Commentary: Acknowledging a Rung in the Ladder

Michael F. Shaughnessy
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico

Recently, Tom Watkins posted his thoughts and views on community colleges and indicated that they should get a lot more respect. I concur. I am proud to say that I did go to a community college and that the quality of education that I received there was impressive. I still recall Dr. Walter Rauch, who at that time had written the Monarch notes for Western Civilization. I still appreciate my economics professor who went far above the call of duty to introduce us to both micro and macro economics- and I still have the textbook. The English instructors were top notch and taught me ideas about writing that I still use today. The coaches were supportive of all members of the team, and Professor Marquis tolerated my off key singing in choir..

Tom Watkins makes many salient points in his piece posted on

 http://domemagazine.com/tomwatkins/tw022610    For many students who goofed off during high school, the local community college is their introduction to culture, literature, science, and math, although not necessarily in that order. The community college is a life line for some who cannot travel to a state university- or who do not want to make that trek. The local community college can provide occupational, vocational, and career assistance as well as teach students the ins and outs of financial aid.

We often take our community colleges for granted. This is a mistake.  The two year associates degree is something that many students should be proud of- and an incentive to seek further education or simply to explore realms in depth- be they geology, anthropology, sociology or psychology.

Not all students grow, develop and mature at the same rate. For some, the community college is a much needed transition. For others, it is a preparatory stop on the way to a major and a minor. For others, it provides a testing ground for one’s skills. And others benefit in other ways.

Tom reports accurately about the wealth of experiences that a community college in his home state provides. I go a bit further and say that all community colleges should be recognized and get the respect they deserve. Certainly, some should get more money- but it is NOT always about money and buildings- community colleges may need other things besides additional buildings- the art department may need more supplies, the music department more reeds and instruments and the computers may need updating if they are still using 5 inch disks ( only kidding here ).

Let’s give our local legislators some feedback- particularly if you, as I have, been a product of a wonderful community college that served a great many of my needs at a critical juncture in life.

The local community college is a wonderful resource across the United States and should be acknowledged as such—and given some respect !