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Building Capacity for the Future

June 10, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

Today marked an important milestone for the Community College of Aurora as the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education approved every item presented by our institution.

Among the approvals were CCA's Fiscal Year 2027 budget, a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Special Education, and strategic investments in campus infrastructure and safety. Each of these actions represents more than a vote of approval. They represent an investment in students, workforce development, and the long-term strength of our community.

One outcome I am particularly proud of is our financial performance. Earlier this year, we projected that CCA would close Fiscal Year 2026 with a fund balance of approximately $2.8 million. Today, due to record enrollment growth, disciplined stewardship of resources, and the collective efforts of our entire college community, we are projected to finish the year with a $14.9 million fund balance.

Strong finances are not the goal. They are the fuel that allows us to expand opportunity, strengthen student support, invest in our people, modernize our campuses, and respond to the evolving needs of employers and communities across our region.

The momentum at CCA is a reflection of what is possible when faculty, staff, students, trustees, community partners, and industry leaders unite around a shared mission of economic mobility and student success.

While there is still much work ahead, moments like these remind us that purposeful leadership, strategic investment, and a relentless focus on students can create transformational results.

The future of the Community College of Aurora remains bright, and I am grateful to everyone who continues to make this work possible.

— Dr. Mordecai Brownlee

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Honored to Be Named a 2026 Titan 100 Honoree

June 10, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee
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I am honored to have been recognized as a member of the 2026 Titan 100, an award that celebrates many of Colorado's top business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it highlights something I have long believed: community colleges are among the most important economic engines in our communities.

While higher education is often discussed through the lens of access and completion, our work is also deeply connected to workforce development, talent creation, and economic mobility. Every day, community colleges help employers address workforce challenges while creating pathways to opportunity for learners and their families.

I view this recognition not as an individual achievement, but as a reflection of the collective work happening across the Community College of Aurora. It belongs to the faculty, staff, students, employers, and community partners who are committed to building a stronger future for our region.

I am grateful to the Titan 100 organization for this honor and proud to stand alongside so many leaders who are making a difference across Colorado.

The work continues.

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Community College of Award Recognized With National Award for Institutional Culture

June 5, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

People don't give their best to organizations. People give their best to environments where they feel seen, valued, and connected to purpose.

One of the greatest leadership lessons I've learned is that culture is not built through strategic plans, organizational charts, or mission statements alone. Culture is built through thousands of daily decisions that communicate to people: "You matter here."

That's why I'm especially proud that the Community College of Aurora was recently recognized as a Most Promising Place to Work by The EDU Ledger.

Not because of the award itself. But because it reflects years of intentional effort by a team committed to caring for one another while caring for our students. The strongest organizations are never built around "I." They are built around "we."

Way to go, team!

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Community College of Aurora Honors Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven as President Emeritus

May 14, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

The Community College of Aurora (CCA) formally recognized former President Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven with the designation of President Emeritus during the college’s commencement ceremony on May 9, 2026.

The honor recognizes Dr. Oudenhoven’s lasting impact on the institution through her leadership, commitment to equity, and transformational investments that continue shaping the future of the college and its students.

Dr. Oudenhoven served as CCA’s fifth president from 2013 to 2021. During her tenure, the institution advanced major equity-centered initiatives, earned Hispanic Serving Institution designation, strengthened workforce diversity efforts, and secured critical investments that positioned the college for long-term sustainability and growth.

Among the most significant milestones during her presidency was the acquisition of the CentreTech campus, a move that strengthened the institution’s financial position and expanded future opportunities for growth and state investment. Her leadership also helped create momentum for what would eventually become the Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), now one of the college’s premier workforce-aligned educational facilities.

Dr. Oudenhoven also helped guide the institution through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in modern higher education history.

Current CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee reflected on the significance of the recognition and the foundation Dr. Oudenhoven helped establish for the institution.

“Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven’s leadership has left an enduring mark on the Community College of Aurora,” said Dr. Brownlee. “Her steady commitment to students, her belief in the power of access and opportunity, and her ability to lead with both clarity and compassion helped shape the foundation upon which we continue to build today.”

Dr. Brownlee presented Dr. Oudenhoven with the President Emeritus designation prior to the commencement ceremony in front of graduates, employees, and community members.

Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Oudenhoven shared her gratitude for the institution and community she served.

“My ten years at CCA were incredibly meaningful for me,” said Dr. Oudenhoven. “Our students were inspiring, our employees were passionate and hard working, and our community was involved and supportive.”

