The Highlander Extra

Upcoming Events

Summer & Fall Registration – Now Open

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Lisa Elliott Director

Jennifer Norman Associate Director

Elizabeth Perez Graphic Designer

Sarah Chavez Social Media & Communications Specialist

Phillip Esparza Web Systems Administrator

Gale Kissinger Sr. Executive Assistant

Candice Kelm

Sports Information Specialist SPRING 2024

We’d love to hear from you! Share your comments and suggestions; marcom@mclennan.edu.

Summer I First Class Day - June 3

Summer II First Class Day - July 11

Fall First Class Day - Aug. 26

Spring Concerts –Throughout April

Our Visual & Performing Arts Division hosts numerous free concerts each month. Click the QR code to see the upcoming performances.

Highlander Baseball & Softball –Throughout April

Our nationally-ranked teams take the field multiple times each week. Click the QR code to see the upcoming schedule.

McLennan Theatre presents “The Wolves” –

April 25-27, 7:30 p.m., Music & Theatre Arts Room 110

THE HIGHLANDER EXTRA IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR BY MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

Spring Commencement

Ceremonies –

May 4, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Click the QR code to learn more.

Letter from the President

McLennan County family & community:

With great enthusiasm I welcome you to the inaugural edition of The Highlander Extra, a bridge between McLennan Community College (MCC) and the vibrant community we are honored to serve. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed and engaged with the myriad of opportunities and accomplishments that define your community college.

At MCC, we celebrate the unique potential within each student. Our mission is to improve lives and enriching our community. We strive to foster an environment where all students can unlock their full potential and pave the way to the life they envision for themselves and their families.

MCC offers a wide range of degrees, certificates, and training programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of our local workforce. With experienced faculty and dedicated staff by their side, students at MCC are supported throughout their educational journey.

Our community’s historic commitment and engagement have been instrumental in shaping the success stories that our students realize. I express my gratitude for your continued support and invite you to share your feedback and ideas.

Our partnership with the community enables us to transform lives and to help our residents engage in education and training that makes the difference for their bright futures. I look forward to our shared journey ahead as we continue our focus on providing an affordable, excellent community college that results in the prosperity for McLennan County, Texas, and beyond.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Johnette McKown President McLennan Community College

MCLENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

McLennan Community College is governed by seven elected representatives (trustees), who volunteer their time to guide the future of the college. Each trustee represents a single-member district and serves a six-year term.

DR. ELIZABETH PALACIOS, DISTRICT 5, SECRETARY

K. PAUL HOLT, DISTRICT 6

DR. DENNIS CLARK, DISTRICT 7

JONATHAN HILL, DISTRICT 1

EARL STINNETT, SR., DISTRICT 2, BOARD CHAIR

ILDA SABIDO, DISTRICT 3

RICKY TURMAN, DISTRICT 4, VICE CHAIR

CHOOSE YOUR PATHWAY

McLennan has a path for you, whether your goal is to earn an associate degree, transfer to a four-year university, or get a certificate to jump-start your career.

Business & Industry

The Business & Industry Pathway offers students exciting career opportunities in various fields.

Accounting

Business

Business Management

Computer Information System & Multimedia

General Business

Health Information Technology

Hospitality Management

Marketing

Creative Arts

Office Technology

Paralegal

Real Estate

Supply Chain & Operations Management

The Creative Arts Pathway prepares students for careers in the visual arts, music, and theatre industries. Students not only hone their artistic skills but learn how to best share them with their community.

Audio Technology

Music

Performance

Songwriting

Theatre

Venue & Talent Management

Visual Arts

Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts Pathway prepares students for various academic majors and programs, including graduate and professional schools.

Communication Studies

Education

English

Foreign Languages

Government

History

Physical Education & Health

Psychology

Sociology

Health Professions

MCC provides cutting-edge simulation labs and valuable collaborations with the community and healthcare industry.

