Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College (WCC) stands as a cornerstone of education in Michigan, a dynamic public community college serving a thriving student body of 20,000. Since its founding, WCC has been dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality learning opportunities, fostering both academic growth and career readiness for students from all walks of life. Under the leadership of President Rose B. Bellanca, WCC continues its mission as a vital educational hub in the community.

The journey of WCC began in 1965, with its inaugural semester welcoming 1,200 students in September 1966. Its early days were marked by an inspiring adaptability, as classes for over 30 occupational areas were creatively held across various sites in Washtenaw County. These diverse locations included an elementary school, a dairy farm, a church basement, a former fire station, and even the historic Willow Run bomber plant, highlighting the college's deep commitment to bringing education directly to the community, wherever it was needed.

This distributed model soon led to the establishment of a dedicated home. After purchasing an apple orchard in December 1965 and commencing construction in 1967, WCC proudly moved all operations to its new, unified campus on Huron River Drive in September 1970. This transition marked a new era of growth and consolidation. With its early emphasis on a variety of occupational areas, WCC continues its tradition of providing a wide array of educational pathways, empowering its 20,000 students with practical skills and foundational knowledge for their future endeavors.