The President Emeritus designation is reserved for leaders whose influence and contributions extend far beyond their time in office. For the Community College of Aurora, recognizing Dr. Betsy Oudenhoven honors a leadership legacy that continues to impact students, employees, and the broader community today.

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Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Joins Alliance for Innovation and Transformation Executive Committee

April 16, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT), a national organization focused on advancing system-level change across higher education.

This appointment comes at a critical moment for the sector, as colleges and universities are being called to more directly align with workforce needs, strengthen economic mobility outcomes, and deliver measurable impact for the communities they serve.

AFIT’s work is centered on bold national “moonshots” designed to accelerate institutional transformation. These efforts focus on reimagining higher education systems, strengthening workforce alignment, and ensuring that learning consistently translates into real opportunity for learners.

Dr. Brownlee’s appointment reflects his growing national influence as a leader who not only articulates vision, but also builds and operationalizes systems that drive results. Under his leadership, the Community College of Aurora has experienced record enrollment growth, expanded workforce-aligned programming, and strengthened its role as a regional engine of economic mobility.

In accepting the role, Dr. Brownlee emphasized the importance of execution in this next era of higher education.

“Higher education is being called to deliver more than access,” Brownlee shared. “Our responsibility is to ensure that learning translates into real opportunity, economic mobility, and long-term community prosperity. That requires alignment, discipline, and a commitment to building systems that deliver outcomes at scale.”

He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of outgoing Executive Committee members Roger Stanford and Cid Yousefi, whose contributions helped shape AFIT’s direction and position the organization for continued impact.

As a member of the Executive Committee, Dr. Brownlee will contribute to guiding AFIT’s strategic direction and advancing its national efforts to support institutional transformation. His work will continue to focus on aligning mission, strategy, and outcomes in service of learners and communities.

This appointment further reinforces Dr. Brownlee’s role as a national voice on purpose-driven leadership and workforce-aligned higher education—one committed to ensuring that institutions not only educate, but transform lives and strengthen the economic vitality of the communities they serve.

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Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Named a 2026 Colorado Titan 100 Recipient

March 23, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, has been named a 2026 Colorado Titan 100 Recipient—an honor recognizing the state’s top CEOs and C-level executives who are driving innovation, growth, and transformative impact across industries.

The Titan 100 program celebrates leaders who exemplify vision, resilience, and a commitment to building organizations that extend beyond profit to create meaningful, lasting change. This year’s honorees collectively generate more than $20 billion in annual revenue and employ over 266,000 individuals, reflecting the strength and influence of Colorado’s leadership community.

Dr. Brownlee’s inclusion among this distinguished group underscores his national leadership in higher education and his unwavering focus on economic mobility, workforce alignment, and student success. Under his leadership, the Community College of Aurora has experienced record-setting growth, expanded workforce partnerships, and deepened its role as a catalyst for opportunity within the region.

The 2026 Colorado Titan 100 Awards will be held on June 4, 2026, at the National Western Center in Denver, where this year’s honorees will gather to celebrate leadership, collaboration, and collective impact.

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Strengthening Opportunity Through Partnership and Philanthropy

March 17, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee
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Last week, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, joined civic leaders, community partners, and philanthropic supporters to celebrate the launch of the President’s 1983 Society, an initiative recognizing donors who invest in student success and the future of the Aurora community.

Named in honor of the college’s founding year, the President’s 1983 Society recognizes individuals who contribute $1,000 or more annually to support scholarships, emergency student aid, and programs that expand economic mobility for Community College of Aurora students.

With the continued partnership of the Community College of Aurora Foundation, philanthropic support for students has reached historic levels. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the institution awarded more than $950,000 in scholarships and emergency student assistance, helping students overcome unexpected barriers and remain on track toward completing their educational goals. The college is currently on pace to surpass $1 million in student support this year, further strengthening CCA’s commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing economic mobility across the region.

Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Brownlee expressed his appreciation for the community of supporters who make this impact possible. He shared his sincere gratitude to the Community College of Aurora Foundation, its Board of Directors, Executive Director John Wolfkill, Foundation staff, and the many champions whose generosity continues to invest in the success of CCA students.

