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.
Kasey Bailey
2005
Associate in Arts
One-hundred years ago, forward-thinking leaders in a small farming community took a chance on a relatively new concept and began offering college classes at the local high school. A year later, in 1926, a couple in that town welcomed their sixth child, a baby boy, into the world. Throughout the turbulent times of the Great Depression and Second World War, that boy attended Trenton public schools, where, like many young men, he tolerated academic courses to participate in athletics. Through sports, he formed a life-long bond with his coach, C.F. Russell. Upon graduating from Trenton High School, he joined the Navy, returned home, married his high-school sweetheart, and planned to work for the Rock Island Railroad like his father. However, Coach Russell was organizing a basketball team for Trenton Junior College, and he couldn’t resist another opportunity to play ball for his mentor. Although he never earned a degree, he was proud that a railroader’s son had been able to attend college. That man was my grandfather, Bob Bailey.
He would go on to have two children of his own, a son and a daughter, both of whom took classes at TJC before earning bachelor’s degrees. Both have said they weren’t given the option to do otherwise, such was his earnest belief in the transformative power of education. His son, my father, would marry a girl from Galt who took summer classes at TJC, allowing her to complete her bachelor’s degree early. During her career at Modine, she organized classes facilitated by NCMC to teach employees to use Microsoft Excel. Those classes improved company productivity and increased opportunities for the participants.
My parents had three sons who have gone on to jobs in insurance, telecommunications, and education in North Missouri. All of them took dual-credit courses in high school and graduated from NCMC before earning bachelor’s degrees. All their spouses have earned degrees, two of whom attended NCMC. My aunt, who worked a career in education, has two children, both of whom took classes at NCMC. One earned a bachelor’s degree and one served in the U.S. Army. Both have great jobs in the region in manufacturing.
Much has changed since NCMC was born 100 years ago, far beyond what those decision-makers could have anticipated. I know for certain they weren’t thinking of me, and yet, generations of my family have been impacted by that decision. My grandfather would be 100 this year. If he were here, no doubt we would marvel together at how many lives have been changed for the better because of the relationship between one young man, his coach, and an institution that has been providing life-changing educational opportunities for a century. I’m so grateful for NCMC!
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 event recaps.
Photo: Kasey Bailey and Bob Bailey 1947