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.
John Holcomb
1964-1966
Attending TJC/NCMC became a tradition for three generations of my family. Beginning with an aunt in the 1930s, along with my parents and another aunt, all graduating in the 1940s. I joined my brother, sister, and three cousins in the second generation at TJC in the 1960s. The 1980s and ‘90s saw the third generation at NCMC, consisting of my son and daughter, along with nieces and a nephew. I see nothing on the horizon for a fourth generation, but I wouldn’t rule anything out! The pull of NCMC is far-reaching. Two of my cousins came from Wisconsin to begin post-secondary education.
Considering offerings and facilities, the TJC that I attended in the middle 1960s was not significantly different from what it was twenty-five years earlier when my parents were students. The subsequent twenty-five years held significant changes with the physical separation from the Trenton K-12 district. Having its own building and increased offerings and programs was followed by additional buildings along with the Ketcham Community Center and two residence halls. Complete separation from the R9 district gave the college a regional identity and paved the way for the future.
Upon joining the Board of Trustees in 2005, I marveled at all the college had become since my days as a student. Little did I realize how much was yet to come! Under the leadership of Dr. Neil Nuttall and Dr. Lenny Klaver, the college now has the Barton Ag Campus, Cross Hall, Russ Derry Center, additional residence buildings, and more recently the Savannah Campus and the new Nuttall Student Center. While the physical improvements are noteworthy, we cannot overlook the real treasure of NCMC—its people! All of the way from administration and faculty with all of the support staff, the college would not exist without the students. NCMC’s many state and nationally recognized programs attract and ever-increasing enrollment.
While the changes during the past fifty years of the college’s centennial are almost unbelievable, only time will tell what the future holds!
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: John Holcomb