Views
Opinion column
by Murrel Bland
Kansas City Kansas Community College will celebrate 100 years as an educational institution in 2023. The college’s Board of Trustees has approved a “Centennial Path,” a strategic plan which will guide the school for the next four years.
Dr. Greg Mosier, the president of the college, spoke to about 50 members of the Congressional Forum Friday, June 21, at Children’s Mercy Park. The Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the forum.
Dr. Mosier, who came here about one year ago from Rochester (Minnesota) Community and Technical College where he was executive vice president of academic affairs, told of how the strategic plan will be implemented.
One of the goals of the centennial plan will be to attract and attain a high-performing diverse workforce that will reflect the communities that the college serves. The Wyandotte Economic Development Council, which visits numerous Wyandotte County businesses, reports that the number one need is having qualified workers. The college has various training programs in such skill areas as machinist, diesel mechanic and heating and air conditioning technician. The college’s Technical Education Center also offers courses in such areas as culinary arts and cosmetology.
The college is considering courses in such areas as utility linemen and hospitality worker.
Dr. Mosier said that the college this fall will offer night time classes at Wyandotte High School. He said the college is in conversation with various organizations to extend its presence in the downtown area.
Dr. Mosier meets regularly with Dr. Charles Foust, the superintendent of the Kansas City, Kansas, School District. Many of the students from the Kansas City, Kansas, district who attend the community college must attend remedial classes.
Dr. Mosier told of national recognition that the college’s jazz band, women’s basketball team and debate team have received.
The college last fall opened a Veteran’s Center. Its goal is to prepare men and women for the civilian workforce.
Dr. Mosier said that the college had an economic impact of $182 million during 2018.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the executive director of Business West.