Dr. Don Burns President Emeritus-Montcalm Community College looks back at Montcalm County History

Quick answer: Dr. Don Burns, President Emeritus of Montcalm Community College (MCC) since 2009, served as its president from 1984 to 2009. He significantly contributed to MCC’s growth, including facility expansion and doubling enrollment after the 2003 Electrolux job losses. Burns’ legacy also includes the renamed MCCF Donald C. Burns Presidential Scholarship, supporting student success.Key TakeawaysDr. Don Burns served as President of Montcalm Community College from 1984 to 2009, having started as a Counselor in 1971 and Administrator in 1973.Under his leadership, MCC experienced significant growth, including facility and staff expansion in the 1990s and the construction of new buildings.MCC doubled enrollment and met community needs by offering training after over 5,000 local jobs were lost when Electrolux moved out of Greenville in 2003.The Montcalm Community College Foundation Presidential Scholarship was renamed in Dr. Burns’ honor, awarding students $1,000 per semester.Montcalm County is characterized as a rural, agricultural area with small communities, good access to healthcare and education, and opportunities for residents. Dr. Don Burns President Emeritus-MCC chats with Duane about some history of Montcalm County Dr. Don Burns President Emeritus from Montcalm Community College since 2009.  Don started at MCC as a Counselor in 1971, then an Administrator in 1073 before becoming President of the College in 1984 until 2009. In this episode we jump in our way back machine to an interview Duane did with Dr. Burns in 2018. Dr. Don Burns President Emeritus-MCC shares time at the College and Montcalm County History - episode 12 by Discover Montcalm Podcast https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Discover-Montcalm-Podcast-Don-Burns-Past-President-Montcalm-Community-College-Sidney-Michigan-eposide-12.mp3 Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.    Growing up Montcalm and the surrounding area episode 12 Going back to the early years my father talked a great deal about his grandfather who came in to Hubbardston Michigan not in Montcalm County but almost.  In 1870 with 4 boys and his wife, he would spend the winters working at what they called the Northwoods, Montcalm County.  Don does not know for certain where but at the time it was driven by the economy.   His Grandfather had a cabin as was beginning a farm and to be productive in the winter time he’d go North, (Montcalm County) and work in the woods.   Now bringing it forward quite a few years, as a youngster on the farm we milked 30 cows.  We would grow corn, hay and crops that was really surrounding the dairy farm.  He had been living and in working with was education during the 1960’s where he taught and then spent time at the American school.   In 1970-71 Dr. Burns was contacted by a Dean of students at Montcalm Community College indicating that there might be a position for him at the college, so he came back to the farm and then the process of applying for that position began. Don was very happy with the growth of MCC during his time there.  Shortly after becoming President he was part of starting a union that helped with the growth of the college.  In the 1990’s they had a growth spurt, in the buildings and staff and built the Dozer building and more updates to the facility.  Then built the M-tech building in Greenville.  In 2003 Electrolux moved out of Greenville with over 5000 locals jobs were lost.  MCC and the community stepped up to offer training for these out of work people.  MCC doubled enrollment and meet the needs of what these people needed. Always looking at how can improve, know who is Montcalm County.  Rural, Ag County, a place bless with lakes and trees and green.  A place with small rural communities.  Have wonderful access to healthcare and education.  A place where people are able to work, live and compete in a global economy. Montcalm Community College MissionTransforming lives through quality education. Montcalm Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to earn credits for degrees, certificates, job training programs or transfer to gain skills leading to jobs in high-demand, high-wage career fields. Donald C. Burns Presidential Scholarship The Montcalm Community College Foundation Presidential Scholarship was established during Donald Burns’ presidency at the college. When Dr. Burns retired in 2009 after serving in that capacity for 25 years, the MCCF renamed the scholarship in his honor. The MCCF Donald C. Burns Presidential Scholarship helps continue Dr. Burns’ longtime work to ensure MCC’s students’ success.  