and social mobility, the City Government of Commerce City and the Community College of Aurora (CCA)—both proud Target Champions—are teaming up to remove barriers and expand access to career pathways for local residents.
Congressman Jason Crow Talks Workforce and Legislative Bipartisanship at CCA Town Hall
AURORA, Colo. — The Community College of Aurora was pleased to host Congressman Jason Crow for a recent town hall event where the congressman discussed his work in Washington, D.C., and took questions from attendees.
CCA students, faculty, and staff participated in the conversation, during which Congressman Crow spoke on topics ranging from CCA’s frontline efforts in workforce development to his ongoing work crafting bipartisan legislation alongside colleagues from both sides of the political aisle.
Congressman Crow said he chose CCA for this town hall in part because of the college’s strong role in serving underserved communities, a population he said he prioritizes and advocates for in Congress.
“Nearly 20 percent of my constituents were born outside the United States, and over 130 languages are spoken in this district,” Crow said. “There is nothing I take more seriously than protecting my constituents. And if people come after our families, our children, and our neighbors, they have to go through me.”
Congressman Crow, who has represented Colorado’s 6th Congressional District since 2019, said he reached out to CCA to engage in dialogue with college personnel who work directly with many underserved populations, including undocumented families and individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
CCA President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee welcomed Congressman Crow with opening remarks, saying the event offered a valuable opportunity to spotlight issues important to the institution. He also praised the congressman’s ongoing outreach and commitment to the community.
Dr. Brownlee thanked Crow for his support in securing federal funding for the college and noted his continued advocacy for additional resources.
“To have this time with our congressman speaks volumes about how he values the Community College of Aurora,” Dr. Brownlee said.
During the event, Congressman Crow answered a range of questions from the audience, discussing his legislative accomplishments and providing insight into how he works across the aisle, highlighting his reputation as one of Congress’s most successful bipartisan lawmakers.
CCA stands as a strong example of Congressman Crow’s priorities in action. The college continues to lead Colorado in workforce development, with several new initiatives aimed at preparing students for careers in high-demand technical and healthcare fields.
This fall, CCA will open the new Center for Applied Science and Technology, as well as the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. These facilities will offer students hands-on training in critical sectors of Colorado’s economy.
To learn more about how CCA is advancing career-focused education in Colorado, visit https://ccaurora.edu. For a list of Congressman Crow’s legislative priorities, visit https://crow.house.gov/.
What Happened After This College Discontinued 30 Programs? More Faculty. Better Jobs. Higher Student Completion. Jobs for the Future Shares the Story.
When I became president of the Community College of Aurora, I knew bold change was necessary, but I also knew fear could stop us before we ever got started.
As an institution, we made the difficult decision to discontinue 30 outdated academic programs. But before we did, I had one job: remove the fear. Our faculty needed to know their value wouldn’t be lost in the change—it would be reimagined. And once fear was off the table, innovation walked in the door. TOGETHER, our institution was able to:
- Grow our faculty ranks.
- Launch workforce-relevant programs.
- Increase student enrollment.
- Improve student upward economic mobility.
This is what happens when you lead with courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to students. We are grateful to Jobs for the Future (JFF) for spotlighting our story and for creating space to explore how institutions across the country are redefining the future of work and learning.
Join JFF at the 2025 Horizons Summit in New Orleans to be part of the movement.
Late registration is now open: https://horizons.jff.org/annual-summit/registration
https://youtu.be/Y-Qq0ZrXHHM
Historic Partnership with Commerce City, Colorado
🚨 Big News For Commerce City and Community College of Aurora! 🚨
I am proud to share that the Community College of Aurora and the City of Commerce City have officially launched the Commerce City Promise — a powerful new partnership offering FREE short-term credential programs to all Commerce City residents!
From IT and healthcare to construction, logistics, manufacturing, and ESL, this initiative is about more than education — it’s about economic mobility, equity, and community transformation.
Thanks to federal funding through the city’s Advancing Commerce City Together (ACT) program and in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career and Gary Community Ventures, we are eliminating barriers and expanding opportunity — one learner at a time.
