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Chancellor’s Cabinet reviews Great Colleges to Work For survey

At the newly restructured Chancellor’s Cabinet on Monday, Mark James asked the cabinet to review the Chronicle of Higher Education’s results in the recent Great Colleges to Work For survey.

Survey respondents gave MCC strong marks in areas such as compensation, benefits and facilities. However, respondents of the survey were less than pleased in areas of collaboration; faculty, staff and administration relations; and communication.

James requested input from the cabinet in areas with less than desirable scores. He noted that it is up to us to make MCC a better college. Cabinet member are charged with sharing information and discussing the results with each of their governance groups.

“I really want to engage the new streamlined cabinet to be interactive, problem solving and more participatory in the decision-making process via their input,” said James. James views communication to MCC employees as being the key to addressing some of the mediocre survey results. The Cabinet members are responsible for getting that communication out to their constituents and bringing input back to the Cabinet.

The 2011 survey response rate increased 4% from the 2010 results. Some of the negative indicators are summarized as follows:
• Overall positive rating decreased by 1%
• Overall negative rating increased by 4%
• Percentage of negative results by job category increased over the 2010 results

To view both 2010 and 2011 results, click the links below:
Great Colleges to Work For 2010
Great Colleges to Work For 2011

MCC students capture surreal landscape: dendroids on the lawn

Ask any lexophile, and you’ll find out that a dendroid is basically anything that is “tree-like”:

dendroid ~ adjective: Resembling, branching like, or shaped like a tree. (A.Word.A.Day by Anu Garg)

You won’t have to tell students in DeAnna Skedel’s drawing class that. They have seen and intimated the experience of dendroids first hand. MCC-Blue River drawing students spent an afternoon on the lawn of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Modern Art drawing works inspired by Roxy Paine’s massive, scintillescent dendroid “Ferment.”

Paine’s installation is permanently on display in the Nelson-Atkins’ sculpture garden. His recent works are often admired for their unique abilities to reflect the forces of nature at work.

New full time faculty - welcome!

Career opportunities

CO# 11-130 AC Instructional Designer

* posted 09/01/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Sunday, 09/18/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51404

CO# 11-131 AC Account Collections Specialist (Internal only)
* posted 09/01/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Thursday, 09/08/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51405

CO# 11-132 LV Custodian (Internal only)
* posted 09/01/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Thursday, 09/08/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51406

Movin’ on up – MCC Insider re-launch coming next week!

In August, The MCC Insider celebrated its one year anniversary of the launch date, which took an old weekly news PDF file to new heights. The MCC news team, made up of MCC campus and Administrative Center PIOs, created a dynamic, interactive site to share with you and the world - and we've done it again!

Coming in September, a re-launch of MCC Insider (we dropped the “the”) will appear when you click on the newsroom button on the MCC website. This site is more user oriented, in that the articles are categorized in different sections.

For instance, are you a student that doesn’t want to read about changes in employee benefits? Then click on the Student Life tab located on the top grey navigation bar. Are you looking for only employee related information? Visit the Employee Center in the same area. Other categories include Athletics, Calendar, and Community.

A sneak peek at MCC Insider - coming in September!

The improved news site showcases feature stories that scroll along the top. So now some of those important articles won’t get lost among the barrage of posts that happen throughout the day. Under the feature section is the tops news, and then the regular news feed. If you only searching for the latest career opportunities, check out the bottom right hand side.

Watch for it next week. If you type in the old address, you will be redirected the new site once it goes live. Click around and have fun with it…you can’t mess it up!

MCC-Maple Woods opens soccer season with a pair of wins over conference rivals

Both the men's and women's soccer teams won hard-fought games against conference rival St. Charles Community college in their home opener Tuesday.

The women's team came out strong against cross their opponents, breaking a 1-1 tie with two back-to-back goals in the second half to win the game 3-1.

Catch the ladies in action at the their next home game Sept. 6 @ 2 p.m. v. Barton County Community College. It's FREE!

The men contributed to and survived a fast and furious scoring onslaught to win the game 5-4 in the closing minutes. Fransisco Escutia, Gabriel Muniz, Russell Palmer, Nick Shelton and Mersad Halili all contributed a goal a piece to the efforts, with assists by Jack Connelly and Dan Polan.

Be sure to catch the next home game Sept. 8 @ 3 p.m. v. Cloud County Community College. It's FREE so come out and support the Monarchs!