Awards a Student $1,000 per semester, totaling $2,000    Source: https://montcalm.academicworks.com/donors/donald-c-burns-presidential-scholarship DOCTORATE IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERSHIP Advisory Board Don is active with Ferris State Universities DCCL program.  The Ferris doctor of education (Ed.D.) program was created for leaders of mission-driven, 21st-century community colleges.  Courses are taught by experienced college leaders, including current and recent community college presidents, vice presidents, and deans.  This program is designed to prepare leaders for the changing environments in education.  This inquiry-based, problem-solving, action-oriented approach is designed to develop the essential skills that will lead to success, regardless of the level from which graduates will lead.   Source: https://www.ferris.edu/administration/academicaffairs/extendedinternational/ccleadership/talent/advisory/index.htm  Feature Your Business on Discover Montcalm Learn about upcoming shows, how you can be a guest on the show and maybe even a sponsor. Contact Duane for more information.   Call Duane 231-250-9624 Follow and subscribe FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE or at DiscoverMontcalmPodcast Sources & MethodologyThis content is presented by DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, based in Howard City, Michigan, and is part of the Discover Montcalm Podcast series, hosted by Duane Weed. Duane, the founder of DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, brings decades of experience in local storytelling and media production, with a dedicated focus on preserving and sharing the rich history and vibrant community narratives of Montcalm County and surrounding areas. His work, including this podcast, aims to provide authentic local perspectives directly from community leaders and residents, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the region’s heritage.This post is based on an interview conducted by Duane Weed with Dr. Don Burns, President Emeritus of Montcalm Community College. Dr. Burns’ extensive tenure and leadership at MCC, spanning from 1971 to 2009, establish him as a primary expert on the college’s development and its integral role within Montcalm County’s history. The interview, originally recorded in 2018, captures his firsthand experiences and insights, offering a unique historical perspective.Publication Date: October 26, 2023Last Updated: October 26, 2023References: Montcalm Community College Foundation: Donald C. Burns Presidential Scholarship. Available at: https://montcalm.academicworks.com/donors/donald-c-burns-presidential-scholarship Ferris State University: Doctorate in Community College Leadership Advisory Board. Available at: https://www.ferris.edu/administration/academicaffairs/extendedinternational/ccleadership/talent/advisory/index.htm For additional historical context on Montcalm County’s development and significant economic events, researchers may consult resources from the Montcalm County Historical Society or local government archives. (e.g., https://www.google.com/search?q=Montcalm+County+Historical+Society) Information regarding major economic shifts, such as the impact of Electrolux’s departure from Greenville, can often be found in local news archives or economic development reports. (e.g., https://www.google.com/search?q=Michigan+Electrolux+Greenville+job+loss+reports) Deepening Our Dive into Montcalm County’s Heritage Dr. Don Burns offers an incredible glimpse into Montcalm County’s past and the transformative journey of Montcalm Community College. To further enrich our understanding of this vibrant region, we can explore additional facets of its history and community infrastructure. The Montcalm County Historical Society, for instance, serves as a vital guardian of local heritage, preserving countless stories, artifacts, and records that paint a fuller picture of the area’s development. Their work complements the personal accounts, offering a broader historical context. Beyond Dr. Burns’ impactful tenure, understanding the early leadership and foundational vision of Montcalm Community College reveals the pioneering spirit that established this crucial institution. What were the initial challenges and aspirations that led to its creation? Historically, the logging industry played a monumental role in shaping Montcalm County’s economy and landscape, a powerful force that drew early settlers and defined much of its early commerce. Furthermore, Montcalm Community College operates within the larger framework of the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), an entity that supports and advocates for all community colleges across the state, ensuring a cohesive and strong educational system. Finally, exploring the specific history and significance of towns like Stanton, Michigan, as the county seat, offers additional geographical and administrative context to Montcalm County’s narrative.