New Record Set at Recent CCA Foundation Luncheon
Historic Partnership with Commerce City, Colorado
🚨 Big News For Commerce City and Community College of Aurora! 🚨
I am proud to share that the Community College of Aurora and the City of Commerce City have officially launched the Commerce City Promise — a powerful new partnership offering FREE short-term credential programs to all Commerce City residents!
From IT and healthcare to construction, logistics, manufacturing, and ESL, this initiative is about more than education — it’s about economic mobility, equity, and community transformation.
Thanks to federal funding through the city’s Advancing Commerce City Together (ACT) program and in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career and Gary Community Ventures, we are eliminating barriers and expanding opportunity — one learner at a time.
Learn more by visiting: https://ccaurora.edu/news-press/uncategorized/commerce-city-and-community-college-of-aurora-partner-to-support-education-and-economic-mobility/
Family Time is Essential
In the midst of all the responsibilities, deadlines, and ambitions, it’s moments like these that remind me what truly matters.
Family time isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. It’s where we find strength, renewal, and the grounding that allows us to pursue our purpose with even greater passion.
Today, I’m grateful for these precious moments with my family — and I hope this post serves as a gentle reminder to make time for what matters most. No title, achievement, or milestone will ever outweigh the gift of being present with those we love.
Wishing everyone balance, joy, and meaningful connection in your journey ahead.
Dr. Mordecai Keynotes the WICHE Academic Partnerships annual meeting in Reno, Nevada
What an incredible experience it was to keynote the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Academic Partnerships Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, earlier this week!
I'm deeply grateful to the Community College of Aurora for sharing me with the WICHE membership to discuss the importance of two- and four-year institutions, respectively, creating mission-aligned strategic partnerships that drive mission fulfillment and student transformation with the WICHE membership.
It was an honor to join provosts, academic vice presidents, chief executives, and leaders from 15 states, the U.S. Pacific Territories, and Freely Associated States—all committed to strengthening the future of higher education.
Thank you to the Western Academic Leadership Forum and the Western Alliance of Community College Academic Leaders for the opportunity, and congratulations to all who were recognized during the event.
When we build partnerships rooted in our missions and our students' needs, we truly are Stronger Together.
Future of Work: Looking Around Corners
We’re proud to announce that the Community College of Aurora is a sponsor of the Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT)’s signature event, Future of Work: Looking Around Corners, taking place on May 7, 2025, at Empower Field at Mile High.
This pivotal gathering brings together over 300 leaders from business, education, government, and community sectors to explore emerging workforce trends, the future of skills and talent pipelines, strategies to attract and retain top talent, and how technology is reshaping the way we work.
Join us in this important dialogue as we look around corners to anticipate and prepare for the future of work in Colorado. Together, we can drive innovation, upward mobility, and opportunity for all.
🔗 Reserve your spot today: futureofworkco.com
Student Success Is a Family Affair at the Community College of Aurora
At CCA, we believe that no one crosses the finish line alone. That’s why our annual Student Success Awards is more than just a celebration—it's a tribute to the families, mentors, and friends who lift up our graduates every step of the way.
From cheering grandparents to dancing toddlers, this was a true family-friendly celebration of achievement and resilience.
We welcomed our soon-to-be graduates and their entire support systems—those who offered late-night encouragement, shared childcare duties, and reminded our students of their greatness when the journey got hard.
This is what student success looks like in an inclusive, equity-centered learning community. A space where children run free, laughter fills the air, and every supporter gets the recognition they deserve.
Swipe through these powerful moments that reflect the spirit of CCA: a college where we don’t just graduate students—we graduate families.
Honoring the Legacies of Those That Serve Before Us
This week, we proudly unveiled the Dr. Linda Speier Bowman Teaching and Learning Transformation Hub—a space dedicated to inclusive, innovative, and student-centered learning. Named in honor of Dr. Bowman, CCA’s third president, this hub recognizes her unwavering commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and educational access.
Dr. Bowman’s visionary leadership helped increase graduation rates, strengthen community partnerships, and lay the foundation for the work we continue today. Her legacy is one of purpose and possibility—reminding us that bold leadership in higher education can change lives and transform futures.
At the Community College of Aurora, we embrace the responsibility to build upon this legacy by creating new academic and career pathways that drive economic mobility for every learner we serve.
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Bowman and the countless students, educators, and leaders who continue to carry the torch of transformation forward.
Dr. Mordecai Wins "Man of the Year" Award by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
I am deeply humbled and honored to be named “Man of the Year” by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Serving the greater Aurora community as President of the Community College of Aurora has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. This community has truly been an answered prayer.
Through our shared commitment to student success, we’ve built powerful collaborations with business and industry, opened doors to apprenticeships, internships, and job placements, created new four-year transfer pathways, and celebrated record fundraising for scholarships and capital improvements.
Every milestone we reach is a testament to what we can accomplish together. Thank you, Aurora, for embracing CCA’s mission and vision and for allowing me to serve with purpose and heart.
The best is yet to come.
(First photo includes all winners from the evening. The second photo includes my wife, Daphne.)
Dr. Mordecai Brownlee Featured in Inside Higher Education
"But he (Brownlee) stressed that community colleges need to 'lean into our moral obligation as educators to continue to provide equitable access and ensure economic mobility,' even amid federal 'friction points' over DEI." (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/community-colleges/2025/04/10/community-colleges-make-difficult-cuts-under-trump)
At the Community College of Aurora, we believe access to opportunity should never be out of reach—especially for those working hard to become U.S. citizens. When federal funding for our citizenship classes was cut, our community stepped up.
To date, over 500 donors have contributed to our Advancing Economic Mobility Fund (AEM Fund) to keep these life-changing classes alive. Will you join them? Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue this vital mission.
Donate here: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Eiyhlf
Together, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help more Coloradans achieve their American dream.
Brand New Episode of "Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai" Is Now Available
🎙️ New Episode of Discovering Your Mission w/ Dr. Mordecai!
In Episode 23, I have the distinct honor of learning from a dynamic leader in higher education—Dr. Irvin T. Clark III, President of Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC). 🔧📚
With over two decades of impact in student success, workforce development, and economic mobility, Dr. Clark is redefining what it means to lead in the technical college space. His leadership is a testament to the transformative power of education aligned with industry.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ Dr. Clark’s inspiring journey through multiple leadership roles across the country
✅ The evolving role of technical colleges in driving workforce innovation
✅ How SCTC is aligning academic programs with real-time labor market demands
✅ The power of public-private partnerships and employer engagement
✅ Strategies for student retention, upskilling, and economic resilience
✅ Dr. Clark’s vision for equitable access and community transformation
Dr. Clark shares a powerful message on purpose-driven leadership, the importance of economic opportunity, and how technical education is the engine driving today’s skilled workforce. His work is building bridges between classrooms and careers—ensuring students don’t just graduate, but thrive.
Click here to watch now.
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
