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Nation's First Junior College
During their early years, community colleges were an extension of high schools. In 1901, Joliet Community College in Illinois became the nation's first junior college by adding fifth and sixth year courses to their high school curriculum. (Kasper, 2002) -
Opening of Phoenix Junior College (PJC)
Daniel Jantzen, B.F. McFall, and W.W. Carpenter consulted with the University of Arizona and designed a two-year college curriculum. On Sept.13, 1920 Phoenix Junior College (PJC) opened its doors.
Nine subjects were taught including: chemistry, English, home economics, mathematics, mechanical arts, military training, physical training and Spanish. PJC students chose a mascot "The Bear."
From http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/anniversary/95th.html -
Officially Becoming PJC
During the spring of 1926-27, the state legislature passed a law authorizing and legalizing the creation and maintenance of Junior Colleges in Arizona. Until 1927, the junior college operation was extra-legal as there was nothing in the laws of Arizona to authorize its existence. During these seven years [of extra-legal existence] there were a total of 100 graduates. -
Formal NCA Accreditation
In 1928, formal recognition of the Phoenix Junior College to membership in the North Central Association was hailed as a forward step in the scholastic standing of the school. Before NCA accreditation, PJC had been accredited by a number of individual colleges and universities in the form of letters of agreement to accept student credits. (Dillard, 2005) -
Great Depression
During the Great Depression of the 1930's, community colleges began to provide job training programs as a way to ease widespread unemployment. -
Faculty
Enrollment reached more than 600 students with a budget of approximately $100,000. During that year, the Board of Education proposed to constituents the building of a new junior college facility on the current site at Thomas Road and 15th Avenue to provide for future growth. The college had 24 full-time professors with nine assistants and part-time teachers instructed in 26 courses of study. -
Phoenix College Not Segregated
Until 1954, most elementary and high schools in Arizona were racially segregated. Phoenix College never was. When the 1951 Student Body President Eldridge Gonaway, an African American, was elected, Dean Hannelly wrote that he was questioned by a prominent business leader as to why Gonaway was president, Hannelly replied that the student received the majority of votes (McCune video, 2006). -
College-Bound Boomers
In the 1960's, the baby boomer generation began reaching college age and the number of community colleges and enrollments soared. (Kasper, 2002) -
Technology
The National Science Foundation chose two colleges (Northern Virginia Community College and Phoenix College) to participate in a pilot project for the development of computer-aided instruction. -
Enrollment Increases
During the 1970's, community colleges saw enrollment increases almost doubling from 2.2 million in 1970 to 4.3 million by 1980. Enrollment increases came from baby boomers coming of age, parents' desires for postsecondary education for their children, and students seeking draft deferment during the Vietnam War. (Kasper, 2002) -
Re-Accreditation
Phoenix College was awarded re-accreditation by HLC/NCA. Accreditation was awarded again in 1996. The lower level of Hannelly Student Center was remodeled to improve the use of space and provide for the Student Activities office. -
President Dr. Myrna Harrison
Dr. Myrna Harrison succeeds Dr. Bill Berry as the first woman to be named President of Phoenix College. -
New Mission
Phoenix College adopts a new Mission Statement: "Phoenix College is a comprehensive community college responsive to the changing needs of the community and to individuals pursuing academic, occupational developmental and personal enrichment goals. The college is dedicated to providing quality educational course, programs and support services." (1996 Self Study) -
Slow in Boom
The community college boom slowed from 1980 to 1999, with enrollment growing only 23%. Total enrollments were about 5.3 million in 1999. As of the 2000-01 academic year, there were 1,076 community colleges. -
Student Programs
Achieving a College Education (ACE), was introduced at Phoenix College in 2002 after successful implementation at other Maricopa Community Colleges. Targeting at-risk high school students, ACE participants take concurrent high school and college coursework while participating in mentoring activities. Upon high school graduation, they enroll full-time at Phoenix College before eventually transferring to a university to complete their degree. -
Growth
By 2010, Phoenix College had grown to support over 20,000 students annually and 1,000 employees, including 400 full-time and 600 adjunct faculty. Instructional departments were streamlined from 25 departments to 17 instructional departments with an overall goal of providing better services to students.
In the spring of 2010, Phoenix College began its Learning College journey and faculty were introduced to the Learning Revolution where "learning is placed first".
