News

Montcalm Community College President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick has been recognized with the 2026 RCCA Rising Star Award by the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA), honoring leadership, innovation and meaningful contributions to rural community colleges and the communities they serve.

The award was presented during the 2026 RCCA/ATEA National Conference, held September 16-18 at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi. The joint national conference brought together community college leaders, educators, workforce professionals, industry partners and other leaders from across the country to share ideas and advance the future of their institutions and communities.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, and I’m grateful to be recognized alongside so many people who are committed to strengthening rural community colleges,” Dr. Barrick said. “I see this recognition as a reflection of the work happening every day at Montcalm Community College.

“Our college is deeply connected to the communities we serve, and I’m proud to be part of a team that works to create opportunities for our students, support our workforce and make a meaningful difference in our region,” he added.

RCCA’s annual awards highlight the people and institutions doing work that strengthens rural community colleges and expands their ability to create opportunity. This year’s recipients represent the breadth of that work, including leadership, innovation, workforce development, access and meaningful community partnerships.

Dr. Barrick earned the 2026 RCCA Rising Star Award for making a meaningful contribution to the work of rural community colleges and demonstrating the kind of leadership, innovation and commitment that creates lasting impact for students and communities.

The honor reflects the important role community colleges play well beyond the classroom, connecting students to opportunity, helping communities meet changing workforce needs and serving as partners in the economic and social vitality of the regions they call home.

Dr. Barrick joins this year’s RCCA honorees in representing the people and institutions helping rural community colleges lead where it matters most.