Missouri Community College Association celebrates success at 59th annual convention

(Jefferson City, Mo.) - Each year, the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) brings together higher education leaders for the largest community college professional development event dedicated to the Midwest. Last November, MCCA’s 59th Annual Convention and Tradeshow, held in Kansas City, Mo., attracted more than 500 attendees, 46 sponsors, and exhibitors, and featured 71 breakout sessions and 30 awards.

The convention included two keynote speakers: Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and Dr. Keith Curry, president of Compton College.

“Our keynote speakers were tremendous this year,” said Brian Millner, president and CEO of MCCA. “Bob Kendrick took time out of his busiest week of the year to come by and present to everyone at the convention, and we were honored to add a second keynote speaker, Dr. Keith Curry. Both speakers provided inspiring messages about the importance of community colleges and the impact they have on society.”

In addition, the convention included four student leaders with presentations from Darelle Wabo, student government association (SGA) president at Metropolitan Community College’s (MCC) Longview campus; Teagan Bradley, SGA president at MCC’s Maple Woods campus; Sawyer McCallon, student senate president at North Central Missouri College and Lauren McFail, State Fair Community College graduate and University of Missouri, Kansas City law student.

A new element of excitement was added to the convention — the MCCA Games.

“Attendees seemed to have fun with it,” expressed Director of Professional Development and Member Engagement Cliff Judy. These games included a series of competitions featuring a “champion” from each college. The winning competitor won a $1,000 donation from MCCA for their college’s foundation. “The games were a great way to raise funds for the college foundations and to promote a little friendly competition among the colleges,” continued Judy.

The convention had more than 40 people sign up as volunteers.

“This is a real testament to the engagement we enjoy from our members,” said Judy. “We are so grateful to our volunteers and couldn’t make the convention work without any of their hard work and dedication.”

MCCA's 60th Annual Convention and Tradeshow will be held in Branson, Mo., from November 13-15, 2024.

For more information about MCCA and future events, visit https://www.missouricolleges.org/.