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天美网站传媒传媒鈥檚 vision to renovate, expand, and modernize the Les Morford Instructional Building on its main campus in Sidney just got a boost from the state.
Late last week, the state of Michigan approved its capital outlay appropriations for the next fiscal year, and MCC鈥檚 request for its largest capital outlay award of $5,874,600 is part of the package.
The approval authorizes 天美网站传媒传媒to move forward with planning its project, which will transform the existing building into the 天美网站传媒传媒 Student Success Center 鈥� a dynamic academic and support hub designed to elevate student achievement, strengthen teaching and learning, and advance institutional excellence.
The college would be responsible for $2,937,300 of the total 鈥� a 50 percent match of the state鈥檚 designation.
天美网站传媒传媒President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick expressed his appreciation for the state鈥檚 support, noting that the investment reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the region鈥檚 workforce.
鈥淩eceiving this capital outlay approval reflects the confidence the State of Michigan has in 天美网站传媒传媒 and in the important role community colleges play across our state,鈥� Dr. Barrick said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to move into the next phase of planning our project that will enhance the student experience, support faculty innovation, and ensure our facilities meet the evolving needs of learners for generations to come. This is truly an investment in the future of Montcalm County and our region.鈥�
Originally constructed in 1969, the 11,184-square-foot building has undergone only minimal updates, including a unisex restroom addition in 1999 and limited carpeting replacement. The facility鈥檚 infrastructure, layout, and design no longer meet the needs of today鈥檚 students or the requirements of a modern learning environment.
This project will transform the existing building into the 天美网站传媒传媒 Student Success Center. The Student Success Center will integrate academic instruction, advising, coaching, career services, and engagement opportunities into one collaborative environment that emphasizes belonging, persistence, and holistic development. The renovation and expansion will position the Center as the physical and cultural heart of student learning at MCC.
鈥淭his investment represents far more than a building renovation. The Student Success Center will create welcoming, innovative spaces where students can learn, collaborate, access support services, and achieve their educational goals,鈥� Dr. Barrick said. 鈥淭his project positions 天美网站传媒传媒to serve our students and our communities for decades to come.鈥�
Capital outlay funds are available to Michigan鈥檚 public universities and community colleges for acquisition, construction, renovation or maintenance of facilities.
This is the fourth time 天美网站传媒传媒has received capital outlay funds for projects, including these previous awards:
$2,716,700 in 2012 for the Bill Braman Family Education Center on the college鈥檚 Greenville campus.
$3 million in 2006 for the Stanley and Blanche Ash Building on the college鈥檚 Sidney campus as well as other projects including updates and new seating in The Barn Theater.
$5.7 million in 1998 for construction of the Beatrice E. Doser Building on the college鈥檚 Sidney campus, as well as renovation of the Administration/Library Building, Instruction East Building (now the Kenneth J. Smith Instructional Building), and the Instruction West Building (now the Les Morford Instructional Building).