Community College of Aurora Beam Signing Event

This was another historic week for the Community College of Aurora, as we held a beam signing event for our new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technologies. Thank you to Hausman Construction, BVH, NV5, Oakwood Homes (BuildStrong Academy), Wagner Equipment, TransWest, and CIVITAS for your trust and partnership.

Another thank you to the State of Colorado, Arapahoe County Commissioners, Congressman Jason Crow, donors, and many elected and appointed officials for your financial support. CCA appreciates each of you!

Community College of Aurora President's Quarterly Update

It is time for the Community College of Aurora President's Quarterly update!!! This episode includes information about the construction of our new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technology, progress updates on critical campus capital projects, summer and fall enrollment, HLC accreditation reaffirmation, and the development of CCA's anticipated third location.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF AURORA RECEIVES ACCREDITATION REAFFIRMATION FROM HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION

Dr. Brownlee said, “We are thrilled to announce that the Community College of Aurora has been reaffirmed for accreditation for the next ten years, marking a testament to our unwavering commitment to our excellence in education. This achievement results from the dedication and hard work of our exceptional faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders who continually strive for greatness. Together, we celebrate this milestone and reaffirm our collective dedication to providing quality educational pathways, supporting our local workforce, and advancing economic mobility.”

To read the official press release, click here.

Pride Month and beyond

“The Community College of Aurora is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that ensures every student, including our students who identify as LGBTQ+ are valued, respected and supported,” says Dr. Mordecai. “Through this commitment to inclusion, we empower all learners to achieve their full potential and discover their purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and community that enhances the educational experience for everyone.”

To read more, please click here.

Leadership Aurora Graduation

Earlier this week, Dr. Mordecai became a graduate of the 40th Class of Leadership Aurora. To learn more about this program offered by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, please visit: https://www.aurorachamber.org/leadership-aurora/

Dr. Mordecai Named one of the top higher education presidents on social media for 2023

ED Marketing Agency recognized Dr. Mordecai as one of the top higher education presidents on social media. To read more, please click here.

CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Represents CCCS on Workforce Development Panel

“It took some investing in me to see the value in myself,” he told an audience of over 100 business, government, and education leaders. “I think all of us have the responsibility to bring those opportunities to others.”

His comments were part of a panel hosted by the Colorado Business Roundtable, a public policy organization bringing together executives from Colorado’s largest employers. Joined by the presidents of Colorado State University (CSU), Colorado Mesa University, and University of Northern Colorado (UNC), Dr. Brownlee shared strategies to get more Coloradans into the workforce. To read more, click here.

Congressman Crow Delivers $850K for Community College of Aurora’s New Center for STEM, Power Mechanics and Applied Technologies

On Monday, Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) joined President of Community College of Aurora (CCA) Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, CCA Vice President of Academic Success Dr. Bobby Pace, industry partners, educators and students to present $850,000 to construct Community College of Aurora’s new Center for STEM, Power Mechanics and Applied Technologies. Currently under construction and scheduled to be completed by fall of 2025. Read the official press release here.

Embracing Change: Crafting Forward-Thinking Strategic Plans for Colleges in a Dynamic Society

To read Dr. Mordecai’s latest article published by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, please visit: https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15667472/embracing-change-crafting-forwardthinking-strategic-plans-for-colleges-in-a-dynamic-society

CBS News: Community College of Aurora receives congressional funding for STEM center in Colorado

To view this CBS news story, please visit https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/community-college-aurora-receives-congressional-funding-stem-center/.

Colorado Community College System Listening Tour

The Community College of Aurora was honored to recently host the Colorado Community College System for the second stop of its Listening Tour. This intentional experience provides inclusive feedback for our students, faculty, instructors, staff, and community leaders to inform the system's next five-year strategic plan. Thanks to Chancellor Joe Garcia and Board Chair Landon Mascareñaz for their leadership.

The Aaron Harber Show

Don't miss our 2-part series featuring Executive Director Angie Paccione (Ph.D., former Colorado State Representative, Global Business Consultant, and Professional Basketball Player) and Dr. Mordecai Brownlee (President of the Community College of Aurora, Aurora Chamber of Commerce Community Leader of the Year, U.S. Department of Education Unlocking Career Success Initiative “Champion,” and Member of the Global Community College Leadership Network).

