(The following is an excerpt from the Miles Community College State of the College address President Stefani Hicswa presented Monday, January 12 at the Spring 2009 Faculty and Staff In-Service)

Since community colleges are uniquely positioned to react to variability in the economy, we become the "first responders" to economic instability. In a recent USA today editorial, the flexibility and responsiveness of community colleges was lauded as particularly valuable in a depressed economy where workers must upgrade their skills and/or find new careers. As resource centers for skill-building and job training, community colleges serve an imperative role in periods of economic downturn.

With nearly 11.5 million students enrolled in community colleges nationally, it is clear that community colleges not only advance the economic well-being of the students they serve, they are also helping drive the US economy. According to Jessica Korf, a researcher for the Association of Community College Trustees, more than half of all community college students are from the bottom half of the income scale compared to 9% of students attending universities. Whereas a university education is often seen as an unrealistic or unaffordable goal, low income and first generation students view a community college education as an affordable and worthwhile investment due to low tuition and a relatively short time commitment. Frequently, once students experience success at a community college, the four-year degree that once seemed unattainable, becomes part of their vision for the future.

For these reasons, community colleges are an integral part of the communities that they serve. In rural areas the college is a cultural center, as well as the primary postsecondary education and training center for the region. The training and specialization offered by community colleges is invaluable to students, as well as business and industry. We serve as economic development catalysts by matching employers with an educated and trained workforce. Attuned to the needs of the service region, community colleges are essential resources for up and coming business development and for providing the skill advancement necessary for workers to overcome periodic economic setbacks and to escape the cycle of poverty.

Community colleges have long been viewed as change agents. We are a steppingstone from high school to four-year colleges or universities. We are the mid-career stop to hone job skills or get a boost up the career ladder. We are the training ground to prepare students to enter the workforce. We provide personal enrichment and adult basic education. And we sustain the community by nurturing an educated citizenry.

Miles Community College not only provides the foundation for students' academic and career success, we are the foundation for the economic future of Southeastern Montana.