Edmondson: Administrative Center Employee of the Month

For those of us who have had trouble navigating around MCC’s maze of systems and procedures, many have turned to Kristy Edmondson to help find the way. And because of that, Kristy has been selected as this month’s Administrative Center (AC) Employee of the month.

Kristy’s nine years at MCC was preceded by employment at Harte-Hanks, a marketing company she worked at for six years. She excelled at customer service and brought those skills with her to MCC.

One nominator wrote, “I have witnessed her cheerful and generous attitude in helping anyone with a question. If she does not know, she finds out. It doesn’t matter if it is an administrator, faculty or staff; she treats us all with the same respect and effort and always with a smile, going the extra mile on our behalf.” Many others concur. “I’ve always called Kristy when I get hung up on how to do something or who I should contact. She’s always helpful, even though she handles multiple jobs.”

Kristy is currently the administrative assistant to Paul Long, vice chancellor of academic affairs and technology. In addition to assisting Paul, she handles all of the travel arrangements for the district; handles arrangements for faculty hiring each year; and process tuition reimbursements for the district. She is also currently the AC Staff Association Vice President and serves on several committees.

It’s a perfect fit. When asked what she like about her job, Kristy responds, “I love being able to help people. I try to go out of my way to assist anyone that I can. We all know that processes at MCC can be cumbersome and a helpful, friendly voice is sometimes all someone needs to make a situation a little easier.”

Kristy also notes that she enjoys the great camaraderie with staff at the AC. “We have a good time at staff association sponsored events like our potlucks or first day of class pizza lunches.”

Most of Kristy’s free time is spent with her husband Tim, and two kids Riley and Tyler. She enjoys planning family vacations, reading, cooking and girls night out.

We're Back!

Final check for $100,000 energy efficiency rebate for MCC

The City of Independence and Independence Power and Light presented a $30,000 check to MCC Chancellor Mark James for energy efficiency improvements made at MCC-Blue River this morning. An additional $70,000 has been received from Kansas City Power & Light for improvements made at other campuses, for a total rebate of $100,000.

"The project cost was $1.8 million with a projected savings of $300,000 annually,” said Darrel Meyer, the director of facility services at Metropolitan Community College. The lighting energy conservation project included the replacement of light bulbs and ballasts for over 24,000 light fixtures in all district facilities, as well as bulbs and ballasts in many of the exterior walkway and parking lot fixtures.

"Lighting levels in MCC buildings and parking lots were not decreased," Meyer noted, "and in some cases actually increased." In fact, parking lots at MCC-Blue River are now safer at night than ever before due to the whiter, brighter lighting.

l to r: IP&L Director Leon Dagget, Independence City Manager Robert Heacock,
Mayor Don Reimal, Chancellor Mark James, Director of Facilities Darrel Meyer.

Independence Mayor Don Reimal, City Manager Robert Heacock, and IP&L Director Leon Daggett presnted the rebate to Chancellor Mark James and MCC Director of Facilities Darrel Meyer, along with compliments for MCC-Blue River's energy saving leadership in its communities.

MCC Foundation Board Member honored by KC Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have selected CiCi Rojas, MCC Foundation Board Member, as the recipient of the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, a recognition made possible through the support of Bud Light. The awards recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market.

The Chiefs honored Rojas during a pregame ceremony on Aug. 26 at their Hispanic Heritage game.

Along with serving on the MCC Foundation Board, Rojas is Vice President of Community Engagement at

Chancellor focuses on communication, collaboration with new cabinet

With an eye toward stronger communication and collaboration, Chancellor Mark James this week sat down with the newly restructured Chancellor’s Cabinet.

The new cabinet, which James says will be better geared toward tackling some of the tough issues facing MCC, includes the chancellor, vice chancellors, campus presidents, staff association president and president-elect, faculty senate president and president elect and the administration association president and president elect.

“It is my hope that each of you, and the groups you represent, will be brought into the fold much quicker to tackle the issues facing MCC,” James told the cabinet at its inaugural meeting on Monday.

Setting the tone immediately, James asked the cabinet to review the Chronicle of Higher Education’s survey results in the recent Great Colleges to Work for survey. Survey respondents gave MCC strong marks in areas such as compensation, benefits and facilities. However, respondents of the survey were less than pleased in areas of collaboration; faculty, staff and administration relations; and communication.

“These are the challenges we are facing,” James said to cabinet members highlighting areas of improvement. “I want your input on these issues. I want you to help makes us better as a college.”



The cabinet also heard a report from Vice Chancellor Paul Long who attended the governor’s summit on higher education. James also provided an update on the on-going efforts to expand programming into Cass County. Already, he said the college is working with Honeywell to provide specific training programs to employees there.

