Miles with Mordecai, Day Three: Crossing the Finish Line for Our Students (Day 3)
Miles with Mordecai, Day Two: Moving Forward Together (Day 2)
Day two of Miles with Mordecai brought another 26.2 miles along the High Line Canal Trail—and more reminders of the community standing behind our Community College of Aurora students.
Thank you to Ethan Sewald from the Aurora Economic Development Council, Suzanna Fry Jones from the High Line Canal Conservancy, and Mary Sarah Schweiger from UMB Bank for walking alongside me. Their presence brought encouragement and energy as the miles added up.
We also welcomed CCA student Mady Osborne, a Presidential Scholar and NASA Space Grant Scholar. Having students join this journey made its purpose even more meaningful: raising funds to support students experiencing housing, food, and transportation insecurity.
I’m grateful to every donor, sponsor, and supporter helping us move toward our $40,000 fundraising goal. Every gift helps students overcome barriers and keep pursuing their education.
Enjoy these moments from day two, and support our students at www.ccaurora.edu/miles.
All photos by Zach Mills.
Miles with Mordecai, Day One: Every Step Has a Purpose (Day 1)
On October 19, we began a three-day journey along the High Line Canal Trail with one purpose: supporting Community College of Aurora students experiencing housing, food, and transportation insecurity.
Day one brought encouragement, community support, and meaningful reminders of why this work matters. Thank you to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce for coming out to cheer us on! A surprise visit from Emmanuel Saka, a CCA Presidential Scholar, Dream Scholar, and Computer Science major, made the day especially meaningful. Seeing him on the trail reminded me of the students whose futures inspire every step.
Our goal: walk all 71 miles and raise $40,000 to help students meet essential needs and continue their education. I’m grateful to everyone who walked alongside us, donated, shared our message, or offered encouragement.
These photos capture the beginning of a journey rooted in community and a shared commitment to our students.
Support the campaign at www.ccaurora.edu/miles.
All photos by Zach Mills.
A Thank-You Our Family Will Always Treasure
On October 16, my family and I received the Dr. Gwen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award from John Bailey and the Colorado Black Roundtable. It was a deeply meaningful evening, and I want to share why.
As my service as President of the Community College of Aurora approaches its close, I have been humbled by the kindness and gratitude extended to me. Having members of Colorado’s African American community come together to offer their own thank-you touched my heart. Their recognition reminded me how much it means to serve within a community that cares about the work and the people behind it.
What made the evening especially meaningful was that my family was honored alongside me.
Daphne, Mordecai Jr., and Lauren have shared in this journey every step of the way. They have given their time, made sacrifices, and supported me through responsibilities that often extend well beyond the workday. Their love has made my service possible, and I am grateful that this moment recognized them, too.
Thank you to John Bailey and the Colorado Black Roundtable for this honor and for embracing our family with such warmth. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged us throughout this chapter.
I left the evening with a full heart and a renewed sense of responsibility to keep serving. Our family will always treasure this expression of love.
-Dr. Mordecai
A Moment of Gratitude: Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Reflects on His Final In-Person State Board Meeting
A heart full of gratitude. A season I will always carry with me. 🦊❤️
Today was my final in-person State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education meeting as President of the Community College of Aurora. Serving this college, our State Board, and the Colorado Community College System has been an extraordinary honor for my family and me.
Alongside our dedicated CCA faculty, staff, and foundation:
✨ Five years of record enrollment.
🎓 Four years of record student completion.
💰 Multi-year record-breaking fundraising.
🤝 Progress toward more equitable student outcomes.
❤️ Continued work to strengthen social service supports for our students.
Behind those accomplishments are people whose lives and futures remind us why we serve. Thank you to everyone who has poured into this college and its students.
May we use every season of our lives to better the lives of others. May the doors we help open stay open for those who follow. And may the work at CCA continue for generations to come.
Celebrating 20 Years of Marriage
My bride and I took the opportunity to celebrate our 20 years of marriage in Breckenridge this weekend with our children.
I am so grateful I met her 24 years ago in our community college cafe. Love you, Daphne.
Fitzsimons Credit Union Gift Expands Free School Supplies for Community College of Aurora Students
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee is grateful to Fitzsimons Credit Union for its generous $4,500 investment in the new Fitzsimons Credit Union Success Station at the Community College of Aurora. Through this partnership, students now have expanded access to free school supplies across all three CCA campuses, helping remove one more barrier that can stand between a student and their goals.
This is what strong community partnership looks like: identifying a need, responding with purpose, and investing directly in student success.