Learn more by visiting: https://ccaurora.edu/news-press/uncategorized/commerce-city-and-community-college-of-aurora-partner-to-support-education-and-economic-mobility/
Dr. Mordecai Wins "Man of the Year" Award by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
I am deeply humbled and honored to be named “Man of the Year” by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Serving the greater Aurora community as President of the Community College of Aurora has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. This community has truly been an answered prayer.
Through our shared commitment to student success, we’ve built powerful collaborations with business and industry, opened doors to apprenticeships, internships, and job placements, created new four-year transfer pathways, and celebrated record fundraising for scholarships and capital improvements.
Every milestone we reach is a testament to what we can accomplish together. Thank you, Aurora, for embracing CCA’s mission and vision and for allowing me to serve with purpose and heart.
The best is yet to come.
(First photo includes all winners from the evening. The second photo includes my wife, Daphne.)
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Featured in Inside Higher Education
"But he (Brownlee) stressed that community colleges need to 'lean into our moral obligation as educators to continue to provide equitable access and ensure economic mobility,' even amid federal 'friction points' over DEI." (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/community-colleges/2025/04/10/community-colleges-make-difficult-cuts-under-trump)
At the Community College of Aurora, we believe access to opportunity should never be out of reach—especially for those working hard to become U.S. citizens. When federal funding for our citizenship classes was cut, our community stepped up.
To date, over 500 donors have contributed to our Advancing Economic Mobility Fund (AEM Fund) to keep these life-changing classes alive. Will you join them? Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue this vital mission.
Donate here: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Eiyhlf
Together, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help more Coloradans achieve their American dream.
CCA and NJC Partnership Expands Crucial Paramedic Training forUnderserved Area of Northeastern Colorado
AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora (opens in a new window) (CCA) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its satellite paramedic training program at Northeastern Junior College (opens in a new window) (NJC). This collaborative initiative, a partnership under CCA’s accreditation and supervision, has been instrumental in providing paramedic training in northeastern Colorado for the first time in two decades.
Read more by clicking here.
President's Corner | Q1 Newsletter 2025 - ICYMI
Exciting Times Ahead at the Community College of Aurora!
As we progress with the Spring 2025 semester, I’m excited about the transformative journey ahead. CCA is growing, evolving, and expanding its impact—thanks to each of YOU!
🏗️ Our Centennial Campus and CAST building are taking shape
🔹 Vital campus revitalization projects are underway
💡 Innovation and collaboration continue to drive student success
These developments are more than just physical spaces—they represent our unwavering commitment to empowering students and strengthening our community. I invite you to watch my quarterly address to hear more about the exciting progress at CCA. This is a pivotal time for our college, and your support is essential in shaping its future!
To our Greater Aurora community, we are building a brighter future for our students, our community, and our college.
Dr. Mordecai Appointed to the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
AURORA, Colo. — Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora (CCA), has been appointed to the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Dr. Brownlee is one of four new members confirmed during HACU’s annual conference, held in Aurora earlier this November.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, especially during a time of remarkable growth in both HSI and emerging HSI institutions in Colorado,” said Dr. Brownlee. “With over a third of CCA students identifying as Hispanic/Latino/Latinx learners, our commitment to advancing ‘servingness’ transcends any single group—it is about fostering success for all students. This mission is transformative, and I am proud to contribute to HACU’s critical work in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for higher education.”
Read more: https://www.hacu.net/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=4888
CU Denver, Community College of Aurora team up to broaden engineering access
The Community College of Aurora has partnered with the University of Colorado Denver to expand access for underrepresented Colorado students to electrical engineering and technology careers.
“Together, we’re building pathways that equip students with high-demand skills while celebrating their unique backgrounds,” CCA President Mordecai Brownlee said in a statement.
Read more here: https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/cu-denver-community-college-of-aurora-team-up-to-broaden-engineering-access/
A special announcement from CCA President, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee and Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko!
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) is excited to announce a significant milestone in our mission to bring high-quality education beyond Aurora’s borders to neighboring communities. In a landmark moment, CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee and Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko come together to share this exciting news. Click the play button to watch their full announcement!
CCA President Brownlee named to top national college advisory board
AURORA | Mordecai Brownlee, president of the Community College of Aurora, was appointed to the Presidential Advisory Board of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society.
Brownlee is the sole representative from Colorado among 23 college presidents selected nationwide for this prestigious role, according to CCA officials.
