On November 13, Metropolitan Community College presented its first African American and Latino Professional Reception. Held at the Carter Art Center on the Penn Valley campus, the event was an opportunity to address the need for more minority faculty and staff on all five of the MCC campuses.
Among those attending were Shelli Allen, Dean of Students at Maple Woods; Carolyn Baskett, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources; and Joanna Farmer, Associate Director of Financial Aid, UMKC.
The event began at 5:30pm with a buffet supplied by the crew of the Cafe Scout, under the supervision of manager Leonard Frith and new catering manager Kitty Boyd. The fare included a variety of cheese, veggies, and cracker appetizers, meatballs, chicken, pastries and a selection of wines. In addition to the food, guests had the opportunity to view “The Rite of Spring” by Jose Faus, the art exhibit now on display at the Center.
The presentation began at 6:00 with a video about the MCC college system and what each campus had to offer to prospective students. Next was a greeting by Penn Valley President Dr. Bernard Franklin, who also introduced Faus to the audience.
"This is not just a Penn Valley event," Franklin stated. "This is an MCC event and all of our five campuses are represented." He then introduced all the deans and officers in attendance. “Sit with us as we describe some of the unique opportunities MCC has to offer.”
Director of the Chancellor’s Office of Diversity, Juan Rangel, explained how attending MCC influenced him. “I am actually a product of MCC,” said Rangel. “I am a first generation college graduate and I attended Maple Woods.” He explained that MCC still has work to do within the community, and that it needs to pursue people who are truly passionate about their service.
MCC Vice Chancellor of Instructional Services, Don Doucette, stressed the need to target recruitment to achieve a more diverse staff. “We need to secure people who are committed to the community and our students.”
Carolyn Baskett, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, offered advice to those who would apply for a position. She advised where and how to apply for a job. She also read a list inside the program, defining ten mistakes that applicants most often made when applying for a position at MCC.
Kim Riley, MCC-Penn Valley Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator, introduced the panel: Joe Seabrook, President of MCC-Blue River; Mindy McCallum, Dean of Instruction, MCC-Maple Woods; Deborah Scott, Political Science Instructor, MCC-Penn Valley; and Monica Stevens, “Making It In KC” Marketing Coordinator, MCC-Business and Technology Center.
Each gave a brief history of who they were, how they came to work for MCC, how working there had impacted their lives, and what they felt were advantages of becoming a member of the team. A question and answer period followed.
The most compelling question came from a young woman who said she had applied numerous times, yet had been turned down. She wanted to know if there was anything she could do to correct this problem.
McCallum told her to tailor her resume to fit the particular position she is targeting. Stevens told her it was extremely important to make her resume as detailed as possible.
Mary Truex, Associate Director of Human Resources, added, “The best thing you could do is be to the point,” she said. “That [your resume] is the picture of you. And do your research; get to know the department heads.”
In closing, Seabrook said “We need you to be a part of our community. Not just for our diverse students, but for our other students as well. Our students should have their first experience with diversity here, and not when they first get out in the workforce.”
Franklin then introduced all the department chairs to the audience, urged them to get to know them, and wished everyone success at applying for a position at MCC.
Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College