Story 54: Cassie Cordray

In honor of North Central Missouri College’s centennial, NCMC will spotlight 100 inspiring stories. 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.

Cassie Cordray
ociate in Arts, 2007

My NCMC story has been written in several chapters, and each one has helped shape the educator I am today.

My first chapter at NCMC actually began while I was still in high school as a dual credit student. By the time I graduated from high school, I had accumulated enough college credit that I was able to complete my Associate in Arts transfer degree in just one year, graduating from NCMC with the Class of 2007.

That year was definitely a lesson in determination and time management. During one semester, I took 21 credit hours and somehow managed to finish with all A’s. I learned quickly how to study, manage my time, and challenge myself academically—skills that continued to serve me throughout the rest of my education and career.

After leaving NCMC, I completed my bachelor’s degree and began teaching elementary school in a small rural district. I spent nine years in the elementary classroom and loved working with young students. During those years, I also earned my master’s degree in school leadership, thinking that someday I would move from the classroom into administration. Eventually, I felt ready for a new challenge, and I was convinced that becoming an elementary principal would be my next chapter.

Then a position opened at NCMC.

When the Teacher Education Instructor position became available, I laughed at the thought of teaching adults. It certainly wasn’t part of the plan I had created for myself. My husband, who was the women’s golf coach at NCMC at the time, encouraged me to consider it and at least try for an interview.

I made it through the initial interview and then came the teaching demonstration. I’m fairly certain I sweat through the entire thing, but I got the job.

Eight years later, and I haven’t looked back.

There are certainly days when I miss my little elementary students, but I have found so much joy and purpose in preparing future educators. I get to watch students enter our program unsure of themselves, grow in their confidence and abilities, and eventually walk into classrooms of their own. Getting to play even a small role in their journeys is something I will never take for granted.

There is something incredibly special about knowing that the place that helped prepare me to become a teacher is now the place where I get to help prepare the next generation of teachers.

I am so thankful for the instructors and leaders who invested in me during my time as an NCMC student. Their influence became part of my story and helped shape the educator I am today. Now, I have the privilege of doing the same for others.

NCMC was one of the first chapters in my journey as an educator, and I’m grateful that, all these years later, I’m still here helping write the next one.

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 celebration recaps.

Photo: Cassie Cordray