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Southern Maine Community College

South Portland, ME

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Quick Facts

“Envision a Future”

1946
Founded
Public community college
Type
5,279
Total Students
$4K
Tuition (In-State)
$7K
Tuition (Out-State)
$12K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Kristen Miller

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Southern Maine Community College

Envision a future: SMCC transforms lives on Maine's scenic, historic coast.

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) stands as a vibrant public community college dedicated to shaping futures. Nestled on the scenic and historic Fort Preble in South Portland, overlooking Casco Bay, SMCC offers a unique and inspiring learning environment. With over 7,000 students from across Maine, New England, and beyond, the college embodies its motto, "Envision a Future," by providing accessible and relevant education.

SMCC's rich history began in 1946 as the Maine Vocational Technical Institute, founded in Augusta to train World War II veterans for a new economy. Its rapid growth led to a significant relocation in 1952 to the decommissioned Fort Preble, setting the stage for its evolution. Over the decades, it transformed from a technical institute, gaining authorization to award Associate in Applied Science degrees in the 1960s, and eventually becoming a comprehensive community college by 2003 with the establishment of the Maine Community College System.

The college boasts a diverse array of academic strengths, offering more than 40 degree and certificate programs across five dynamic academic divisions: Applied Technology, Arts & Sciences, Health Sciences, Public Safety, and Business and Information Technology. This extensive range ensures that students can find pathways tailored to their aspirations, whether they seek direct entry into the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. In 2011, SMCC expanded its reach by opening a second campus at Brunswick Landing, further enhancing educational opportunities in the region.

For prospective students and families, SMCC offers a compelling blend of historical significance, stunning coastal beauty, and a robust academic environment designed to foster success. Its commitment to hands-on learning, community engagement, and a supportive campus culture makes it an ideal place to learn new skills, advance careers, and truly envision a brighter future.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Serves over 7,000 students from diverse backgrounds across Maine, New England, and other nations.
  • ✦Offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs across five key academic divisions.
  • ✦Rooted in history, founded in 1946 to serve World War II veterans with vocational training.
  • ✦Located on the historic Fort Preble site in South Portland, providing scenic views of Casco Bay.
  • ✦Evolved from a technical institute to a comprehensive community college, offering Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Arts degrees.
  • ✦Expanded with a second campus at Brunswick Landing, opened in 2011.
  • ✦Motto: "Envision a Future," reflecting its commitment to student success and development.

Timeline

1946
Opened in Augusta as Maine Vocational Technical Institute.
1952
Moved to the site of the decommissioned Fort Preble in South Portland.
1960s
Renamed Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (SMVTI) and authorized to award Associate in Applied Science degrees.
1968
First Associate of Applied Science degree students enrolled.
Late 1980s
Renamed Southern Maine Technical College (SMTC).
1998
Added an Associate in Arts degree in liberal studies.
2003
Became Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) as part of the Maine Community College System.
2011
Opened a second campus at Brunswick Landing.
🏛️
80 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Kristen Miller
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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