Dr. Brownlee extends his appreciation to Fitzsimons Credit Union, the Community College of Aurora Foundation, and CCA’s Student Success team for continuing to build an environment where students are supported, valued, and equipped to succeed.
When barriers are removed, greater opportunity becomes possible.
Honorary Commander of Buckley Space Force Base Delta 2
It continues to be such an honor to serve as Honorary Commander of Buckley Space Force Base.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of having lunch with Colonel Jennifer A. McGinniss, Deputy Commander of Space Base Delta 2. We discussed everything from lessons learned as parents to settling into Aurora, lessons learned so far in our journey, and her administration's community engagement strategy.
Remarkably, Col. McGinniss oversees a 1,020-member team providing Base Operating Support to more than 800 military, Department of War civilians, and contractor personnel serving at 14 operating locations worldwide, executing critical United States Space Force Missile Warning and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.
Thank you to all those who serve and defend our country, and to the families of our service members.
Back to School - Foxy's Fest
Yesterday’s “Foxy’s Fest” at the Community College of Aurora was a grand success!!!
Thank you to our Student Success Division for coordinating such an engaging and informative event. Also, thank you to our community partners, like the Aurora Police Department and District Credit Union, for supporting CCA.
CCA Celebrates English Language Learners Through Gaylord Rockies Partnership
The Community College of Aurora recently celebrated the graduation of its second and third English as a Second Language cohorts offered through the college’s Corporate College partnership with Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center.
Over the course of 10 weeks, participating employees strengthened their English language skills while continuing to grow personally and professionally. The program reflects CCA’s broader commitment to creating responsive workforce education opportunities that meet learners where they are and help employers invest directly in the development of their teams.
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, joined the celebration and recognized the determination and commitment demonstrated by the graduating learners.
The program also honored Patricia Shaw with the Outstanding Educator Award. Shaw has served as an instructor for the program and was recognized for her dedication, leadership, and impact in the classroom.
The partnership with Gaylord Rockies represents the type of employer collaboration at the center of CCA’s Corporate College model, connecting education with the evolving needs of the workforce while creating accessible opportunities for employees to build skills and pursue greater economic mobility.
Dr. Brownlee expressed appreciation to Gaylord Rockies for its continued partnership and investment in its employees and congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone.
The celebration marked not only the completion of 10 weeks of learning, but another example of what can be accomplished when colleges and employers work together to expand opportunity and invest in people.
From Vision to Impact: What a Difference a Year Can Make
What a difference a year can make.
Last year, the Community College of Aurora participated in the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation Summer Institute with an idea: to build a Corporate College that could expand how we serve employers, strengthen workforce partnerships, and create new opportunities for our community.
One year later, that idea has become impact.
Today, the CCA Corporate College has grown into a six figure diversified revenue stream for the college, demonstrating what is possible when institutions create space for innovation, move intentionally from ideation to implementation, and remain responsive to the evolving needs of the workforce.
Now, we are back at the AFIT Summer Institute.
This time, members of our academic academy and staff are working together to take the Corporate College into its next phase. Our focus is not simply on expanding programs. We are building the systems, partnerships, and infrastructure necessary to become even more responsive to employers, learners, and the economic needs of the communities we serve.
I am incredibly grateful for the CCA team members who continue to bring their expertise, creativity, and commitment to this work. Transformation does not happen because of one person or one idea. It happens when talented people come together around a shared mission and are willing to build.
For higher education leaders who have an idea they believe could transform their institution but are searching for the structure, community, and support to move from vision to execution, AFIT is worth exploring.
Learn more about the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation: www.afithighered.com
Back to School Event - Aurora Public Schools
Today’s Aurora Public Schools Back to School event at Town Center at Aurora was a GRAND success. On behalf of the Community College of Aurora, it was a pleasure to support APS children and families.
-Dr. Mordecai
Date Night With a Purpose
Some evenings remind you that leadership is not about titles. It is about community.
My wife, Daphne, and I were honored to attend the Colorado Men of Color Collaborative (CMOCC) All White Party in representation of the Community College of Aurora and spend time with educators, advocates, and leaders committed to expanding opportunity throughout our state.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. Fernando Branch and Dr. Jeremy L. Eddie.
What they are building is bigger than an organization. They are cultivating a statewide community of educators across K-12, higher education, and workforce development who understand that talent is everywhere, but opportunity must be intentionally created.
They are reminding us that our responsibility is not simply to educate. Our responsibility is to create pathways to economic mobility.
