Brand New Episode of "Discovering Your Mission" is Now Available!

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Mordecai speaks with Kathryn Goetzke, the Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Company, about her journey in promoting hope as a vital component of mental health. Kathryn shares her personal experiences with loss and hopelessness, leading her to create programs that teach individuals how to cultivate hope.

They discuss the importance of understanding hopelessness, the misconceptions surrounding hope, and the need for hope education in schools. Kathryn emphasizes that hope is measurable, teachable, and essential for emotional well-being, and she outlines her mission to equip everyone with the skills to find their way back to hope.

To watch this episode, please click here.

Dr. Mordecai Prepares to Speak at NASPA Annual Conference

For more information, please visit https://www.naspa.org/home

American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Annual Conference

Excited to Serve on the #AAHHE20 Panel: "Leading with Hope and Shaping Our Future for Latiné Students in Community Colleges"

Tomorrow, I am honored to join the AAHHE - American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education for their 20th Annual Conference at Metropolitan State University of Denver—a pivotal gathering focused on advancing equity, access, and success for Hispanic students in higher education.

As leaders, we must be intentional about shaping a future where Latiné students thrive—not just survive. Community colleges are engines of economic mobility, and hope is the foundation of transformation.

Learn more about the conference: www.aahhe.org.

Honoring Our Armed Forces & Colorado Freedom Memorial

At the Community College of Aurora, we honor the sacrifice and service of our veteran students—past and present—by ensuring they have a dedicated space on campus that reflects our deep gratitude and unwavering support. This space stands as a testament to their courage, resilience, and the profound impact they have on our college community.

CCA is proud to unveil a brand-new space dedicated to the courageous individuals who have served their country in the United States military and present a $5,000 check to the Colorado Freedom Memorial.

Remarkably, the Colorado Freedom Memorial holds the names of more than 6,000 Coloradans killed or missing in action in all wars and all branches of service. We are grateful for all those currently serving and have served, especially those who sacrificed their lives for our country.

Community College of Aurora Strategic Planning Summit

🌟 Proud Moment for the Community College of Aurora! 🌟

I couldn’t be prouder of our Community College of Aurora students, Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa members, faculty, instructors, staff, community leaders, and academic constituency groups for coming together to shape the future of CCA! 🎉

Through collaboration, passion, and a shared commitment to student success, we are actively developing our 2025-2030 Institutional Strategic Plan—a roadmap that will guide our mission, values, and vision for the next five years. This work isn’t just about planning; it’s about transforming lives, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that CCA continues to be a beacon of educational excellence.

A special thank you to CampusWorks for being an invaluable partner in this transformative journey. Your expertise and insight are helping us build a bold and innovative future for our students and our community.

This is what collective leadership looks like!

For Teachers-By-Teachers Literacy and Social Studies Conference

This Saturday, Dr. Mordecai is excited to keynote the 2025 For Teachers-By-Teachers Literacy and Social Studies Conference hosted by Houston ISD. With the theme, “Many Perspectives, One Houston,” this event embodies HISD’s commitment to celebrating diversity, building community, and fostering shared learning experiences that will shape the future of education.

Brand New Episode of Discovering Your Mission Now Available!

In this episode of Discovering Your Mission, Dr. Mordecai interviews Dr. Solomon-Fernández, President of Urban College of Boston. They discuss the mission of Urban College, the importance of diversity, and Dr. Solomon-Fernández's journey to leadership.

She shares insights on navigating challenges, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the future of higher education. Dr. Solomon-Fernández emphasizes the need for cultural dexterity and self-awareness in leadership and the importance of personal well-being and community support. She concludes with her personal mission statement focused on helping others discover their agency.

To watch this episode, click here.

Colorado Business Roundtable February Policy Pillar Committee Meeting

That’s a wrap on our February Policy Pillar Committee Meeting!

This week, business and policy leaders gathered to tackle some of Colorado’s biggest challenges across tax and regulatory policy, infrastructure, workforce, and community issues. Learn more at https://www.cobrt.com/

Honoring Linda Speier Bowman

We just had a surprise visit from Dr. Linda Speier Bowman, the third President of the Community College of Aurora! It was an honor to spend time with her and learn so much about our institution’s rich history.

On April 14th, we will honor Linda by naming our Student Learning Center in her honor.

CCA Featured on Colorado & Company!

At the Community College of Aurora (CCA), we remain unwavering in our mission to remove barriers and ensure education is accessible for all. This work isn’t just about policies—it’s about people.

