Montcalm Community College has played a vital role in shaping education, workforce development, and community life in Montcalm County for six decades. In Episode 164 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sits down with Gary Haulk, Dean Emeritus of Montcalm Community College and author of Montcalm Community College: Creating Futures—Then, Now, and Always, to explore the rich and fascinating history of MCC.

Gary was asked to write the official history of MCC as the college approached its 50th anniversary. What began as a research project turned into a multi-year journey through archives, interviews, and firsthand accounts from the people who helped build MCC from the ground up. The result is a deeply human story—one that blends facts, milestones, and personal narratives.

The story begins in the early 1960s, when Montcalm County leaders explored whether a community college could succeed locally. After town hall meetings and community outreach, voters approved the creation of Montcalm Community College on March 2, 1965.

With no campus at first, MCC classes were held in churches, libraries, schools—and even unused cells at the county jail. The first students enrolled in vocational and nursing programs, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving institution.

By 1967, MCC opened its permanent campus on the former Anderson farm, strategically located near the geographic center of the county. The Centurion mascot, inspired by Roman history and the campus atrium, soon followed—along with athletics, music programs, and a growing academic footprint.

Gary walks listeners through the eras of MCC leadership, highlighting how each president shaped the college during their tenure:

Don Fink – MCC’s founding president

Cliff Badour – Expansion of academic and vocational programs

Herb Stoutenberg – Creation of the MCC Foundation

Don Burns – Community outreach, Heritage Village, Crystal the Mastodon, and the pivotal 1996 millage

Bob Ferrantino – Student success, study abroad, and cultural enrichment

Stacey Young – Leadership through COVID and the launch of student housing

Dr. Bradley Barrick – Enrollment growth, housing expansion, and a bold new strategic vision

Each era reflects the evolving needs of students and the community—demonstrating how MCC continues to adapt while staying true to its mission.

As a former dean and long-time educator at MCC, Gary shares why the college feels more like a family than an institution. Faculty know students by name. The college supports personal growth as much as academic success. And MCC remains deeply connected to the communities it serves.

This episode is a must-listen for alumni, students, educators, and anyone interested in Montcalm County history.

Gary Haulk’s book is available worldwide through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Learn more at GaryHaulk.com

Listen now on the Discover Montcalm Podcast and on Apple Podcasts, Pandora, iHeart, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Want to share your story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast?

Contact
Call 231-250-9624

Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected]. Together, let’s showcase the heart of Montcalm County, one story at a time.

Check out this video!

Love stories that celebrate local people, places, and progress?
Subscribe to the Discover Montcalm Podcast and explore the voices that shape Montcalm County and beyond.

Have a story to share? Contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or [email protected] to be featured in a future episode — whether at your location or in-studio.

Catch up on all episodes and discover the soul of small-town Michigan:
discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast

Follow us and be part of a growing community of storytellers.

Produced by: https://www.dwvideo.com 
#DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty #LocalVoices #MichiganPodcasts #CommunityMatters #SupportLocalStories

by Discover Montcalm Podcast

Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. 

The post Montcalm Community College celebrating 60 years first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast.