Mid Michigan Community College (now officially operating as Mid Michigan College) is a public two-year institution that transformed Clare County into a regional center for higher education and vocational training.
Founding and the 1965 Election
The Legislative Push: Following the passage of the Michigan Community College Act of 1966, local civic leaders recognized the need for an affordable higher education option to serve the rural populations of central Michigan.
The Crucial Vote: On October 21, 1965, voters across Clare and Gladwin counties approved a ballot measure to establish a joint community college district and elected the institution's first Board of Trustees.
Inaugural Classes: The college officially opened its doors to students in the fall of 1968, providing localized academic courses that eliminated the need for students to commute long distances to major universities.
The Harrison Campus Development
The Wooded Setting: The primary campus was constructed on a large, 560-acre tract of scenic, heavily forested land located off highway M-61 in Greenwood Township, just outside Harrison.
Architectural Growth: Over the decades, the Harrison campus expanded from a single instructional facility to include specialized complexes, such as the Herbert D. Doan Science Center and advanced technical laboratories.
The Outdoor Footprint: Utilizing its expansive wilderness property, the college developed public walking, running, and biking trails, integrating the campus directly into the recreational life of Clare County residents.
Academic and Vocational Programs
Transfer Pathways: The college established comprehensive associate degree programs designed to seamlessly transfer credits to four-year public institutions across Michigan.
Technical Education: Recognizing the local economy's needs, the school prioritized heavy investment in vocational training, developing robust programs in automotive technology, welding, manufacturing, and nursing.
Community Enrichment: Beyond credit-earning tracks, the institution became a hub for adult continuing education, workforce development, and cultural events for the surrounding rural townships.
Expansion and Modern Rebranding
The Mt. Pleasant Campus: To serve an expanding student demographic, the college opened a major satellite campus in Mt. Pleasant (Isabella County) in the 1990s, eventually consolidating many of its administrative services there by 2011.
Name Simplification: In 2018, the Board of Trustees approved dropping the word “Community” from the public branding, officially renaming the institution “Mid Michigan College” to better reflect its multi-county footprint.
Enduring Mission: Despite its growth into neighboring counties, the historic Harrison campus remains a vital economic, educational, and cultural anchor for the people of Clare County.