Community College History - Emphasis on Phoenix College within MCCCD

  • Precursor to Community Colleges

    Passage of the Morrell Act (Land Grant Act) expanded access to public higher education - not only for those who previously were excluded but including courses that previously had not been taught
  • Second Morrell Act

    Withheld funds from states that refused admission to "land grant" colleges based on race unless they founded separate institutions...allowing access to blacks which previously had been denied
  • Joliet Junior College Founded

    Joliet Junior College Founded
    Nation's first community college created with collaboration between Joliet Township High School and the University of Chicago
  • Wisconsin Idea

    Wisconsin Idea
    The genesis of the Wisconsin Idea is often attributed to former UW President Charles Van Hise, who in a 1905 address declared, “I shall never be content until the beneficent influence of the University reaches every family of the state.” The idea that universities were to assist the public through extension services and assistance to the state government - boundaries of the state were its campus.
  • Joliet Accredited

    Received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
  • The Flagship of the Today's Maricopa Community College District Founded

    The Flagship of the Today's Maricopa Community College District Founded
    The Phoenix Union High School consulted with the University of Arizona and developed a two-year curriculum and Phoenix Junior College was born.
  • Founding of American Association of Community Colleges

    Meeting held in St.Louis (June 30-July 1, 1920) and Chicago (February 1921) created the American Association of Junior Colleges no known as the American Association of Community Colleges
  • "The Junior College Movement"

    Book by written by Leonard Koos - explained the development of the public junior college, with emphasis on type, geographic distribution, enrollment and programs of studies.
  • Authorization and Legalization

    Prior to the legislative session of 1926-1927, Phoenix Junior College was extra-legal (nothing in the laws of Arizona authorized its existence).
  • Phoenix Junior College - Formal NCA Accreditation

    Formally recognized by the North Central Association - prior to the school was accredited by individual colleges and universities.
  • Options Available to All at Phoenix Junior College

    By the end of the first decade in exists, Students could register for courses of study in agriculture, aviation, education, general liberal arts, pharmacy, pre-legal, secretarial, commerce, engineering, economics, music, pre-dental, pre-medical and the teacher's college.
  • "The Junior College"

    An important book on the development of the public junior college by walter Crosby Eells.
  • Ground Breaking for Current Location

    Ground Breaking for Current Location
    Phoenix Junior College is moving to Thomas and 15th Avenue
  • Dedication of current Phoenix College Campus

    Dedication of current Phoenix College Campus
    The regional director of the Works Progress Administration described the college as "not only the finest in his jurisdiction but in the entire United States." Students only paid an activity fee of $10.00 - all classes erweree free.
  • Civilian Pilot Training

    Phoenix Junior College is designated as the Civil Aeronautics Administration as the best civil pilot training ground program in the United States. By the end of 1942 over 1,200 soldiers, sailors and airmen had completed the pilot training program.
  • GI Bill of Rights

    GI Bill of Rights
    Serivcemen's Readjustment Act provided financial assistance to WWII veterans who wished to pursue higher education. This Act was critical in breaking down the economic and social barriers allowing a record number of American to attend college.
  • The Truman Commission Report

    Publication of HIgher Education of American Democracy by the President's Commission on Higher Education - Established a network of public community colleges that charged little or nothing to attend and served the needs of citizens in the area they were located
  • The 50s

    PC was considered one of the top 15 junior colleges in the nation, it was never racially segreated, had the only flying course within the college, introduced a two-year nursing program and launched a radio program to help the community under how the College was serving it.
  • Maricopa Junior College District (aka Maricopa Community College District)

    The citizens of Maricopa voted to establish the district which was administered by an elected Governing Board and the Arizona State Board of Directors for Community Colleges. In 1963 Phoenix College was transfered to this organization's jurisdiction. The campus located in Mesa and Glendale were extensions of Phoenix College.
  • Student Aid Legislation

    Began in 1965 with the Higher Education Act, has been augmented with amendments and reauthorizations, the federal government assists every American in attending college.
  • Mesa Junior College and Glendale Junior College become Independent Colleges

    Mesa Junior College and Glendale Junior College become Independent Colleges
  • Maricopa Technical College(Gateway Community College)

    Maricopa Technical College(Gateway Community College)
  • Scottsdale Junior College

    Scottsdale Junior College
  • Junior College No More

    The Junior College was changed to Community College
  • Rio Community College

    Rio Community College
  • South Mountain Community College

  • Northeast Valley Education Center (now Paradise Valley Community College)

  • Chandler/Gilbert Education Center (now Chandler Gilbert Community College)

  • Estrella Mountain Community College

    Estrella Mountain Community College
  • New Mission Statement

    "Phoenix College is a comprehsenvie community college responsive to the changing needs of the community and to individuals pursuing academic, occupations, developmental and personal enrichment."
  • Hannelly Center - One Stop Opened

    Hannelly Center - One Stop Opened
    All the departments needed for students to enroll and meet their needs (Financial Aid, Disability Resources, Career Services, Testing, Counseling, Veterans Services and Cafeteria) are located in one building.
  • Innovation of the Year

    The MyPC Mobile Application for Students - the app allows students to access the class schedule and utilize GPS to find their classes among other features.
  • Phoenix College - Achieves 10-year Accreditation

    Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
  • Phoenix College - NADE Accredited

    Phoenix College's Developoent Education Program, the first within the District and is one of only 20 in the nation, to be awarded acrediated by the National Association for Development Education (NADE).
  • Communities Colleges Today

    Communities Colleges Today