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

Certified Nurse Aid (CNA)

EKG Technician

Massage Therapy

Medical Assistant

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Office Assistant

Medication Administration

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Patient Care Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Phlebotomy

Physical Therapist Assistant

Radiologic Technology

Respiratory Care Technology

Surgical Technology

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technology

Vocational Nursing (LVN)

The Public Service Pathway will prepare you to serve the best interests of people in the community, government, non-profits, schools, and the public sector. Public Services

Child Development & Education

Cosmetology

Criminal Justice

Fire Protection Technologyy

Interpreter Training

Long-Term Care

Administration

Mental Health

Paramedicine

Social Work

Veterinary Technology

This pathway prepares students for demanding and rewarding occupations in the fields of life and physical sciences, agriculture, math, engineering, computer science, medical and dental professions, and information technology. STEM

Agriculture

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Information Systems & Multimedia

Computer Science

Engineering

Math

Get Registered Now for Summer & Fall Courses at MCC!

Registration for the Summer Minimester, Summer I, Summer II, & Fall semesters at McLennan Community College is now open!

Discover MCC’s flexible course schedules, financial aid options, and extensive support services for student success. Find the perfect degree, certificate, or shortterm training program that aligns with your educational goals.

At MCC, we want to make the college registration process as easy as possible,

so we have developed Steps to Becoming an MCC Student:

Check out all MCC has to offer by visiting www.mclennan.edu. We are happy to help you discover your true potential!

If you have questions about registration, financial aid,

or MCC in general, contact Highlander Central at 254-299-8622 or info@mclennan.edu.

Business Educational Assistance Partnerships

MCC partners with local businesses, such as Amazon, City of Waco, Texas Farm Bureau, and Educators Credit Union, who offer tuition support to their employees. Our partners receive:

Dedicated marketing and recruiting team to promote the company’s program

Easy payment process for tuition and fees

Access to on-campus facilities for interviewing and recruiting MCC students

Inclusion in the MCC website  Individual assistance for employees with applying and enrolling at MCC

Financial aid assistance for other expenses

225 students returned to college $8,601 debt waived for the students who have completed $60,042 potential debt to waive when students complete

$606,712 of outstanding balances paid

The Highlander Restart Program is designed for former MCC students who left the College in good academic standing, have not been enrolled in classes within the prior academic year, and currently owe a debt to MCC. Through this initiative, former students can accomplish their educational objectives while resolving any outstanding financial obligations to MCC.

Nationally-Recognized Athletic Programs

Over the past five decades, McLennan Athletics has established a tradition of excellence and are nationally recognized for their athleticism as well as their academics.

McLennan sponsors six varsity-level teams that compete in Division I of the National Junior College Athletic Association: baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s golf, women’s golf, and softball. McLennan teams have won 10 National Junior College Athletic Association national

championships: baseball (1983 & 2021), men’s golf (1984, 2009, and 2010), women’s golf (1998, 2002, and 2007), men’s tennis (1993) and women’s tennis (1997).

The MCC Dance Company is also part of the athletic department and competes annually at the ADTS Collegiate Championship and NDA Collegiate Nationals. The squad is well known across the country, having claimed 11 NDA National Championships, 30 ADTS National Championships, and one Dance Team Union

National Championship. All seven teams are having tremendous seasons in 202324 as well. Be sure to visit www.mclennanathletics.com for the latest news and view our upcoming schedules.

MCC’s University Center

For over 20 years, MCC has paved the way to affordable bachelor’s and graduate degree options right here in Waco through partnerships with Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University.

Here’s how it works: Start your journey by completing your first two years of classes at MCC and transfer those credits to one of our partner institutions. Imagine, you can stay in Waco and complete an affordable bachelor’s degree while living and working at home. Both Tarleton and Texas Tech offer online and in-person classes, so you can choose the pathway that best fits your needs. The University Center at MCC is here to support and guide students every step of the way.

Dual Admission Transfer Agreements

Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University recently signed agreements with MCC to further support Central Texas college-bound students.

The MCC-to-Tarleton program offers MCC students conditional admissions to the university, a faster application process, and a locked tuition rate for up to 15 consecutive semesters. Students will also benefit from academic advisors, degree mapping tools for a seamless transition to Tarleton, and more!