“This is not just a recognition but an opportunity to contribute to a cause that uplifts and empowers students,” Brownlee said in a statement. “It is truly the honor of a lifetime, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact.”
Read the official news story here: https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/cca-president-brownlee-named-to-top-national-college-advisory-board/
CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Named to Prestigious PTK Advisory Board
AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora is pleased to announce that its President, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee has been named to the Presidential Advisory Board for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors Society.
Dr. Brownlee joins 23 other college presidents from around the country on the esteemed board as Colorado’s representative.
Dr. Brownlee said, “I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to be named to the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Presidential Advisory Board. This is not just a recognition but a remarkable opportunity to serve and contribute to a cause that uplifts and empowers students. It is truly the honor of a lifetime, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact.”
On the board, he will provide input into the organization’s strategic plan, priorities, and direction. Presidential Advisory Board members advocate for Phi Theta Kappa, its members, and its mission while serving as liaisons between PTK headquarters and the college leaders in their states and advising PTK’s President and CEO and senior leaders.
“Phi Theta Kappa is at its best when we go beyond recognition and provide students with opportunities to make the most of their college experience,” Dr. Lynn Tincher Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, said. “And, we would not be able to achieve this without the contributions and support of community college leaders like Dr. Mordecai Brownlee.”
As president of Community College of Aurora, Brownlee has spearheaded the college’s first capital project, oversaw the development of the college’s first school of nursing, led record-breaking capital and scholarship fundraising efforts, hired the largest and most diverse faculty in the college’s history, and led efforts to increase student completion rates at the college by more than 20 percent.
In addition to serving as a college president, Brownlee is a columnist for Diverse: Issues in Higher Education and EdSurge, where he shares insights into strategic planning for colleges, and he teaches at Lamar University within the College of Education and Human Development.
Read more (opens in a new window) on the announcement from PTK.
Dr. Mordecai Named NASPA Pillar of the Profession
Aurora, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora is pleased to announce that President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee has been named as one of this year’s Pillars of Profession by the NASPA Foundation for his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the advancement of student success in higher education.
The title is awarded to multiple individuals each year by the NASPA Foundation at its annual conference. NASPA recognizes educational professionals who have served as leaders, teachers, and scholars in student affairs and higher education and who have demonstrated several qualities, including:
Having provided significant service to NASPA through regional and national leadership roles within the Association;
and Have created a lasting impact on the institution(s)/organization(s) at which they have worked, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service recognized by a cross-section of institutional/organizational stakeholders;
and Have demonstrated sustained, lifetime professional distinction in the field of student affairs and higher education.
Dr. Brownlee expressed his gratitude for winning the award, saying, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be named a NASPA Pillar of the Profession. For years, NASPA has served as my professional home – aiding in advancing my skills and acumen to serve in the equitable educational attainment and care of students from all around the world. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the NASPA Foundation for this acknowledgment. It strengthens my commitment to advancing student success and fostering a transformative educational experience for all.”
Dr. Brownlee was enthusiastically nominated by his fellow educators, who cited his leadership qualities, commitment to educational excellence, and pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, among other reasons.
“Since coming under Dr. Brownlee’s leadership in 2021 at the Community College of Aurora, I have felt inspired and hopeful about the future of higher education in providing opportunities to advance the social and economic mobility for our students and their families,” said Senior Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Student Success, Dra. Reyna Anaya.
“His approach to student success is beyond his years, which has led to positive and transformative change at our college. I am grateful for leaders like Dr. Brownlee, who have paved the way for individuals like me in student affairs and executive leadership, and I wanted him to know that I, our CCA team, and many others appreciate the dedication and service he has provided to the field of student affairs. His acceptance as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession is long overdue, and I’m excited to celebrate him and his accomplishments throughout the year.”
Following the award, members of the NASPA Foundation Board will work with the awardees and their lead nominator to pursue a fundraising goal of $3,500 to further research and scholarship in student affairs.
Dr. Brownlee joins 19 other educators from around the country in receiving the accolade for 2025. The NASPA Foundation has been recognizing leaders in education since 1999, and the award is one of NASPA’s highest honors.
Donations to the NASPA Foundation can be made here: https://naspa.org/about/naspa-foundation/foundation-pillars-of-the-profession
