MCC Employees Years of Service

Zoé Albright 

English Instructor and Campus Composition Coordinator, MCC-Longview

“The most satisfying things about my job are seeing my students trying new things and understanding new concepts, and working with colleagues on student success-focused work.”

Ayanna Bridges

Communications and Theatre Coordinator, Honors Program Director, MCC-Maple Woods

“What I appreciate most about MCC are the wonderful people that I’ve come in contact with … fellow faculty, students or administration. I feel very blessed to work at this organization.”

Irvin Brooks Jr.

Campus Media Technician, MCC-Penn Valley

“I appreciate all the great and amazing people I’ve met over the years.”

Rebecca Burroughs

Testing Center Supervisor, MCC-Maple Woods

“There are so many great memories and people. I’ve been blessed to work with some amazing people over the years, many of whom I consider family. If I had to pick one memory, it would be all the crazy skits we did when I was in Admissions at Longview … anything for a laugh!”

Clay Bussey

Senior videographer/photographer, Administrative Center

“What I like most about MCC is that it’s a higher learning institution with a wealth of knowledge just floating around everywhere. I’m a lifelong learner, so that’s like an extra benefit.”

Lyle Gibson

Online History Coordinator and Instructor, MCC-Online

“The most satisfying thing about my job? The students. When students realize their potential in my class and apply basic strategies for academic success and tools for lifelong learning. I ask my students, ‘What is your justification for higher education?’ I tell them once they have figured it out, ‘get in and get out so you can live your life to the fullest, and remember to pass on what you have learned.’ ”

Basil Lister

Project Manager, Facility Services, Administrative Services

“In the last 20 years I’ve had the chance to meet, work with and mentor colleagues who work tirelessly at their respective positions and beyond. The most satisfying thing about my job? Them.”

Greg Loftin

Biology Instructor, MCC-Longview

“The most satisfying thing about my job? Hearing from students after they have completed their associate, bachelor’s or graduate degrees. It is always nice to hear about their successes beyond my classes.”

Carrie Pickerel-Brooks

Division Chair, MCC-Online

“A treasured memory: The whole Brooks family started at MCC-Penn Valley in 2004, and for two years we arrived and departed together, twins in tow.  So many wonderful MCC employees took part in raising our daughters, many as teachers (preschool and college). They’re 23 now; our job is done. Thanks for your help!”

Denise Pippin

Accounts Payable Coordinator, Administrative Center

“The one thing I will carry with me the rest of my life is the wonderful people I work with every day. We are family in every sense of the word. When one walks through trials, we all walk that road together, supporting each other, sharing each other’s joy and pain — genuine lifelong relationships.”

Sherry Reece

Director of Business Systems Applications, Administrative Center

“A wise man once said that if you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life. My job, to a great extent, is resolving problems and solving puzzles. So, on a good day, I’m just having fun. I don’t have time to be bored or unhappy. Of course, none of this would be possible if I didn’t work with the most amazing team. Because of them, I actually look forward to coming to work most days!”

Melissa Renfrow

Arts and Humanities Division Chair, MCC-Maple Woods

“One treasured memory I have is teaching an English/Philosophy learning community with Paul Long, former chief academic officer, division chair and philosophy instructor, who passed away in 2021. Our students read all our favorites: Plato’s “Republic,” Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Morrison’s “Beloved,” Irving’s “A Prayer for Owen Meany.” We took students on field trips to the opera and the KC Rep. We discussed good and evil, free will and identity. We learned something new from each other and our students every day in class and were endlessly inspired by these conversations.”

Izabella Sarkisian 

Director of Financial Services, Administrative Center

“The most satisfying aspect of my job is working in a friendly and highly professional culture within the Financial Services unit. Our team is caring and supportive, and always willing to help one another, which fosters a strong sense of collaboration. I also enjoy analyzing data and finding creative solutions to improve efficiency — making my work both engaging and rewarding.”

Carin Smutny

Learning Specialist for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, Administrative Center (but she meets students at each campus)

“I love working with students and seeing them come to understand concepts they have been struggling with, often because of a language or communication barrier.  Many of the students I serve come to college not really thinking they can succeed. Walking with them and watching them learn that they can be successful is the best part of my job.”

ALSO CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Tara Dettmer

Director of Financial Aid, Administrative Center

Linda Carter

Library Director, MCC-Maple Woods

“It is very rewarding to make sure MCC students, faculty and staff have the access they need to the best resources an academic library can provide. I've been very blessed to work alongside wonderful co-workers at MW as well as BR, LV, and PV who make every day a lovely day!”

Monica Johnston

Executive Director, Continuing Education, Administrative Center

“My most rewarding memories at MCC are working with students in the classroom. It has been a privilege to watch students learn and grow and gain the confidence to take their next step.”

Jennifer Rogers

Foreign Language Coordinator and Spanish Instructor, MCC-Blue River

“The most satisfying part of this job is helping students see their potential and being their biggest cheerleader. Often, students just need someone — just one person — to believe in them, and it's always my goal to ‘be the one’ for my students!”

Kimberly Sides-Steiger

Curriculum and Student Learning Project Analyst, Administrative Center

“I appreciate the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people, both co-workers and students, during my time at MCC.” 

Justin White

User Support Supervisor, Information Technology, MCC-Blue River 

“I’m proud of all my time at MCC. The relationships and collaboration among all the different people I’ve met through all these years has been very rewarding.”

Viki Clark

Athletics Operations Manager, Administrative Center

“It's incredibly motivating to be able to work in an industry that has the ability to positively impact so many lives. I love having the opportunity to connect with students and serve as a resource for them as they work to achieve their goals.”  

Nita Isenhour

Accounts Payable Coordinator, Purchasing, Administrative Center

“The most satisfying thing about my job is making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. For 21 years in the MCC Bookstores, that meant making sure the right books were on hand as well as supplies and goodies. Now as a ‘department of one’ — entering vendor invoices for almost all of the College’s purchases — I feel the weight of getting those done in a timely manner. That way, our faculty and lab techs have the supplies they need, and Facilities can keep the roofs over our heads.”   

Lawrence Ore

Marketing Coordinator, Administrative Center

“Being here for 30 years, I have lots of great (and some not-so-great) memories. As a bookstore manager I've sold books at every MCC campus in existence plus others no longer with us: the Blue Springs, Independence and Truman campuses affiliated with MCC-Longview; the Pioneer Campus (Penn Valley); and the Business & Technology College (later campus). I have made many lifelong friends over the years. There are so many treasured memories, and if I picked even one, it would go longer than the allotted space.” 

Michelle Sprague

Executive Director of Operations, Workforce & Economic Development, Administrative Center

“The most satisfying thing about my job is the opportunity to work with a broad range of people. I interact with external clients and partners, as well as internal MCC colleagues. I enjoy meeting new people, and I’ve established a lot of relationships in 30 years!” 

Karen Curls

Criminal Justice Coordinator, MCC-Penn Valley and Maple Woods

“I used to sit in convocation and in-service and ask myself, Why would anyone stay in one place for 20, 25, 30+ years? I’ve known for some time now that it’s the love for our students, the infectious passion for teaching shared among colleagues, and the desire and commitment to serve and give back to the community.”