New MCC students may select this program on the MCC application and current

students can opt-in to this program by submitting a form at www.mclennan.edu/uc.

The Highlander to Red Raider program provides MCC students conditional admission to Texas Tech University as well as pretransfer advising for a smooth transition between colleges. MCC students may also receive guaranteed admissions to a specific degree program, if they meet the program’s requirements and remain in good standing with the University. Participants in this program will enjoy an all-expenses-paid

trip to Texas Tech’s main campus in Lubbock, including a tour, faculty meetings, and pre-transfer advising through Undergraduate Admissions at Tech.

New MCC students may select the Highlander to Red Raider program on their MCC application, and current students can opt-in to this program by submitting a form at www.mclennan.edu/uc.

The MCC Foundation

The McLennan Community College Foundation promotes quality higher education that enriches the academic, economic, and cultural life of our diverse community. To further this mission, the Foundation acquires financial resources and strengthens support to fund scholarships, professional development, and capital improvements for the students, faculty, and staff of the College and the broader communities it serves.

Since its inception in 1990, the McLennan Community College Foundation has awarded more than 7,100 student scholarships totaling over $7 million. We invite you to learn more about how you can help create brighter futures in our community through regular, endowed, or planned giving to the McLennan Community College Foundation.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Wes Livesay joined the

Foundation team in mid-October bringing a wealth of experience working in fundraising, donor relations and estate planning. MCC welcomed Livesay with a reception on November. With a strong background in fundraising, donor relations, and estate planning, Livesay is well-known in the Waco community, and we welcome him to the MCC family!

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

The McLennan Community College Foundation awarded a record-breaking $712,749.59 in student scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year, the highest amount awarded

to students in the Foundation’s 33-year history.

The next Scholarship application period for 20242025 will open on May 1.

CAMERON HALL PROJECT

Construction on the McLennan Community College Foundation’s new home will begin soon! Recently, the MCC Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the renovation contract for Cameron Hall, the new home of the MCC Foundation.

Learn more about the MCC Foundation at www.mclennan. edu/foundation/index.html

Ruthie Foster

Ruthie Foster studied Music and Audio Engineering at MCC and in 2010, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. A native of Gause, Texas, Ruthie learned about MCC through a news piece about the College’s Music Department. Instead of having to go to California for a quality education in music, Ruthie says, “It was like a little Berkeley right here in Texas.”

While at MCC, Ruthie took vocal performance, commercial music, and audio engineering courses. She says that taking these classes helped her expand her knowledge of music and she uses what she learned to better communicate with her tour engineer. Ruthie remembers sharing the same space as the drama and art students, and working closely with the other programs on their performances, as a lighting technician and sound engineer. Ruthie says that these programs were like a family and that she was sad to have to leave the Fine Arts building at the end of her time at MCC.

Ruthie says that everything she learned while at MCC including classes like Arrangement Composition to Music History and Business, came in handy when she signed to Atlantic Records. Today she has her own label and says she uses everything she learned at MCC. “This music department is invaluable if you want to be in the music industry, period. Take the classes you’re interested in and soak up that knowledge.”

Antonianett Garcia

Antonianett Garcia is studying social work at MCC and is on track to graduate this upcoming May. At MCC, Antonianett says she feels connected and accepted. She loves that MCC is an affordable option and says that her professors have always been wonderful to her. She is a member of TRIO and says that the program helped her navigate college. Because of her experiences at MCC, Antonianett feels confident to continue her educational journey.

“My advice to students is that the only that could hinder your success is yourself. I started my educational journey when I was 28 years old. A part of this was me feeling like I wasn’t capable but the irony of it all is that I never tried. I look back now and I have been very successful in college and have surpassed my initial goals. Always believe in yourself and never stop dreaming.”

Did you know MCC offers more than just degrees and certificates? Come check out our amazing Performing Arts, awardwinning Athletic teams, Continuing Education classes, Highlander Ranch, Highlander Salon & Spa, beautiful campus facilities for hosting events, and so much more! www.mclennan.edu