North Central College history

North Western College thus moved northeast to Naperville in 1870.

In 1955, to meet the growing demand for more educational opportunities, North Central added four-year degree programs.

1957 – Community leaders form a steering committee to gauge public interest in supporting a community college in Petoskey.

1959 – Classes begin on September 14 in the old Sheridan School building.

1960 – The college’s Board of Control starts the development of the new 207-acre campus located within Petoskey’s city limits.

1963 – The first three buildings on the new campus open for use.

By 1968, the college had moved to a 207-acre campus at the end of Howard Street and opened a 150-student Residence Hall.

In 1972, North Central was granted full accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Extension centers in nearby Cheboygan and Gaylord opened in 1973.

In keeping with the vital and growing character of the school, enrollment has more than tripled from 401 students in 1975 to a present enrollment of approximately 1,500 in the residence and distance education programs.

October 1984 – The new Library and Conference Center, a 22,000 square-foot, $2+ million facility, opens.

North Central College flourished for the rest of the century; in 1999 it served over 2,700 students from its 56-acre campus in Naperville's historic district, awarding bachelor of arts and science degrees in more than 50 majors and offering 6 graduate programs as well.

February 2002 – The 71,000-square foot Student and Community Resource Center (SCRC) opens.

October 2003 – A University Center partnership is formed by North Central and six four-year institutions: Central Michigan University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Lawrence Technological University, Michigan State University and Spring Arbor University.

January 2010 – North Central marks an all-time high in enrollment with 3,208 students.

September 2012 – North Central is named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.

August 2013 - North Central Michigan College is selected as one of eight Achieving the Dream Institutions that have earned Leader College distinction for showing evidence of measurable improvements in student achievements.

September 2015 -- A new stationary CNC lab opens on the Petoskey campus as part of the $1.5 million SEEDS grant from the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

August 2016 – North Central hosts the first annual Garden Party raising $65,000 for scholarships for CNC students.