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The Founding of Higher Learning Commission
Higher Learning Commission was established as an accrediting body of 19 states and as a part of six regional institutional accreditors in the US. -
Joliet Junior College
In 1901, J. Stanley Brown, the Superintendent of Joilet Township High School and William Harper, the President of the University of Chicago, in Illinois introduced college level courses into the high school curriculum, establishing the first public Junior College in the United States. The first class had six students in 1901. -
The founding of the American Association of Junior Colleges (AAJC)
The American Association of Junior Colleges (AAJC) -- now known as the American Association of Community Colleges -- was founded by Philander Claxton (US commissioner of education) and George Zook (Higher education specialist) in St. Louis, MO. AAJC was developed as an accrediting body for the increasing number of junior colleges. -
Founding of Phoenix College
Phoenix College was known as Phoenix Junior College (PJC) and was found as a part of the Phoenix Union High School and Junior College District. -
Development of Junior college in Arizona
State legislature provided for junior college districts in Arizona -
Maricopa County Junior College District was approved by the voters
Maricopa County Junior College District was established in 1962. The District established satellite campuses in Glendale and Mesa that became independent campuses in 1965. -
HEA
The Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed into law. HEA was intended “to strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education” which increased federal money to universities and development of scholarship and low-interest student loans -
Founding of Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale Community College was established. -
Junior Colleges name changed
Following the trend in higher education, Junior college changed name to Community College. -
Founding of Rio Salado Community College
Rio Salado Community College was established. -
Founding of Northeast Valley Education Center
Northeast Valley Education Center was established and renamed to Paradise Valley Community College. -
Reduction of Power
The State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona governed all the community colleges in Arizona until 2002. Arizona Legislature transferred the power to the individual community college districts to oversee each community college.