James also said MCC is moving forward with plans to open an education office in Belton that would offer for-credit classes during the spring semester 2012.

Although the cabinet is now smaller, members said the new format offers them a new opportunity to discuss issues and use the time as a work session.

“This restructuring will give us a better forum to explain those issues as they come at us,” Business and Technology President Debbie Goodall said.

James said he is still committed to meeting with individual campuses in his usual question-and-answer sessions. He also said he plans to continue meeting with the Staff Association executives and Faculty Senate executives to continue to foster strong communication.

UPDATE: An update from the Chronicle survey will be posted separately tomorrow with links to the full results.

Career opportunities

CO# 11-128 AC Purchasing Specialist (Internal only)
* posted 08/29/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Monday, 09/05/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51403

CO# 11-129 AC Director of Auxiliary Services
* posted 08/26/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Sunday, 09/25/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51401

CO# 11-125 AC Human Resources Technician
* posted 08/26/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Sunday, 09/11/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51398

CO# 11-126 AC Entrant Campus Police Officer
* posted 08/26/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Sunday, 09/11/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51399

CO# 11-127 MW Lead Groundskeeper
* posted 08/26/2011
* will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm Sunday, 09/11/2011 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51400

Video: MCC-Maple Woods women's soccer celebrates win over rival St. Charles Community College

MCC-Maple Woods women's soccer head coach Timo Kibune runs down the girls' first game:

Video: Monarchs Men prepare to kick off against St. Charles Community College

MCC-Maple Woods Men's Head Soccer Coach Todd Logan prepares for the upcoming game and season:

It's Welcome Week at The Woods!

Click the image for a schedule of events!

Slideshow: Summer has terminated!

Make your own free photo slideshow

MCC trains VA mobile medical unit staff

Left to right: Margaret Rosthauser, HT; Jimmie Tyler, I.W.I. staff; Elizabeth Moutafis, RN; Christine Lightfoot, ANP; John Malicoat, CDL Coordinator, I.W.I.; Vick Quigley, I.W.I. instructor; Angela Maggard, RN, Nrs Mgr; Greg Mullins, I.W.I. instructor; Bill Lowe, I.W.I. instructor.


Last Thursday, MCC’s Institute for Workforce Innovation was invited to celebrate a partnership with the Kansas City Veterans Association Medical Center, a partnership that could have a far-reaching impact on veterans in the region.

Over 100 people gathered at the flagpole in front of the VA Medical Center on 48th and Linwood last Thursday for the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the Mobile Medical Unit, a mobile health facility designed to serve veterans who live in rural communities. The Mobile Medical Unit is one of only two such programs in the country to increase accessibility to veterans, some of whom drive as much as two hours to reach a primary care VA site.

The new mobile unit, a $600,000 vehicle that is currently being housed at MCC-Blue River while I.W.I. instructors train the VA’s registered nurses and administrative staff to get their Class B licenses, will bring a fully equipped primary care unit, including teleretinal screening, laboratory and limited pharmacy to veterans living in Trenton, Carrollton and Bolivar, Missouri. It can also provide emergency services during time of disasters.

The program was envisioned by nurse practitioner and current I.W.I. student Christine Lightfoot, who was inspired by disabled veterans, as well as by her stepson who is currently serving in Japan.

"The veterans need us out there,” said Lightfoot. “And we’ll be able to see thousands.”

Eventually, she hopes to see the Mobile Medical Unit provide mental health and specialty services as well. Mobile medical unit staff should complete skills training for Class B licensure to drive the vehicle within the next two weeks.

MCC-Maple Woods Vet Tech facility hosts CVC ultrasonography workshop

The MCC-Maple Woods vet tech facility is home to sophisticated equipment, both for use by students in the program and members of the Central Veterinary Conference, which hosts a workshop onsite every summer. Students from all over the Metro area visited Maple Woods to learn animal ultrasonography and then practice their skills on the animals that call the vet tech lab home.

Students return to campus amid wild times

The Student Activities Council makes sure that never a dull moment will mar our days! MCC students have a wild time returning to campus; welcome week at MCC-Blue River features daily events such as:

Monday – Rock Wall, Bungee Pods, and snow cones (between AS and Campus Center) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday – Club Day, find out about college clubs, activities, and interest groups (Campus Center) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday  - Chris Cakes the pancake man (outside Campus Center) 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Thursday – Free Polar Ice  (Campus Center) 9 a.m. to noon