After serving Metropolitan Community College (MCC) for eight years, Mark James oversaw his last commencement as chancellor in May 2017.
He began his role as chancellor the fall of 2010 by leading the College through tough financial straits during the economic downturn, when budget cuts would have eaten up the institution’s cash flow within a few short years. Throughout the following years, Mark James created several new positions and changed the atmosphere at MCC. Now recognized as one of the best places for higher education in the state of Missouri, MCC owes many of its improvements to the vision of Mr. James.
Prior to his leadership, the College operated its five campuses, essentially, as five different colleges. Chancellor James brought the campuses together under the rallying cry of “One MCC.” This strategic move resulted in more public awareness of the College and allowed streamlined processes that reduced many redundancies and inefficiencies.
His previous experience includes serving as director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety and as State Homeland Security Advisor. He originally launched his career in the law enforcement sector with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and went on to spend nearly two decades as a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives beginning in 1991.
Chancellor James has spent his entire career serving. He says, “ I always try and leave a place better than when I started.
