Together, Dr. Mordecai and Dr. Garcia explore what students are truly asking of today’s community colleges. Their conversation examines the importance of connection, the power of student voice, and why institutions must move beyond caring for students in theory and begin demonstrating that care through intentional design.
The conversation also challenges colleges to stop expecting students to navigate complicated systems on their own. Dr. Garcia explains that students do not experience institutions through organizational charts or strategic plans. They experience registration, advising, financial aid, classrooms, websites, policies, and whether someone notices when they are no longer present.
Dr. Garcia also shares how mentors, family sacrifice, and unexpected opportunities created defining turning points in her own journey. She discusses what she calls “intrusive mentoring,” the importance of viewing student data as a gift, and why community colleges must continue to be places that say “yes” to students and expand what they believe is possible.
Watch the full 40th episode of Discovering Your Mission with Dr. Mordecai featuring Dr. Linda Garcia and discover how community colleges can create stronger connections, redesign the student experience, challenge institutional assumptions, and help more students move from the start line to the finish line.