As part of the event, Dr. Brownlee also moderated a panel discussion featuring three regional city managers who are helping shape the economic future of the Denver metro area:

  • Jason Batchelor, City Manager of Aurora

  • Matt Sturgeon, City Manager of Centennial

  • Jason Rogers, City Manager of Commerce City

The discussion explored the economic signals shaping the region, the importance of workforce readiness, and the growing role that partnerships between cities, employers, and community colleges play in building strong workforce pathways and inclusive economic growth.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Brownlee emphasized that community colleges are uniquely positioned to connect education, industry, and civic leadership in ways that strengthen both individuals and communities.

“When education, civic leadership, and community investment align around a shared mission,” Dr. Brownlee noted, “we do more than educate students. We expand opportunity, strengthen our workforce, and help build brighter futures for entire communities.”

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Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Named Honorary Commander at Buckley Space Force Base

March 13, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee
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Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, was recently named an Honorary Commander at Buckley Space Force Base, an initiative designed to strengthen partnerships between military leadership and civic leaders throughout the community.

Dr. Brownlee received the honor from Colonel David M. Knight, Vice Commander of Space Base Delta 2, during a ceremony recognizing community leaders who support the mission of the installation.

The Honorary Commander Program connects civic leaders with installation leadership to deepen understanding of the base’s mission and strengthen collaboration between the military and the communities they serve.

“Programs like this reinforce the importance of partnership between our military and the communities that support them,” said Dr. Brownlee. “Aurora is proud of the mission taking place at Buckley and grateful for the men and women who serve our nation every day.”

Buckley Space Force Base plays a critical role in national defense and space operations while also serving as an important economic partner in the Aurora region.

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Dr. Mordecai Shares Q1 Presidential Update Highlighting Record Enrollment and Institutional Momentum

March 11, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora (CCA), has released his Quarter One Presidential Update, highlighting several milestones and continued progress across the institution as it advances its mission to expand opportunity and strengthen economic mobility for the communities it serves.

Among the most notable developments this spring is CCA’s record spring enrollment, reflecting growing student confidence in the college’s academic programs, workforce pathways, and student support systems. The milestone underscores the increasing role community colleges play in preparing learners for meaningful careers and long-term success.

In the update, Dr. Brownlee reflects on the collective effort required to achieve this momentum and expresses gratitude to the many stakeholders who continue to support the mission of the Community College of Aurora.

Under Dr. Brownlee’s leadership, the Community College of Aurora has continued to position itself as a key driver of regional workforce development and economic opportunity, aligning academic programs with industry needs while maintaining a strong focus on student success and belonging.

The video update can be viewed above.

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Preparing the Whole Student: Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Highlights Opening of Foxy’s Fitness Center at the Community College of Aurora

March 9, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee
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Recently, the Community College of Aurora celebrated the opening of Foxy’s Fitness Center at its Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders—an initiative that reflects the college’s broader commitment to preparing students for the real demands of today’s workforce.

Under the leadership of President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, CCA has continued to expand investments that support the full student experience. Foxy’s Fitness Center is designed to strengthen student wellness while reinforcing the physical readiness required in some of the region’s most essential professions.

The Centennial Campus serves as the hub for several of CCA’s most demanding workforce programs, including nursing, emergency medical services, and fire science. These professions require more than technical knowledge; they require endurance, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure in moments that can save lives.

Dr. Brownlee frequently speaks about the importance of preparing the “whole student”—a philosophy that recognizes that student success includes not only academic achievement but also physical wellness, belonging, and personal resilience. Foxy’s Fitness Center represents that philosophy in action.

The project was made possible through collaboration across CCA’s Division of Student Success and campus leadership, reflecting the college’s belief that strong partnerships within institutions are essential to building environments where students can thrive.

Learn more about the Community College of Aurora at www.ccaurora.edu.

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Community College of Aurora Named 2026 Achieving the Dream Leader College

March 5, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee
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The Community College of Aurora (CCA) has been named a 2026 Achieving the Dream Leader College, a national recognition awarded to institutions demonstrating measurable progress in advancing student success and improving outcomes for the communities they serve.

The designation was announced at the Achieving the Dream national conference, where colleges from across the country gathered to share strategies, innovations, and best practices focused on strengthening student completion, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.

Under the leadership of Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, the institution has continued to advance a mission centered on expanding access, strengthening pathways to completion, and aligning academic programs with workforce opportunities that lead to meaningful careers.

Leader College status is awarded to institutions within the Achieving the Dream Network that demonstrate sustained commitment to using data, institutional strategy, and cross-campus collaboration to improve student outcomes. The recognition reflects the collective work of faculty, staff, and students who are committed to building systems that support learner success.

