Dr. Mordecai Keynotes UPCEA Annual Conference

I’m filled with gratitude after having the honor of delivering the keynote address, “The Business of Higher Education: Elevating Access, Equity, and Mobility,” at the UPCEA Annual Conference in beautiful Denver, Colorado.

A heartfelt thank you to the Community College of Aurora for your continued support and for sharing me with UPCEA for this impactful opportunity. I’m proud to represent an institution that is boldly committed to student transformation, innovation, and service to all learners.

When we lead with access, operate with equity, and stay focused on student transformation, we unlock the true power of higher education to create economic mobility for all.

Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst Annual Conference

What an incredible honor to join our inspiring Community College of Aurora students at the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Annual Catalyst meeting. Hearing their dreams and aspirations reminded me why we do this work—and how we must continue to strengthen the student experience at CCA.

While there, I had the pleasure of connecting with Chancellor Kimberly Beatty of Metropolitan Community College and attending a powerful session led by Hall of Fame broadcaster James Brown. Truly an impactful time of learning, connection, and hope for the future.

Proud of our CCA students and excited for what lies ahead!

Community College of Aurora Parnters with Culture Club at Colorado Early Colleges DC North High Schoo

Huge thanks to the incredible student officers of the Culture Club at Colorado Early Colleges DC North High School for inviting the Community College of Aurora to be part of your college fair!

We are honored to connect with future leaders and share the many opportunities available at CCA. Our commitment remains strong—to build academic pathways that lead to economic mobility through career-ready programs and seamless transfer options.

Together, we’re creating brighter futures—one student at a time.

CCA and NJC Partnership Expands Crucial Paramedic Training forUnderserved Area of Northeastern Colorado

AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora (opens in a new window) (CCA) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its satellite paramedic training program at Northeastern Junior College (opens in a new window) (NJC). This collaborative initiative, a partnership under CCA’s accreditation and supervision, has been instrumental in providing paramedic training in northeastern Colorado for the first time in two decades.

Read more by clicking here.

Dr. Mordecai Interviews Dr. Eboo Patel at NASPA Annual Conference

Thank you, NASPA, for the opportunity to interview Dr. Eboo Patel, Founder of Interfaith America, on the final day of the annual conference. It was such an insightful dialogue regarding pluralism and its role in crafting a stronger democratic society.

Dr. Mordecai Officially Receives NASPA Foundation Pillar of the Profession Award

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Community College of Aurora for your unwavering support this week as I attended the NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Annual Conference, where I had the tremendous honor of receiving the Pillar of the Profession Award from the NASPA Foundation.

This recognition is more than a personal milestone—it is a reflection of the incredible people, purpose, and passion that fuel our work every day. The student affairs profession has been my foundation. It taught me the value of truly seeing and honoring others, the importance of designing student experiences that nurture the whole learner, and the transformative power of love-driven leadership.

To my colleagues, our students, and the entire CCA community: thank you for walking this journey with me. This moment belongs to all of us.

- Dr. Mordecai

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.