Team, as you know, I have committed to reading a new book every 10 days this year. My latest read, "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, reminded me of something every leader eventually learns the hard way:
Perception is power.
Not because it changes facts, but because it shapes meaning. How we interpret interactions with others, resistance, silence, criticism, or moments in our lives determines whether we grow or retreat.
Even more powerful is the realization that our perception of how the world sees us often becomes the lens through which we lead. While we do not control our outcomes, we do control interpretation.
Take care, and have a productive week.
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.
Senator Michael Bennet Commends CCA Education Innovations in Visit at CAST
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.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tonight, our family had a beautiful time at the MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo.
Thank you to both Wagner Equipment and Transwest, two strong supporters of the Community College of Aurora and key rodeo sponsors, for making tonight possible.
New Article Published | Community College Daily
Dr. Mordecai’s latest article, “Why Community Colleges Can’t Be Fixed — They Must Be Rebuilt,” has been published in Community College Daily, the national publication of the American Association of Community Colleges.
In this piece, President Brownlee argues that incremental reform is no longer sufficient for community colleges facing seismic shifts in demographics, workforce demands, public trust, and funding structures. Instead, he calls for a fundamental rebuilding of institutional models—grounded in workforce alignment, equity as a moral obligation, and community colleges’ role as essential economic infrastructure.
Drawing on national research and his experience as a college president, Dr. Mordecai challenges leaders to move beyond surface-level fixes and toward bold, systems-level redesign that delivers real outcomes for students, families, and communities.
🔗 Read the full article:
https://www.ccdaily.com/2026/01/why-community-colleges-cant-be-fixed-they-must-be-rebuilt/
Just Finished Reading...
My bride, Daphne Brownlee, and I met Sugar Ray Leonard two years ago.
What I didn’t know then was the depth of the fight he was carrying long after the crowd stopped cheering. I just finished "The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring", and it reminded me of a truth every educator and leader needs to remember: We never really know what someone is fighting to overcome.
As a college president, this hit close to home. Our students walk into classrooms carrying far more than assignments. Our colleagues show up to work carrying more than job titles. Strength is often survival disguised as success.
This book reinforced my commitment to lead with grace, compassion, and love—especially when I don’t have the full story.
In 2026, I set a personal goal to read a new book every 10 days. This one reminded me why empathy must sit at the center of leadership.
New Chapter Published I CampusWorks
2026 will demand courage — not comfort.
Dr. Mordecai was honored to contribute to Courageous Leadership: The Power of Brave Hearts and Bold Action to Spark Change in Higher Education, a national collection of presidents and change-makers telling the truth about what leadership requires in this moment.
In his chapter, “The Mission-Driven President,” he shares how they’ve aligned systems, strategy, and culture at the Community College of Aurora so every decision serves students and economic mobility.
The power is not in the person.
The power is in the mission.
You can read the chapter here: https://www.campusworksinc.com/the-mission-driven-college-president/
Just Finished Reading...
Just finished reading Black Woman on Board by Dr. Donna J. Nicol, and I’m grateful for this powerful and deeply human account of leadership, courage, and moral clarity.
Dr. Nicol’s telling of Dr. Claudia Hampton’s story is extraordinary. What I found most profound was Dr. Hampton’s use of what Dr. Nicol calls “sly civility”—the disciplined, strategic navigation of systems that were never designed to include her.
In the midst of racism, sexism, and prejudice, she understood both the weight of her presence and the responsibility of her position. She knew that being at the table wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about creating space for others to follow.
Thank you, Dr. Nicol, for preserving this history and for lifting up a story that every leader, especially those serving in complex, inequitable systems, needs to read.
To purchase this book, visit www.DonnaJNicol.com
Brand New Episode of Discovering Your Mission is Now Available!
NEW EPISODE — Discovering Your Mission 🎙️
Too many people confuse leadership with position.
Brian Haggerty reminds us that it’s really about integrity, preparation, and how you treat people when no one is watching.
In this conversation, Brian (author of How to Be a Successful Politician) shares lessons that are transferable far beyond politics—especially for presidents, executives, educators, and anyone responsible for people.
We talk about:
Why “success” is service, not status
The discipline of only promising what you can deliver
Preparation as the difference between leading and merely occupying a role
Communication: eye contact, presence, and the power of self-awareness
His CLASS Academy: Communications, Leadership, and Social Skills—skills every learner deserves
🎧 Watch/Listen here: https://youtu.be/_DzMTcNvq9c
Happy New Year as we head into 2026.
As a family, we begin each year with a strategic retreat—a time to step away, reflect, and be intentional about how we live and grow together. This year, we centered our conversations around three truths I want to share with you. Use them as you see fit—perhaps they’ll encourage you as well.
1️⃣ Change will remain a constant.
