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.

Jenna Stevens
Attended 2004-2005

My connection to North Central Missouri College began long before I ever imagined working in higher education. As a high school student, I took dual credit classes through NCMC. At the time, I went directly on to a four-year university after graduation and didn’t fully recognize the value NCMC offers students, especially through the A+ Program. Looking back, I wish I had better understood just how impactful those opportunities can be.

While attending college, I worked as an orientation ambassador and a resident assistant. I didn’t realize then that those experiences were planting the seed for a future career in higher education. After graduating and getting married, I began working for my alma mater as an administrative assistant in the University Advancement Office.

When my husband and I decided to return home to Trenton after starting our family, I knew I didn’t want to leave higher education behind. I was fortunate to find an opening at NCMC as an administrative assistant in the Nursing & Health Sciences office. In that role, I learned a little about nursing, advised pre-nursing students, and attended recruitment events, all experiences that further shaped my passion for helping students navigate their educational journeys.

Those opportunities led me to the role of Director of Advising & Retention, where I expanded my understanding of the many degrees and pathways NCMC offers. Today, I serve as Director of Enrollment Management, overseeing marketing, admissions, and advising efforts across the college.

Through NCMC’s partnership with CMU, I am now working toward my master’s degree, something I never planned to do, but an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up. NCMC is more than just my place of employment; it is a place of opportunity—for students, and for employees like me whose own stories continue to grow alongside the college.

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: Jenna Stevens