That’s why I was proud to join CCA student leader Akelia Reddie on KUSA-TV, 9NEWS Colorado & Company to highlight the transformative power of education and the Colorado Community College System’s commitment to student success.

Akelia embodies the resilience and determination of so many of our students. Her story is a testament to why we must continue advocating for equity, opportunity, and pathways that uplift individuals and communities.

To all educators, industry leaders, and policymakers: Let’s utilize the power of education to advance our communities, states, and country as a whole.

Watch the interview here.

Taking the Time to Honor Our Students

Happy Saturday! Kids are fed and watching cartoons. Now it's time to sign cards congratulating our outstanding Community College of Aurora students who have academically achieved President’s List status! ❤️🦊

President's Corner | Q1 Newsletter 2025 - ICYMI

Exciting Times Ahead at the Community College of Aurora!

As we progress with the Spring 2025 semester, I’m excited about the transformative journey ahead. CCA is growing, evolving, and expanding its impact—thanks to each of YOU!

🏗️ Our Centennial Campus and CAST building are taking shape

🔹 Vital campus revitalization projects are underway

💡 Innovation and collaboration continue to drive student success

These developments are more than just physical spaces—they represent our unwavering commitment to empowering students and strengthening our community. I invite you to watch my quarterly address to hear more about the exciting progress at CCA. This is a pivotal time for our college, and your support is essential in shaping its future!

To our Greater Aurora community, we are building a brighter future for our students, our community, and our college.

Welcoming the City of Aurora's New Police Chief

Thank you, Chief Todd Chamberlain of the Aurora Police Department, for meeting with me to discuss our current CCA/APD Police Cadet Program and ways to strengthen it.

The Community College of Aurora is grateful for our partnership.

Advancing Partnerships with Arapahoe County Sheriff Department

The work of advancing the Community College of Aurora continues. This week, CCA met with Sherrif Tyler Brown and Deputy Carl Anderson of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

CCA is excited to join the City of Centennial community officially in fall 2025 with the opening of our new Health Sciences and First Responder Building.

Brand New Episode of "Discovering Your Mission" is Now Available!

In this conversation, Dr. Mordecai speaks with Julie Golder, Vice President of Search Services for the Association of Community College Trustees. They discuss Julie's unique journey into higher education, the evolving landscape of leadership in community colleges, the importance of organizational culture, and the qualities needed for today's leaders.

Julie emphasizes resilience in the executive search process and foresees significant trends, including the impact of AI and the necessity of emotional intelligence in leadership. She concludes with her personal mission statement, highlighting the values of hard work and kindness.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/t7qOHeDyBCQ

Embracing the Future: Why Higher Education’s Transformation is Just Beginning

🚨 Diverse: Issues In Higher Education New Article Alert! 🚨

In my latest article, "Embracing the Future: Why Higher Education’s Transformation is Just Beginning," I delve into the evolving landscape of higher education and what it means for learners, institutions, and communities. 🌍✨

As we navigate rapid advancements in technology, shifting learner expectations, and the demand for workforce-aligned education, it’s clear that transformation isn’t just inevitable—it’s necessary. 🙌🏽

This article explores how we can seize this moment to innovate, adapt, and lead with purpose, ensuring that higher education remains a powerful engine of opportunity and equity. 🔑📚

Check it out here: 👉🏽 https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15711656/embracing-the-future-why-higher-educations-transformation-is-just-beginning

No More TikTok, Hello Clapper

With TikTok on the decline, I have deactivated my account and opened a Clapper account. To follow and engage with me, please visit https://www.clapperapp.com/ItsDrMordecai

Brand New Episode of Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai Now Available!

Please click here to view Dr. Mordecai’s interview with higher education legend Dr. Linda Thor.

39th Annual City of Aurora Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration 2025

This past weekend, Dr. Mordecai had the honor of lecturing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s impact on higher education. Following his lecture, President Brownlee served on a panel with Terri Gentry (Historian of Black History in Colorado), Bill Gwaltney (National Museum of African American History and Culture), and Ahja Fox (Aurora, CO Poet Laurette).

May we ALL keep Dr. King’s dream alive, no matter the times or circumstances.

This event was hosted by the City of Aurora Museum.

Happy New Year!

From my family to yours – wishing you, your loved ones, and your organization a blessed and prosperous 2025!

As we step into the new year, may you remain focused on your purpose, keep family at the heart of all you do, and continue working each day to make this world a better place.

Here’s to growth, joy, and impact in the year ahead!

-The Brownlees