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Accreditation at MCC

The Centurion Journey: Commitment to Quality, Opportunity, and Continuous Improvement

Montcalm Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation ensures that MCC meets rigorous standards of quality in teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness.

At MCC, accreditation is more than a requirement, it’s a continuous journey. We call this work The Centurion Journey, reflecting our commitment to improvement, transparency, and student success.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process of external quality review that ensures institutions of higher education meet established standards of excellence.

Through accreditation, MCC demonstrates that we:

  • Provide high-quality academic programs

  • Support student learning and success

  • Operate with integrity and accountability

  • Engage in ongoing improvement

MCC participates in the Open Pathway, a 10-year cycle that emphasizes continuous quality improvement and regular evaluation.

Our Accreditation Summary

Montcalm Community College has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation Liasson Officer: Kevin Wagenmaker – Vice President for Academic Affairs

  • Pathway: Open Pathway

  • Next Comprehensive Evaluation: October 4 & 5, 2027

  • Assurance Argument Due: September 6, 2027

The Centurion Journey

At Montcalm Community College, accreditation is not a single event; it is how we do our work every day.

We call this The Centurion Journey: a shared commitment across faculty, staff, leadership, students, and community partners to continuously strengthen teaching, learning, and the student experience.

Built into Daily Work

The Centurion Journey is grounded in consistent, intentional improvement. At MCC, this means:

  • Using assessment data to guide decisions

  • Aligning work with our strategic plan and Rural Guided Pathways

  • Embedding improvement into meetings, planning, and collaboration

  • Creating transparent systems that show what’s working, and what’s next

CORE Framework

  • Commitment to student success

  • Opportunity through education

  • Responsibility to our community and stakeholders

  • Excellence in teaching and learning

Why It Matters

This approach ensures accreditation is something we live, not just prepare for. It helps MCC:

  • Respond to student and community needs

  • Strengthen consistency across programs

  • Demonstrate quality and accountability

Most importantly, it reinforces that Opportunity is Built Here.

Accreditation Timeline

MCC’s accreditation work follows a structured timeline within the Open Pathway:

  • Years 1-3: Ongoing assessment and improvement

  • Year 4: Mid-Cycle Review

  • Years 5-9: Continued improvement and preparation

  • Year 10: Comprehensive Evaluation and Site Visit

Current Phase:
MCC is currently preparing for its 2027 Comprehensive Evaluation.

Criterion Teams

  • Shelly Springborn – Communications Director

  • Dr. Bradley Barrick – President

  • Lisa Lund – Executive Director for Institutional Advancement

  • Riki Jensen – Executive Director of Human Resources

  • Kevin Wagenmaker – Vice President for Academic Affairs

  • Dr. Leslie Neal – Communication Faculty

  • Dr. Elizabeth Klooster – Economics Faculty

  • Andrea Martin – Social Sciences Faculty

  • David Kohn – Director of IT Services

  • Vladimir Edelman – Director of Institutional Research