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MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAUNCHES INTO SPACE AND THE FUTURE

Sponsored by
by INQStudio
Updated
May 24, 2023

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is launching into the future with a
new leader and a set of immersive programs that will continue to expand its
academic footprint.

After a competitive national search, MCCC announced that Dr. Victoria L.
Bastecki-Perez, an administrator who had already made a high impact on their
campuses for 25 years, was appointed as the College’s sixth president on May 18,
2020. This new chapter for MCCC and Bastecki-Perez was marked by a special
drive-in inauguration ceremony at the Blue Bell campus, and livestreamed across
the globe, in April 2021.

“We had a two-week community celebration to engage our students, the communities
we serve, as well as the Montco family,” said Bastecki-Perez. “It was humbling.
It was inspiring. It was energizing. It was just truly a memorable experience
for all.”

In her tenure at MCCC, Bastecki-Perez had the opportunity to advance through the
organization, serving as Director and Professor of Dental Hygiene, Dean of
Health and Physical Education, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs,
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, and Interim President.

In her role as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr.
Bastecki-Perez provided leadership and strategic direction for the College’s
five academic divisions, libraries, academic support services, and signature
programs including the Virtual Campus, University Center, Culinary Arts
Institute, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Honors Program, Lively Arts,
Galleries and Center for Faculty Success.

As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Bastecki-Perez understands the
transformational effect that higher education can have on someone’s life.

“When we think about the power of education, that’s really what Montgomery
County Community College is all about – opportunity for all,” said
Bastecki-Perez.

Courtesy of Montgomery County Community College

Creating an equitable academic approach 

MCCC cultivates an equitable academic trajectory for students by implementing a
culture of care that increases student retention, success, and their
persistence.

Dr. Bastecki-Perez recognizes that institutions need a holistic approach that
supports everyone’s basic needs in order for students to excel academically.

“Whether it’s transportation, flexible childcare, food, housing, mental health
services, clubs or athletics, Montgomery County Community College provides a
student experience that not only enriches academic pursuits, but also helps
build a community and a sense of belonging,” said Bastecki-Perez.

Courtesy of Montgomery County Community College

With a strong focus on creating an engaging student experience, MCCC has worked
to provide 24/7 online tutoring for students to have access to academic
resources at their fingertips. The on-demand service is available to all
students at all times, irrespective of life circumstances at no additional cost
to them.

Over the past year, MCCC also has become the first community college in the
entire country to partner with Talkspace, which provides online mental health
therapy. Much like the online tutoring service, the partnership program is
accessible to all MCCC students whenever they need it at no additional cost. 

“We really build a home away from home. Everyone feels welcome, knows that they
have a voice and, most importantly, that their voice is heard. Our approach is
about inclusivity with a focus on economic recovery, social mobility, as well as
building generational wealth,” said Bastecki-Perez.

Courtesy of Montgomery County Community College

Out of this world opportunities in STEM 

Montgomery County Community College is committed to bringing national education
standards to the Philadelphia region and providing immersive environments for
students to learn.

The College has partnered with the Challenger Center, a nonprofit science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education organization, and will soon
become the home to the first Challenger Learning Center in the entire
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at its Pottstown Campus.

The Challenger Center, and its international network of more than 40 Challenger
Learning Centers, allows students to experience fully interactive space missions
in a completely immersive mission control and spacecraft. MCCC hopes to inspire
a new generation to pursue STEM opportunities and ultimately use their
space-themed simulated learning environment to engage students in dynamic,
hands-on opportunities.

Courtesy of Montgomery County Community College

Founded in 1986, the Challenger Center was created to honor the crew of shuttle
flight STS-51L. The Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown will open in
the fall of 2021 and serve as a resource for Montgomery County’s K-12 student
population. The County consists of 22 public school districts with a diverse
array of students.

“We are over the moon to be a partner,” said Bastecki-Perez. “There is a
significant need for talented, creative, and diverse professionals in all of the
STEM fields, not only today but well into the future to make our economies
thrive and grow.”
 

In May and June, MCCC hosted a virtual mission for Pottstown elementary students
where anyone can “go into space,” learn more about sustainability and climate
change, paleontology, and other areas of science.

Courtesy of Montgomery County Community College

Student programs that strengthen the community and campus

In December 2020, MCCC received the largest gift in its 56-year history – $3
million – from Kenneth D. Baker, a dedicated advocate of the College and its
mission, for the creation of the Baker Center of Excellence for Employee
Ownership and Business Transformation.

The Baker Center of Excellence, which will be located on the Blue Bell Campus,
is a catalyst for economic growth in Montgomery County and the surrounding
region.

Baker, CEO of NewAge Industries in Southampton, Pa., is a proponent of employee
stock ownership plans (ESOPs) after converting NewAge in 2006 and seeing the
positive benefits for both employees and the company.

The Baker Center of Excellence will provide educational programs, resources for
ESOPs, and profitable business concepts as the mechanism for upward mobility,
equity, and inclusion of employees.

“The Baker Center of Excellence is really a commitment to sharing, promoting,
and curating resources. We want to openly engage our communities and build
awareness to help others, both near and far, with their common business
challenges. We intend to support businesses strategize and recover from the
pandemic,” said Bastecki-Perez.

MCCC also is continuing to expand the resources available to students on campus
by renovating their buildings and student engagement spaces.

Courtesy of Montgomery County Community College

On their Blue Bell Campus, the final phase of a renovated Science Center is near
completion and will soon be open to students. In addition, students will be able
to access a new center for performing arts by 2022 and a new hospitality
institute with an expanded portfolio will open by 2023.

Courtesy of Montgomery County Community College

“We are truly the community’s college that’s for all ages and stages of life. We
encourage anyone interested to come (back) to the College for training as
technologies progress, as desires change, and as their career paths evolve,”
said Bastecki-Perez.

At MCCC, students can explore STEM, business, and health careers among other
areas of study, the emerging world of esports, or join Montco’s wide-ranging
entertainment sector. The College encourages its student body to create and
cultivate. The possibilities on its campuses are endless, including the chance
for students to run the Montco radio station, create podcasts, work in
television production, and even record original songs in the Sound Recording and
Music Technology Studio.

“Montgomery County Community College is an extraordinary institution of higher
education. We provide affordability, accessibility, and equal opportunity for
all,” said Bastecki-Perez. “We’re very passionate about teaching and learning,
which is our primary focus, and committed to supporting every learner and
meeting them where they are to make their dreams and aspirations for a bright
future.”

For more information, visit Montgomery County Community College. 

Published by INQStudio
May 24, 2023
This content was produced by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s INQStudio in
collaboration with the advertiser. The news and editorial departments of The
Philadelphia Inquirer had no role in its production or display.

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