MCC Newsroom
MOHAVE COUNTY – Fresh off a powerful commencement ceremony celebrating more than 800 graduates in the Class of 2025, Mohave Community College, which will officially be known as Mohave College in August, is proud to highlight the lasting value it brings to students and the communities it serves. These graduates are part of the thousands who have chosen their hometown College as an affordable, high-quality path to earning degrees, gaining skills and building brighter futures.
“Our graduates are a clear and living example of the impact Mohave Community College has across the region,” said MCC President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein. “They’ve made the choice to invest in themselves, and in turn, they are now ready to contribute to the economic and civic strength of our communities.”
An economic impact study by Lightcast, a national leader in labor market analytics, affirms the college’s significant contributions to both students and the broader regional economy. The report found that the college:
- Added $154.9 million to the Mohave County economy in one year – equal to 2.4% of the county’s total gross regional product (market value of all goods and services produced in the region).
- Supports 1 out of every 29 jobs in the region through its operations, student activity and alumni success.
- Provided students with an average 22.1% return on investment, far exceeding traditional market returns.
- Alumni contribute more than $122.3 million annually through additional earnings and productivity gains.
- Taxpayers and society see strong returns through increased tax revenues, healthier communities, and reduced reliance on government services.
A Strong Return on Investment for Taxpayers and the Region
The positive impact of the college extends well beyond education; it represents a sound financial investment for taxpayers and plays a vital role in the Mohave County economy. According to the economic impact report, for every dollar of public funding invested in the college, taxpayers receive a return of $5.80 in added community benefits, including reduced public service costs as more graduates enter and contribute to the regional workforce.
The study also showed that the College generates a total economic impact of approximately $155 million in a single year, which is equivalent to 2.4% of the entire gross regional product of Mohave County. One out of every 29 jobs in the region is supported directly or indirectly by the College through its operations, student activity and alumni success.
These results demonstrate how public funds invested in, and wisely managed by the College, directly benefit the community. Graduates are more likely to earn higher wages, stay in the region, contribute to the local tax base and place less demand on public services. MCC employees also live, work and spend locally, while the institution continually reinvests in Mohave County through its operations and community partnerships – creating a sustained cycle of workforce and economic growth, and regional support.
Read the full economic report online at Mohave.edu/ImprovingLives
Academic and Workforce Training Offerings Expanding
The College’s growing impact is also evident in the expansion of its academic programs. In February, the College board approved the first three bachelor’s degree programs in the fields of Human Services, Elementary Education and Biology. The College is also developing plans to offer bachelor’s degrees in other programs such as Nursing, Business and Psychology. Those proposals could come before the board as early as the 2026-27 academic year, according to College leadership. These offerings at Mohave College could help students save up to $30,000 in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
In addition to expanding its degree offerings, the College is growing its workforce training programs in high-demand fields such as Automotive Repair, Welding, Electrical, HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration), and Culinary Arts. One key component of this expansion is the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, which is set to become Mohave County’s premiere hub for workforce development. Located at the Kingman Airport Industrial Park, the center will serve both college students and regional employers – offering hands-on, career-focused training that is closely aligned with the evolving needs of regional businesses and industries.
The College is also strengthening its Corporate and Community Education offerings to meet the evolving needs of regional employers and municipalities. Recent partnerships include customized leadership development training for the City of Kingman and Lake Havasu City, as well as a Customer Service Excellence workshop series for employees of Bullhead City. These initiatives are part of a growing suite of tailored, hands-on professional development solutions designed to empower local workforces, support economic development, and reinforce the College’s mission to serve the entire Mohave County region.
Vision and Value Improve Enrollment and Inspire New Name
In the midst of this expansion, the College is seeing enrollment increase, up more than 15% so far, for the upcoming summer semester that begins June 2. Fall 2024 enrollment was up 17% and Spring up 12%. With credit and noncredit classes, the College’s total enrollment is currently serving approximately 6,500 students and has a goal of serving nearly 10,000 students by 2032.
The progress and expansions to fill the needs of the growing Mohave County communities were also a big factor in the decision to change its name to Mohave College. The decision followed an 18-month community engagement campaign that included 17 focus groups, campus meetings, and community surveys. The result: 72% of respondents supported changing the college name from Mohave Community College to Mohave College, noting that the new name better reflects the institution’s reach, relevance and vision for the future.
“This name change marks a new chapter that honors the legacy of the College while embracing its future,” said Dr. Tim Culver, Executive Vice President. “It reflects a College that is growing, innovating and improving lives and regional communities at every level.”
To learn more about all of the expanding academic pathways and register for upcoming classes, visit www.Mohave.edu
Posted on May 21, 2025 in Events, Leadership, Press Release, Student Success.
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