Paradise Valley Community College history

MCC has grown from 330 students who enrolled for the first semester in 1963 to more than 40,000 learners.

On July 1, 1965, the Governing Board officially changed the name to Mesa Community College.

Coat racks and cash registers made way for school desks and lecture podiums as Maricopa Technical College began to build a name for itself in 1968.

Ernie Bullard was their first head coach, followed in 1969 by Coach Carvel Jackson, who won 5 national titles.

The 1970–72 teams all won NJCAA crowns.

In 1976, MCC began hosting Career Fairs to assist students in seeking employment.

Helena Howe was appointed MCC President and remained in the position until 1978.

On January 1st, 1982, MCC led all of the Maricopa Community Colleges in enrollment with a head count of 14,674.

PVCC was originally founded by the Maricopa County Community College District as the Northeast Valley Education Center in 1985 with classes temporarily held at Paradise Valley High School.

The Lady Pumas women's cross-country team has won the national championship many times since their first in 1997, and the men's team has also carried two national titles.

In 2002, MCC became an authorized center for Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification.

The PVCC Center for the Performing Arts, containing stage facilities for drama and music performances, opened in 2005.

MCC alumnus Mark Milliron received the 2007 National Leadership Award from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

A branch campus, PVCC at Black Mountain, opened in August 2009 in the far northern section of Scottsdale, Arizona to serve this rapidly growing area.

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