Meet Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee | President, Community College of Aurora

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Mordecai Ian, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The development of my own personal mission statement. Years ago, I began studying organizational design and quickly understood the power of an organization’s mission statement. The mission guides the development of all strategic plans, organizational design, infrastructure, culture; essentially every aspect of a given organization. Realizing this, I decided to apply that level of intentionality to my personal life. My personal mission statement is, “Mordecai Ian Brownlee empowers the lives of people and develops systems that empower the lives of people.” It is in this mission that I dwell and add value to society every day. The mission guides my actions and centers my purpose, which has been transformational in defining my success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Effective July 15, 2021, I became the sixth president of the Community College of Aurora, part of the Colorado Community College System. With campuses in Aurora and Denver, CCA is a Hispanic-Serving institution providing instruction to nearly 12,000 students throughout its 350- square mile service area. Prior to my presidential appointment, I served as the vice president for student success at St. Philip’s College, the only college in the nation federally designated as both a historically Black college (HBCU) and a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), located in San Antonio, Texas.

During my tenure as vice president, I had the honor of leading St. Philip’s to record enrollment of over 13,500 students and the college’s four largest degree and certificate awarding classes in its 123-year history. In addition, previously I served as an adjunct professor at Morgan State University School of Education & Urban Studies and the University of Charleston School of Business and Leadership where I taught business management, human resources, social justice, and community college leadership. Along with my presidency, I will continue his work as a higher education columnist for EdSurge. Recently, I was featured by EdTech Magazine as one of the 30 most interesting voices in higher education who are shaping the conversation around IT and EdTech.

These accomplishments were not even fathomable years ago when I graduated from high school, testing at developmental levels for Math. To make matters even more complicated, I failed developmental math at my local community college and was battling with whether I should totally withdraw from college. For the entirety of my collegiate career, I worked 40 hours a week and for a while worked graveyard shifts to make ends meet. Internally, I believed in myself and my ability to achieve my dreams. Over the years, those dreams have evolved, but my ultimate desires have held true – to be a blessing to my family and to be a blessing to others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My family just arrived in Aurora on July 6, 2021. So, we are still learning so much about our community. However, we are committed to Aurora being our home for years to come. To date, we have greatly enjoyed our time visiting the local parks, eating at Cedar Creek Pub, CoraFaye’s Cafe, Pho’ Peoria, and Monsoon Cuisine Of India in the Southlands. Recently, we hiked in Golden and plan to make several visits back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am immensely grateful for my mother (Patricia), who raised me solely by herself. The numerous sacrifices she made and lessons taught built within me the skills to be a productive citizen and have a family of my own. Next, my wife (Daphne) of 15 years and our children (Mordecai Jr. and Lauren) daily are my source of love and inspiration. Undoubtedly, I would not be who and what I am today without them. Lastly, I am grateful to every mentor, teacher, supervisor, friend, colleague, or acquaintance who ever shared a bit of wisdom with me. Thank you.

Website: https://www.ItsDrMordcai.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdrmordecai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmordecaibrownlee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsDrMordecai

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsDrMordecai

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHPtcMYertyr9YR2AEZV5Q

Other: Community College of Aurora – https://www.CCAurora.edu