History, economics, and geopolitics all remind us that uncertainty is not new. Because change is inevitable, it’s essential to build strong homes with strong internal infrastructure—values, discipline, and clarity—that allow us to pivot and adjust with wisdom rather than fear.
2️⃣ Intentionality matters in everything.
How we spend our time.
How we speak to one another.
How we show up in relationship.
How we support and hold each other accountable.
None of this should be accidental. What we do daily shapes who we become.
3️⃣ Change is part of growth—and growth has seasons.
We talked with our children about purpose, identity, and mission, but also about seasons. Every season teaches us something and prepares us for what comes next. Staying aware of the season we’re in helps us move forward with clarity and peace, rather than resistance.
Our plan for 2026 is simple: to remain centered, grounded in purpose, and faithful to the season we are called to serve in.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year. God bless.
Merry Christmas From the Brownlee Family
🎄 An Early Christmas Gift for Our Students and Community 🎄
As we celebrate this Christmas season, I’ve been reflecting with deep gratitude on the grand opening of the Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at the Community College of Aurora.
This building represents more than bricks and beams. It is our first capital project in 24 years—and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when industry, community, and education come together with students at the center.
I am incredibly thankful for our critical industry partners—Wagner Equipment, Transwest, BuildStrong Academy—and for the many elected officials and community leaders who believed in this vision and stood with us every step of the way. Your partnership is helping turn opportunity into reality.
Most importantly, CAST is about students.
- Students are gaining hands-on skills.
- Students preparing for high-wage, high-demand careers.
- Students building futures for themselves and their families.
This building is an early Christmas present—but the real gift is the doors it opens for generations of learners to come.
Merry Christmas and thank you for believing in the power of community colleges to transform lives.
- Dr. Mordecai
Brand New Episode of Discovering Your Mission is Now Live!
Leadership isn’t getting easier — and neither is carrying the weight of institutions and people who depend on us.
That’s why I was grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Shelley White for a timely and honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it truly takes to build institutions that serve their communities well.
In this episode, we explore:
• How leaders stay grounded when the work feels heavy
• What it looks like to lead with both courage and care
• Practical lessons for mission-driven leaders navigating complexity
🎧 Listen and subscribe here: https://youtu.be/iO7zBoz0qwI
What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Brand New Article From Dr. Mordecai
New article now live in Community College Daily: Preparing Colleges for What Comes Next.
2025 pushed community colleges into one of the most transformative years in modern history. From federal policy shifts to financial aid disruptions and increasing expectations from learners and employers, our sector has been called to lead with clarity, courage, and intentionality.
In this article, Dr. Mordecai outlines what presidents, trustees, faculty, and leaders must focus on as we enter 2026:
Mission-centered innovation
Integrated pathways that drive economic mobility
Workforce alignment as a national imperative
Systems that turn disruption into long-term resilience
This moment demands alignment, strategy, and bold leadership across our institutions.
Read the full article here: https://www.ccdaily.com/2025/12/preparing-community-colleges-for-what-comes-next/
Dr. Mordecai and Family Featured in Denver Urban Spectrum
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
Dr. Mordecai's Community College of Aurora Quarter Four Video
As we close out a remarkable season at the Community College of Aurora, I’m reminded once again of the power of a community that truly believes in its mission.
Over the past several days, thousands followed along as we completed 71 miles during the Miles with Mordecai campaign. Because of your generosity and commitment to our students, we crossed the finish line having raised more than $90,000 for emergency student assistance. These dollars ensure that when life happens, our learners are met with compassion, resources, and a path to stay on track.
This momentum is mirrored across the college. Together, we:
✔ Welcomed the largest fall enrollment in CCA history — more than 10,000 students
✔ Opened the Centennial Campus for Healthcare and First Responders
✔ Launched the Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST)
These new facilities expand access to high-demand programs in healthcare, STEM, public safety, and workforce innovation — strengthening Colorado’s workforce and boosting economic mobility for our region.
Behind every milestone is an unwavering mission: to be the college where every student succeeds.
I invite you to watch my Q4 update video, where I share more about this semester of progress and the bold vision ahead.
Thank you to our faculty, staff, donors, partners, alumni, and supporters. None of this happens without you.
"Miles with Mordecai" Raises Emergency Funds for CCA Students
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
When we give, we inspire hope.
This morning, Dr. Brownlee and his son are out ringing the bell — serving with joy, gratitude, and purpose. Together, they stand alongside The Salvation Army–Aurora Colorado, the Rotary Club of Aurora, and the Community College of Aurora, united in their shared commitment to meet community needs and uplift local families.
Every ring is a reminder that generosity matters. Every donation fuels hope. Every act of service has the power to change lives.
If you see them out today, stop by, smile, and share in the gift of giving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
My bride and I are out burning calories before we take them on. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
God Bless you and your families.
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Joins National Leaders at Student Success US 2025 to Confront the True Cost of College
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.