MCC was launched by Mart Godinez in 1963 as an extension branch of Phoenix College and was located at 809 W. Main Street in Mesa. There were 330 students registered for classes the first semester at Mesa Extension on September 11, 1963. Mesa students voted Hokams as the nickname for their athletic teams in 1964. Capital funds from the bond election in 1964 enabled Mesa Community College to purchase 120 acres, with an option to purchase an adjoining 40 acres, for the new campus at Dobson and Southern Roads in Mesa. On April 12, 1965 the Maricopa Junior CollegeDistrict Board named Mesa Community College and Glendale Community College as separate institutions from Phoenix College. Mesa Community College graduated its first class on its new campus in ceremonies May 29, 1968. In 1974, MCC’s mascot changed from Hokam to Thunderbird. Bar code technology came to the library in 1987 as part of a new automation system. Bar codes were assigned to every item in the library’s collection, and appeared on student ID cardsfor the first time. Phase I construction began for Red Mountain Campus in 2000, which included four buildings: the Desert Willow Building, Mesquite Building, Palo Verde Building, and the Ironwood Building.. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in April, 2000.
Campus
The college has two comprehensive campuses and additional locations to serve students.
Southern and Dobson, in southwest Mesa, Arizona
, in northeast Mesa
Mesa Downtown Center, near University Dr. and Center St.
The Arizona Gakuen School, a weekend supplementary Japanese school, holds its classes at the Mesa Community College Southern and Dobson campus. The school office is in Tempe.
Organization and administration
August 2016, Sasan Poureetezadi was named interim president of Mesa Community College. On April 2, 2018 Richard Haney was named president. He assumed office on July 1, 2018.
Academic profile
MCC offers more than 200 degrees, transfer, career and certificate programs. Areas of study include Agribusiness, Business, Bio Technology, Computer Science, Dental Hygiene, Electronics, Engineering, Fire Science, Mortuary Science, Nursing, Urban Horticulture and more. MCC is one of the largest transfer providers to ASU, while many programs prepare students for immediate entry to the job market. Traditional, online and hybrid courses provide flexibility for students. Additionally, MCC Community Education offers hundreds of non-credit classes providing opportunities for lifelong learning in the arts, technology, fitness and personal development for all age groups. MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
