CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Named to Prestigious PTK Advisory Board

AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora is pleased to announce that its President, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee has been named to the Presidential Advisory Board for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors Society. 

Dr. Brownlee joins 23 other college presidents from around the country on the esteemed board as Colorado’s representative. 

Dr. Brownlee said, “I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to be named to the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Presidential Advisory Board. This is not just a recognition but a remarkable opportunity to serve and contribute to a cause that uplifts and empowers students. It is truly the honor of a lifetime, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact.”

On the board, he will provide input into the organization’s strategic plan, priorities, and direction. Presidential Advisory Board members advocate for Phi Theta Kappa, its members, and its mission while serving as liaisons between PTK headquarters and the college leaders in their states and advising PTK’s President and CEO and senior leaders. 

“Phi Theta Kappa is at its best when we go beyond recognition and provide students with opportunities to make the most of their college experience,” Dr. Lynn Tincher Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, said. “And, we would not be able to achieve this without the contributions and support of community college leaders like Dr. Mordecai Brownlee.” 

As president of Community College of Aurora, Brownlee has spearheaded the college’s first capital project, oversaw the development of the college’s first school of nursing, led record-breaking capital and scholarship fundraising efforts, hired the largest and most diverse faculty in the college’s history, and led efforts to increase student completion rates at the college by more than 20 percent. 

In addition to serving as a college president, Brownlee is a columnist for Diverse: Issues in Higher Education and EdSurge, where he shares insights into strategic planning for colleges, and he teaches at Lamar University within the College of Education and Human Development. 

Read more (opens in a new window) on the announcement from PTK.

Supporting Fellow College Presidents

Thank you, Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, President of Urban College of Boston, for stopping by the Community College of Aurora! 🦊

Supporting Aurora Police Department

On behalf of the Community College of Aurora, we are honored to support the Aurora Police Department and its continued growth and diversification through our new Cadet Program partnership.

As an institution, we are committed to building strong pathways for future leaders and contributing to the development of a well-rounded, community-focused force.

It was a privilege to serve as a sponsor for last Saturday’s Annual Award Ceremony, and we look forward to the positive impact our partnership will have on our community and beyond.

Pictured with Dr. Mordecai is Agent Danno Singleton.

Good Morning, Champions! Week 41 of 2024

☀️ **Good Morning, Champions!** ☀️

It's time for our Week 41 message for 2024. In this video, I encourage you to avoid the 'trick' of saying 'yes,' especially when your authentic selves know it wasn't the best choice. I encourage you to reclaim your authority, autonomy, and strength by saying 'no' when appropriate. 🚀

Brand New Episode of Discovering Your Mission Now Available!

Dr. Monte Randall is Muscogee (Creek) from the Apekv-Tvlledegv Tribal Town and Deer Clan. He proudly serves as the fifth President of the College of the Muscogee Nation.

To view this episode, please visit: https://youtu.be/rZfgSCGCn0s

Global Community College Leadership Network

Last week, the Community College of Aurora was privileged to host the fall convening of the Global Community College Network. When we surround ourselves with those who believe in our potential and invest in our success, we unlock a greater capacity for transformation, not just within ourselves but for all those we serve. Together, we rise.

For more information on this community of presidents, please visit www.GCCLN.org

Good Morning, Champions! Week 40 of 2024

☀️ **Good Morning, Champions!** ☀️

It's time for our Week 40 message for 2024. In this video, I discuss the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and being grateful for the opportunities and responsibilities in our lives. May we all have an attitude of gratitude. 🚀

Community College Daily

“In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis and legislative leadership have turned to the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) to address critical workforce shortages in healthcare, notes Mordecai Brownlee, president of Community College of Aurora (CCA). Through state legislation, $26 million in state recovery dollars from the Covid-related American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) were allocated to CCCS to create Care Forward Colorado”

Read more here: https://www.ccdaily.com/2024/09/state-efforts-provide-models-for-workforce-pell/

Good Morning, Champions! Week 39 Message

☀️ **Good Morning, Champions!** ☀️

It's time for our Week 39 message for 2024. In this video, I discuss how we should approach situations with others, even those who may seem difficult, by considering what challenges they may be facing in their personal lives that we don't know about. The key is to respond with grace and understanding, rather than judgment. 🚀

Dr. Mordecai to Support Northern Illinois University

Dr. Mordecai to serve the NIU Division of Student Affairs as their next Executive-in-Residence! Learn more about Dr. Mordecai supporting your institution by visiting the “Booking” section.

Dr. Mordecai Named NASPA Pillar of the Profession

Aurora, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora is pleased to announce that President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee has been named as one of this year’s Pillars of Profession by the NASPA Foundation for his leadership, commitment, and dedication to the advancement of student success in higher education.

The title is awarded to multiple individuals each year by the NASPA Foundation at its annual conference. NASPA recognizes educational professionals who have served as leaders, teachers, and scholars in student affairs and higher education and who have demonstrated several qualities, including:

• Having provided significant service to NASPA through regional and national leadership roles within the Association;

• and Have created a lasting impact on the institution(s)/organization(s) at which they have worked, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service recognized by a cross-section of institutional/organizational stakeholders;

• and Have demonstrated sustained, lifetime professional distinction in the field of student affairs and higher education.