For Dr. Brownlee, the recognition reflects the culture of intentionality that continues to shape the college.

“Community colleges play a vital role in expanding opportunity and strengthening economic mobility in our communities,” Brownlee shared. “This recognition is a reflection of the dedication of our faculty and staff who work every day to ensure our students have clear pathways to success.”

Achieving the Dream is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping community colleges build capacity to improve student success and advance equity through evidence-based reforms.

As a Leader College, CCA joins a select group of institutions recognized for demonstrating how intentional leadership, strong institutional culture, and data-informed decision making can create meaningful progress for students.

For Dr. Brownlee and the CCA community, the recognition is both a celebration and a reminder that the work continues.

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Workforce Design in Action at the Community College of Aurora

March 3, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee
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Last week, Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, welcomed Governor Jared Polis, Colorado Department of Higher Education Executive Director JB Holston, and Colorado Community College System Chancellor Marie DeSanctis to the Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST).

The visit underscored Colorado’s continued commitment to aligning higher education with workforce demand and economic mobility.

CAST, which opened in Fall 2025, represents a strategic investment in applied STEM education and skilled trades training. Developed in partnership with BuildStrong Academy of Colorado, the facility connects hundreds of students to hands-on, industry-aligned pathways designed to move learners quickly into high-demand, family-sustaining careers.

For Dr. Brownlee, the significance of the visit extends beyond celebration.

“This is what disciplined workforce alignment looks like,” he shared. “When state leadership, industry partners, and higher education move with shared clarity of purpose, students gain real opportunity — and our economy grows stronger.”

During the tour, state leaders engaged with students and faculty in hands-on lab environments, witnessing firsthand how technical skill development, credential attainment, and employer partnership converge within a single facility.

The visit served as a visible affirmation that Colorado’s investment in higher education is rooted in outcomes — strengthening talent pipelines, expanding access to STEM careers, and positioning community colleges as engines of innovation and growth.

As Colorado continues to navigate economic shifts and evolving workforce needs, the Center for Applied Science and Technology stands as a model of systems-level collaboration — and a testament to what is possible when leadership aligns around purpose, performance, and opportunity.

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Historic Enrollment Milestone at the Community College of Aurora

February 17, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

Historic Enrollment Milestone at the Community College of Aurora
Spring 2026 sets a new all-time high

The Community College of Aurora has reached a historic milestone. For the Spring 2026 semester, more than 10,800 students are enrolled—the largest learner population in the college’s history. This achievement comes just one semester after the institution recorded its highest fall enrollment on record, signaling strong and sustained momentum.

Under the leadership of President Dr. Mordecai I. Brownlee, the college has implemented a focused, student-centered strategy designed to remove barriers and expand access to opportunity. Key efforts have included restoring bus service to the CentreTech campus, expanding concurrent enrollment pathways, launching targeted scholarship programs, and opening new workforce-aligned campuses in applied science, healthcare, and public service.

These initiatives are producing measurable results. Concurrent enrollment continues to grow, with new full-tuition scholarship pathways for Aurora Public Schools graduates. In addition, more than 150 students who had previously stopped out of college returned this spring after a focused outreach effort asking a simple question: How can we help you finish?

“This moment represents more than record enrollment,” Dr. Brownlee said. “It reflects a growing trust in the mission of the Community College of Aurora and our commitment to translating education into real economic mobility for the communities we serve.”

The college’s growth is also fueled by major investments in workforce-aligned programming, including the new Center for Applied Science and Technology and the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders. These expansions position the institution to meet Colorado’s most urgent talent needs while providing students with clear pathways to high-wage, in-demand careers.

As enrollment continues to rise, the Community College of Aurora remains focused on its core mission: ensuring that every learner not only gains access to higher education, but succeeds in it. With expanded campuses, targeted financial support, and wraparound services, the college is building a model designed for today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.

This historic enrollment milestone reflects more than growth. It signals a college on the rise—one intentionally built to serve its community, strengthen the regional economy, and create real pathways to opportunity.

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Senator Michael Bennet Commends CCA Education Innovations in Visit at CAST

January 21, 2026 Mordecai Brownlee

On Jan. 16, Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet toured the new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at the Community College of Aurora (CCA) CentreTech campus. During the visit, he commended CCA’s award-winning academic program innovations that make it easier for graduates to enter the workforce and earn a living wage.    

