Montcalm Community College receives State of Michigan capital outlay funds

Montcalm Community College has received $5,874,600 in State of Michigan capital outlay funding. The college will utilize this funding to renovate and update its Les Morford Instructional Building on its Sidney, Michigan campus, and turn the facility into its new Montcalm Community College Student Success Center.

According to an article on Montcalm Community College’s website, Dr. Bradley J. Barrick, the college’s president, was quoted as saying of the funding, “Receiving this capital outlay approval reflects the confidence the State of Michigan has in Montcalm Community College and in the important role community colleges play across our state. We’re 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. This 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. This project positions MCC to serve our students and our communities for decades to come.”

The Les Morford Instructional Building was originally built in 1969 and spans 11,184 square feet. Despite its age, the building has only had minor enhancements over the years, including the addition of a unisex bathroom in the 90s and carpet replacements. The building no longer meets the needs of students or the university, and will be renovated into a more modern facility as it becomes the Montcalm Community College Student Success Center.

The Student Success Center will be a hub for student support services on campus that will combine instruction, advising, coaching, career services, and engagement opportunities into one place, creating an environment of community, support, and learning. 

Montcalm Community College has received capital outlay funds for projects three other times: $5.7 million in 1998 for the construction of the Beatrice E. Doser Building, and the renovation of the Administration/Library Building, the Instruction East Building (now the Kenneth J. Smith Instructional Building), and the Instruction West Building (now the Les Morford Instructional Building); $3 million in 2006 for the construction of the Stanley and Blanche Ash Building and new seating in The Barn Theater; and $2,716,700 in 2012 for the Bill Braman Family Education Center.

For more information about Montcalm Community College, visit the school’s website.