Dr. Brownlee expressed his gratitude for winning the award, saying, “I am deeply honored and humbled to be named a NASPA Pillar of the Profession. For years, NASPA has served as my professional home – aiding in advancing my skills and acumen to serve in the equitable educational attainment and care of students from all around the world. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the NASPA Foundation for this acknowledgment. It strengthens my commitment to advancing student success and fostering a transformative educational experience for all.”

Dr. Brownlee was enthusiastically nominated by his fellow educators, who cited his leadership qualities, commitment to educational excellence, and pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, among other reasons.

“Since coming under Dr. Brownlee’s leadership in 2021 at the Community College of Aurora, I have felt inspired and hopeful about the future of higher education in providing opportunities to advance the social and economic mobility for our students and their families,” said Senior Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Student Success, Dra. Reyna Anaya.

“His approach to student success is beyond his years, which has led to positive and transformative change at our college. I am grateful for leaders like Dr. Brownlee, who have paved the way for individuals like me in student affairs and executive leadership, and I wanted him to know that I, our CCA team, and many others appreciate the dedication and service he has provided to the field of student affairs. His acceptance as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession is long overdue, and I’m excited to celebrate him and his accomplishments throughout the year.”

Following the award, members of the NASPA Foundation Board will work with the awardees and their lead nominator to pursue a fundraising goal of $3,500 to further research and scholarship in student affairs.

Dr. Brownlee joins 19 other educators from around the country in receiving the accolade for 2025. The NASPA Foundation has been recognizing leaders in education since 1999, and the award is one of NASPA’s highest honors.

Donations to the NASPA Foundation can be made here: https://naspa.org/about/naspa-foundation/foundation-pillars-of-the-profession

Dr. Mordecai Joins Colorado Business Roundtable Board of Directors

From Colorado Business Roundtable (https://www.cobrt.com/)

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, to COBRT's Board of Directors to represent the Colorado Community College System! Under Dr. Brownlee’s visionary leadership, CCA has launched its first capital project in 24 years, developed a nursing school, and increased student completions by over 20%.

His expertise in higher education and workforce development will be invaluable to our mission of driving innovation and opportunity across Colorado.

Good Morning Champions! Week 38 Message

☀️ **Good Morning, Champions!** ☀️

It's time for our Week 38 message for 2024. This video discusses the importance of maintaining proper perspective and knowing when to 'zoom out' to see the bigger picture. It's easy to get caught up in the granular details, but knowing when to step back and observe how each situation fits into the grander scheme is crucial. 🚀

As student hunger persists at colleges, higher education tries out providing free food

At Community College of Aurora, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed. That's why we're dedicated to removing barriers that stand in the way of our students' achievements. Food insecurity is a real challenge that too many of our students face daily. We are committed to addressing this and other obstacles that prevent our students from thriving academically and personally.

Chalkbeat Colorado News Link Here: https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2024/09/09/college-student-hunger-food-insecurity-pushes-schools-universities-to-act/

Good Morning Champions! Week 37 Message

It's time for our Week 37 message for 2024. In this video, I encourage us to know when to take a timeout, especially when facing challenges, to properly assess the situation and make a decision that aligns with our desired outcome.

3rd Annual Walk & Roll for Unity

Yesterday was all about spreading love and showing unity at the Community College of Aurora. Thanks to CCA’s partnership with High Line Canal Conservancy and Aurora Public Schools, CCA hosted the 3rd Annual Unity Walk. Special “thank you” to Debi Hunter and Suzanna Fry Jones for your leadership and vision.

Building Schedule for CCA's Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, and Applied Technologies Remains on Schedule!

The final beam has been installed in our Center for STEM, Power Mechanics, & Applied Technologies at the Community College of Aurora!!! Thank you Hausmann Construction, BVH, and NV5

Good Morning, Champions! Week 36 Message

☀️ **Good Morning, Champions!** ☀️

It's time for our Week 36 message for 2024. In this video, we explore the idea that every challenge is an opportunity to showcase our readiness and abilities. It's about having the maturity to see challenges as a chance for growth and development, rather than simply demanding the next opportunity. 🚀

Celebrating a Major Victory for Colorado’s Higher Education Future!

This week, Dr. Mordecai was honored to represent the Community College of Aurora and the Colorado Community College System at the state capital. Thanks to the Colorado General Assembly, the dedicated faculty and staff, community partners, lobbyists, and everyone who advocated for this vital legislation, Colorado House Bill 24B-1001 passed.

This victory is more than just a win for our colleges—it’s a win for every student, family, and community that benefits from the opportunities and economic mobility provided by CCCS institutions.

Brand New Episode Now Available!

Join Dr. Mordecai for the latest episode of "Discovering Your Mission" as he sits down with the incredible Dr. Martha Parham, Vice President of Public Relations for the American Association of Community Colleges.

Now playing in the Videos Section!