In honor of North Central Missouri College’s centennial, NCMC will spotlight 100 inspiring stories throughout the academic year. These narratives will showcase the voices and journeys of our alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors, and the communities that have shaped TJC/NCMC’s legacy. Each story is a tribute to the people throughout history who make NCMC extraordinary.
Kristen Alley
When I joined NCMC, my background was exclusively with large, four-year institutions. At my first statewide meeting, I discreetly jotted down unfamiliar acronyms and terminology to research later. As I connected with faculty, staff, and students, I came to appreciate the unique strengths and culture that make NCMC such a special place.
At NCMC, faculty and staff go far beyond their professional roles. They invest in students’ academic success, as well as their personal well-being. I have witnessed colleagues devote evenings, weekends and holidays to tutoring, open their homes to students in need, and even provide financial support out of their own pockets. They have helped students and their families recover from fires, arranged for car repairs, secured housing after personal losses, and visited students in the hospital. Just as powerfully, I’ve seen our campus community cheer on students in their best moments, celebrating the arrival of a child, applaud them at a sporting event, attend the opening of their new business, or shed tears of pride as a student walks across the commencement stage.
Working alongside my colleagues is a privilege, but what most humbles me is working with our students. They represent a remarkable diversity of backgrounds, abilities, experiences, and goals, yet they share a common determination and earnestness to succeed and contribute. Some arrive as valedictorians, team captains, and class presidents, eager to maximize their A+ and get a great start to their higher education journey. Others begin unsure if they can “do this college thing,” only to discover their own capacity for success. Many times I’ve heard, “I wasn’t sure I’d be successful and now I’m going on to get my bachelor’s!” And others fall somewhere in between. They tend to be quiet, steady achievers who graduate without a lot of fanfare. These are often the students who return years later with heartfelt messages about the impact NCMC had on their lives. It is truly humbling and inspiring to see all of these students overcome various challenges and reach their goals.
Our centennial year is both a time of celebration and reflection. I am deeply grateful for the vision and dedication of past administrators, trustees, faculty, staff, and especially our students, who have shaped this institution over the past 100 years. I am equally excited for the future and the chapters yet to be written. It is an honor to play even a small role in NCMC’s story and to witness the transformation not only in our students, but also in their families and communities. Ultimately, what makes NCMC extraordinary is the shared understanding that our success is measured by theirs.
The centennial celebration will continue throughout the academic year, and NCMC invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, and our communities to be part of the story. We would love to hear your story about Trenton Junior College/North Central Missouri College. Visit the Centennial Website to submit your own story, memory, or reflection. Whether you walked the halls decades ago or are just beginning your journey, your story is a vital thread in the college’s tapestry, and we want to hear it.
Visit the Centennial Website to explore Trenton Junior College/North Central Missouri College stories, rich history, and discover upcoming events.
Photo: Dr. Kristen Alley