North Central Missouri College (NCMC) is set to celebrate its centennial in 2025. Dr. Lenny Klaver, NCMC President, has announced that a planning committee is actively working on organizing events throughout the year.
Dr. Klaver emphasized the pivotal role NCMC plays in education, citing partnerships with K-12 schools and transfer relationships as key components. He highlighted the college’s contribution to economic development and commerce in Trenton, noting the significant economic impact generated by students, whether they commute or reside in the college’s housing facilities. Students purchasing gas, groceries, and other goods in Trenton mutually benefit the college and local businesses.
Approaching his eighth anniversary as president, Dr. Klaver praised the enduring relevance of community colleges, emphasizing their role in providing affordable and accessible education. He underscored their importance in offering career and technical education opportunities and facilitating university transfers.
Many individuals enroll in community college courses to enhance their skills or gain new ones, maintaining that NCMC’s attractive tuition rates and the A+ program give it a competitive edge.
Significant efforts have been invested in student retention and recruitment which he believes are crucial to its growth.
Dr. Klaver further discussed the college’s budget, approximately $14 million, and its broader economic impact on the region, which he estimated at roughly $50 million, thanks to a conservative economic multiplier effect.
