Celebrating 100 Years at North Central Missouri College, 100 Stories for 100 Years
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.
My grandparents lived just a couple of blocks from Geyer Hall, so I grew up literally within sight of NCMC. Even though no one in my family had ever earned a degree, I knew college was a possibility—close enough to see, even if it still felt far away.
Right after high school, I enrolled at NCMC at 18—young, bright, determined, and…pregnant. Needless to say, I was even more scared of the unknown than many of my peers. As a first-generation college student, I often felt unsure how to navigate higher education, but with the encouragement of my family, along with Pell grants and scholarships, I kept moving forward. The financial aid I received allowed me to focus on motherhood and my studies while working only part-time—an opportunity many students in my situation never get. After a traumatic birth that nearly cost both my child Finley and me our lives, I refused to give up. Instead, I pressed on—balancing classes, motherhood, and work. NCMC nurtured me, giving me the chance to explore my interests, build confidence, and grow into both a new parent and a scholar. I proudly celebrated my Associate in Arts degree from NCMC in May 2005, debt-free.
That foundation led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies from Missouri Western State University and spend seven years in social services, walking alongside families during their toughest seasons. When it was time for a career that allowed me more time with my own family, I returned to NCMC. TRIO’s mission to serve first-generation students like me felt like home. Eleven years later, I’m still with TRIO at NCMC, now serving as Director of Upward Bound and Student Support Services, where I get to encourage students, celebrate their successes, and watch them build their futures. During this time, NCMC also supported me in achieving another dream—earning my Master’s in Public Affairs from the Truman School at the University of Missouri.
I am deeply proud to be an NCMC alum—and even prouder that my child Finley, who first “attended” classes with me before being born, has also earned an Associate in Arts degree here. You could say Finley and I both grew up at NCMC, and we are living proof that this college doesn’t just change lives—it changes generations. And now, my office is in historic Geyer Hall, the very building I grew up admiring, where so many students—and dreams—have been raised.
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: Finley and Tocarra Williams