President's Message, September 2009

Good morning students, faculty, and staff! I am hopeful that your summers were enjoyable and productive. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the Fall Semester at Muskegon Community College.

My recent Investiture Address was entitled “Capture the Moment.” I chose this title as community colleges around the nation are positioned as never before to serve our communities. Our curricular offerings have never been more diverse, our students never more committed, and our faculty and staff never more prepared.

As you know, our state and national economy, while showing signs of improvement, remains uncertain. I am of the opinion that, because of the programs and services offered by community colleges, we are in the best position of all levels of education to assist in moving our nation forward. This belief is endorsed by the President of the United States and Congress as they are in the process of making available the largest infusion of resources into the community college movement since just after WWII.

Indeed, Muskegon Community College is particularly well suited to this task. Our faculty, staff, and trustees have been committed to providing our students with the technology, environment, and knowledge crafted to fit the requirements of Muskegon and West Michigan in the 21^st century. While I mentioned some of these programs last Friday, there are many, many outstanding programs across the curriculum, both credit and non credit, from which students may choose.

To our new and returning students, take a look around. You will like what you see. To our faculty, your excellent reputation precedes you. I look forward to seeing you in action in front of your classes and in the community. To our staff, continue doing what you do best…providing the highest level of customer service and support available in the community college system.

How can you capture the moment? Over the next few months, you will receive a series of notes from me and the President’s Cabinet regarding ways that you can be involved in assuring that MCC remains a vibrant and innovative institution. My single vision is this: ...to help MCC become the most effective community college in the state, and a model for innovation in two and four year colleges around the country.

Best regards,
Dale Nesbary
President