The discussion will focus on disclosing new opportunities in Higher Education, as well as the upcoming challenges facing colleges and universities.

Part One will broadcast at 9:00 PM this Friday, February 23rd.

Part Two will broadcast at 9:00 PM on Friday, March 1st.

Exclusively on PBS 12 (www.https://www.pbs12.org/)

Dr. Mordecai Receives Phi Theta Kappa Award for New Presidents

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will recognize 24 college presidents with the Paragon Award for New Presidents during PTK Catalyst 2024, the Society’s annual convention in Orlando, Florida, April 4-6, 2024.

To be eligible for this award, college presidents and CEOs are new in their role having served less than 3 years. Recipients are nominated by students on their campus and are only eligible to receive the award once.

The award recognizes college presidents who have shown support of student success initiatives leading to stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They have taken an active interest in supporting high-achieving students and developing student leaders on campus.

“These college presidents have students-first leadership styles and made it a priority to support student success both inside and outside the classroom,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “This award is special because it comes directly from the students. Read more at www.PTK.org

Historic Partnership Formed Between Community College of Aurora and Aurora Police Department

The Community College of Aurora and the Aurora Colorado Police Department joined forces Wednesday for a public mixer celebrating the development of our new Cadet Pilot Program. Local officials, CCA leadership, and community leaders were on hand for the festivities. Thank you to Launch Pad Brewery for hosting the event! Check out pics here, and learn more about the Cadet Pilot Program by clicking the link! https://bit.ly/4bvwwmu

Dr. Mordecai Joins Colorado Freedom Memorial Board of Directors

This weekend, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee officially became a board member of the Colorado Freedom Memorial. Miss Lauren, his daughter, joined him for this special day.

Please visit https://coloradofreedommemorial.com/about-the-memorial/ to learn more.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Luncheon Hosted by Community College of Aurora

Read more about this successful community event here: https://sentinelcolorado.com/0trending/cca-aurora-police-honor-community-student-inclusion-leaders/

CCA Hosts “HACU On The Road,” Addressing Issues Facing Education For Hispanic/LatinX Students

To read this feature story, please visit: https://ccaurora.edu/news-press/press-release/cca-hosts-hacu-on-the-road-addressing-issues-facing-education-for-hispanic-latinx-students/

Community College of Aurora Hosts Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)

This week, the Community College of Aurora (CCA) had the honor of hosting the HACU - Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities for “HACU on the Road.” Thank you to Dr. Antonio Flores, Colorado Community College System Chancellor Joseph Garcia, President of OLLU - Our Lady of the Lake University, Dr. Abel Chavez, CCA Presidential scholar Ben Salazar, La Academia de Liderazgo Fellow, Dra. Reyna Anaya, Colorado state demographer, Elizabeth Gardner, CCA VP of DEI & Chief of Staff, Dr. Angela Marquez, Dr. Roberto Montoya, AVP of Partner Success-HSIs at InsideTrack, and CG Pável Meléndez Cruz, Consul General of the Consulado General de México en Denver.

Dr. Mordecai Receives the Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr. LMI Alumni Award

This past weekend, Dr. Mordecai attended the Leadership & Mentorship Institute 20 year anniversary celebration. While there, he was surprised with the honor of being named the recipient of the Dr. Joseph H. Silver, Sr. LMI Alumni Award! President Brownlee is only the third person to receive this award.

Twenty years ago, Dr. Silver served as the Founding Director of the Leadership and Mentorship Institute, a training academy to prepare African Americans to serve higher education with excellence. Thank you to Dr. Silver, Dr. Barbara Johnson, Dr. Henrietta Pichon, and Dr. Roland Smith for this amazing honor.

To learn more about LMI, please visit: https://lmiexperience.org/

Dr. Mordecai's Social Media Engagement Featured in Community College Daily

Thank you Maya Demishkevich for your article highlighting how the Community College of Aurora is utilizing social media to advance our institutional mission and partnerships! Read the article here: https://www.ccdaily.com/2023/09/how-presidents-on-social-media-shape-community-college-success/?fbclid=IwAR32qpwN5AVLvymUvn_N4gu9W-yL1E2Gh1NHR-XA0rTVpvnUP0tEGBGqDwQ