“With an economy that’s changing at the speed of light, Coloradans deserve a quality education that prepares them to enter the workforce, make a living wage, and chase the American Dream,” Bennet said. “To do that, we have to pay our educators what they deserve, connect education directly to work, and ensure our students can read and do math at grade level.”

CCA designs academic programs aligned with workforce needs, positioning graduates for successful transfer or immediate entry into their career. This is possible, in part, by incorporating certifications into degree programs. CCA also fosters strategic partnerships that support pathways from education to employment. Some of those strategic partners include Colorado Youth for a Change and City of Commerce City. CCA also partners with other educational institutions like BuildStong Academy of Colorado, Cherry Creek School District, Aurora Public Schools, Regis University, and Colorado School of Mines.

​​“At the Community College of Aurora, we ensure every learner has access to an education that leads to opportunity,” said Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora. “As part of the Colorado Community College System, we work every day to connect education and workforce preparation so students can build meaningful careers and strengthen Colorado’s communities.”

After a tour, Dr. Brownlee joined the senator and several CCA partners to discuss the interconnected initiatives that build the network of pathways for students. In attendance was:

  • CCA Dean of Academic Success in Career and Technical Education, Dr. Jim DeLung,

  • Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System, Dr. Marielena DeSanctis,

  • CCA Provost and Vice President of Academic Success, Dr. Bobby Pace,

  • Aurora Public Schools Executive Director of Equity in Learning: Programs, Dr. Zachary Rahn,

  • Transwest Truck Trailer and RV Service Director, Jim Schoff,

  • BuildStrong Academy Director, Allison Stepnitz,

  • Arapahoe County Commissioner, Leslie Summey,

  • CCA Dean of STEM, Dr. Susan Young, 

  • Wagner Equipment Company Pathways Coordinator, Jesse McKay. Jesse was also recently featured in CCA’s Alumni in Action series. 


Building Educational Pathways Through Partnerships

At CAST, Senator Bennet joined education and workforce leaders from across the region for a discussion on the barriers that continue to limit socioeconomic mobility in education. A key theme centered on long-standing perceptions of higher education, particularly the stigma that has historically steered employers’ attention toward four-year institutions. As student loan debt continues to rise and traditional pathways become financially unattainable for many learners, community colleges like CCA are redefining value—delivering industry-aligned education through strong partnerships, applied learning, and diverse career pathways that lead directly to opportunity.

CCA intentionally designs academic programs around workforce demand, building connections with both industry and education partners to create a seamless network of pathways. This approach ensures students can pursue education and technical training that align with their career goals, whether that means immediate entry into the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. From a student perspective, they have a variety of ways to choose their career pathway and earn valuable socioeconomic mobility. 

That pathway network begins as early as high school. Through partnerships with Cherry Creek School District and Aurora Public Schools, CCA expands access to affordable college coursework through concurrent enrollment and programs like the Aspiring Educator Pathway program. As students graduate, CCA’s partnerships continue to reduce financial barriers through opportunities such as the full-ride Momentum Scholarship for former concurrent enrollment students, and the Commerce City Promise program. While enrolled at CCA, some students pursue workforce-driven pathways through partnerships like BuildStrong Academy of Colorado and Wagner Equipment Co., while others follow higher-education transfer routes through initiatives such as the Mines Academy and additional four-year degree pathways.

Senator Bennet’s visit underscored the critical role community colleges play in strengthening Colorado’s workforce and expanding access to education that leads to meaningful careers. Through facilities like CAST and a growing network of K-12, higher education, and industry partnerships, the Community College of Aurora continues to build pathways that connect learning directly to opportunity—ensuring students are prepared not only to enter the workforce, but to thrive in Colorado's evolving economy. 
 

Find additional, high-resolution photos from the visit here.

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Dr. Mordecai and Family Featured in Denver Urban Spectrum

December 6, 2025 Mordecai Brownlee

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Fernando Branch, Principal of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy and Executive Director of the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative, for writing such a thoughtful and heartfelt article featuring my family and me.

As educators, we know that we never serve alone. When we show up for our communities, our families show up with us—lifting us, supporting us, and sharing in the purpose that guides our work. I am blessed beyond measure to walk in this calling with a family that believes in service just as deeply as I do.

Thank you, Dr. Branch, for capturing that truth so beautifully, and for your leadership in elevating the voices and stories of men of color across Colorado. I am honored by your words and grateful for the opportunities we have to uplift our communities together.