Learn more about their movement at www.CMOCC.org
-Dr. Mordecai
Community College of Aurora Welcomes Colorado Lieutenant Governor to CentreTech Campus
Today, the Community College of Aurora was honored to welcome Dianne Primavera to the CentreTech Campus as part of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration staff and partner retreat hosted at the college.
The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the critical work taking place at CCA to advance student success, workforce development, and community impact across Colorado. Prior to delivering remarks, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee shared with Lieutenant Governor Primavera the institution’s continued efforts to strengthen educational pathways and prepare learners to meet the growing workforce demands within behavioral health and other high-impact industries.
The presence of Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor on campus reflects the importance of collaboration between higher education, state leadership, and community partners in addressing the evolving needs of Colorado communities. It also underscores the growing recognition of community colleges as essential drivers of economic mobility, workforce readiness, and public impact.
CCA remains committed to building meaningful partnerships that support students, strengthen communities, and create lasting opportunity throughout the region.
A Moment of Gratitude for My Bride
I thank God for my bride.
The work of the presidency requires more than long hours and difficult decisions. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and a level of endurance that most will never fully see. What often goes unnoticed is the weight carried at home, behind the scenes.
My bride is my foundation. Her support, her wisdom, and her presence make it possible for me to lead, to serve, and to stay grounded in purpose.
Everything I am able to give to this work is, in part, because of her.
Advisory Council Leadership Helps Shape the Future of the Community College of Aurora
Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee recently convened with members of the Advisory Council at the Community College of Aurora for a strategic dialogue focused on advancing the institution’s mission and strengthening its impact across the region.
The meeting served as a powerful reminder that the future of the college is not shaped in isolation, but through meaningful partnership with leaders across industry, government, and the broader community. The Advisory Council continues to play a vital role in providing insight, perspective, and strategic guidance as the college navigates evolving workforce demands and student success priorities.
Dr. Brownlee expressed his deep appreciation for the continued leadership and engagement of the Council, including Jason P. Batchelor, Joel Boyd, Jonathan Woodward, Lynn Baca, Matt Sturgeon, Michael Giles, Naomi Colwell, and Papa M. Dia.
Their collective expertise is helping to inform key institutional priorities, including enrollment growth, equitable student success, and workforce-aligned economic mobility. Through their partnership, the college is better positioned to respond to the needs of its community while expanding pathways to opportunity for students.
Moments like these reflect the broader leadership philosophy guiding Dr. Brownlee’s presidency—one grounded in collaboration, community voice, and a shared commitment to building systems that create lasting impact.
As the Community College of Aurora continues to advance its strategic vision, the role of the Advisory Council remains essential in shaping not only what comes next, but how the institution serves as a catalyst for economic mobility and regional transformation.
Learn more about the CCA Advisory Council here.
He Is Risen — A Moment of Gratitude with Family
On this Easter Sunday, I am reminded that the greatest blessings in life are not found in titles, achievements, or accolades, but in faith, family, and the quiet moments we are given to simply be present with those we love.
As we reflect on the power of resurrection, renewal, and grace, I am grateful for the covering over my family and the purpose that continues to guide our lives. Easter is a reminder that no matter the season we are in, there is always the promise of new beginnings, hope restored, and strength renewed.
From my family to yours, I pray that your day was filled with peace, joy, and a deep sense of gratitude.
He is risen.
Community College of Aurora Hosts Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee recently welcomed Mayor Mike Coffman to the Community College of Aurora for a visit and tour of the college’s newly established Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST).
The visit provided an opportunity to highlight how the college is aligning its academic programs with Colorado’s evolving workforce needs. Through intentional program design and strategic partnerships, the Community College of Aurora continues to position itself as a leading engine for economic mobility and talent development in the region.
Dr. Brownlee emphasized the importance of ensuring that students are not only prepared for immediate employment, but are equipped with the skills, experiences, and credentials necessary for long-term career success. The CAST facility serves as a central hub for this work, offering students access to cutting-edge training in high-demand fields that directly connect education to industry.
Under Dr. Brownlee’s leadership, the college remains committed to building pathways that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable economic impact across Colorado.
Colorado State Capital
It’s always an honor to represent the Community College of Aurora—especially at the Colorado State Capitol.
We had a very successful Colorado Community College System Day at the Capitol yesterday, sharing the impact of our work and our vision for advancing student success and economic mobility across Colorado.
Thank you to our elected officials for taking the time to listen, engage, and partner with us. A special note of gratitude to the Colorado Black Caucus for spending meaningful time learning about the successes and future direction of our institution.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