You can read the article here:
👉🏽 https://issuu.com/denverurbanspectrum/docs/dec_2025_v4_single?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw

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"Miles with Mordecai" Raises Emergency Funds for CCA Students

December 1, 2025 Mordecai Brownlee

Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, president of the Community College of Aurora, walked the entire length of the 71-mile High Line Canal trail to help raise money for the school's student emergency fund.

The fund helps students cover unexpected expenses such as utility bills, gas money, baby formula, and other resources to help keep them enrolled when money is tight.

The idea for the walk came about when Dr. Brownlee had a conversation with the widow of Bill Wiggins, one of CCA's founders.  Brownlee wanted to honor the spirit of service Wiggins had always shown to the school and the community.

In total, "Miles With Mordecai" raised nearly $100,000 from 77 donors.

Watch Video Here

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Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Joins National Leaders at Student Success US 2025 to Confront the True Cost of College

November 24, 2025 Mordecai Brownlee

Last week, Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee participated in an extraordinary plenary session at Student Success US 2025, addressing one of the most urgent—and too often overlooked—truths in American higher education:

College affordability is about far more than tuition.

During the discussion, Dr. Brownlee emphasized that for many learners—especially those from low-income backgrounds—the real barriers to access and completion are the non-tuition costs that are rarely acknowledged with transparency. These include the essential expenses that shape everyday life and academic success:

  • Housing

  • Food and basic needs

  • Transportation

  • Childcare

  • Technology and digital access

  • Mental wellness supports

  • The opportunity cost of time

As Dr. Brownlee underscored, these hidden and underestimated costs determine who enrolls, who persists, who completes a credential of value, and who ultimately attains economic mobility.

The panel brought together national leaders who are advancing transparency and equity around the true cost of attendance:

  • Nicole Siegel, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

  • Catherine Brown, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, National College Attainment Network

  • Mark Huelsman, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Hope Center for Student Basic Needs

  • Anika Van Eaton, Vice President of Policy, uAspire

Dr. Brownlee expressed deep appreciation to Colleen Flaherty of Inside Higher Ed for extending the invitation to participate in this critical conversation. He also thanked Sara Custer of Inside Higher Ed for powerfully capturing his insights and reflections in her recent piece:
🔗 “ROI Starts on Day One” → https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/columns/editors-note/2025/11/20/roi-starts-day-one

During the panel, Dr. Brownlee shared a compelling message:

“If we want to close equity gaps in this country, we must be honest about the total cost of being a college student—and then design systems that meet real students’ real lives.”

He went on to remind the audience that:

  • Transparency builds trust.

  • Trust builds belonging.

  • Belonging drives completion.

  • Completion fuels mobility.

This is the essential work ahead for higher education—and, as Dr. Brownlee noted, “It matters.”

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Aurora TV Features "Miles With Mordecai" Campaign

November 22, 2025 Mordecai Brownlee

Grateful to Aurora TV for shining a light on our “Miles with Mordecai” campaign and the heart behind it.

Their coverage beautifully captured the spirit of this journey—and the moment our team connected with lead donor Molly Link, whose extraordinary $71,000 gift was made in honor of one of CCA’s founding fathers, the late Bill Wiggins.

Both Bill and Molly were a part of a team of community leaders who helped shape the Aurora Educational Center into what we now know as the Community College of Aurora.

Watch the video here.

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Dr. Mordecai Faetured by Inside Higher Ed

November 21, 2025 Mordecai Brownlee

Mordecai Brownlee’s body hurts. Last week he trekked three days and 71 miles along Denver’s High Line Canal to raise $90,000 in emergency funds for Community College of Aurora students’ basic needs. “ROI starts with stability,” the president of CCA said this week in Atlanta at Inside Higher Ed’s Student Success US 2025.

Click here
to read the full article.

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The pathways to opportunity in Aurora just became even stronger.

October 10, 2025 Mordecai Brownlee
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Yesterday, leaders from Aurora Public Schools, CU Denver, and the Community College of Aurora came together to advance educational access for our students. Through this new partnership, high-achieving APS students—including those enrolled in CCA’s concurrent enrollment programs—will now earn guaranteed admission to CU Denver.

This collaboration serves as a model for what happens when institutions come together around student success. Together, we’re ensuring that every learner can move seamlessly from high school to college and into a rewarding career—right here in our community.

At CCA, we believe that education drives economic

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