Kirtland Community College is the largest community college geographically in the state of Michigan covering approximately 2,500 square miles and servicing all of Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties and parts of five additional surrounding counties. Kirtland has locations in Gaylord - MTEC and Grayling (our new Health Sciences Center, Michigan Forest Products Institute and the Kirtland Event Center), in addition to offering courses online.
School Highlights
Kirtland Community College serves 1,458 students (29% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 28%.
GRAYLING, Michigan (February 20, 2023) Announced by the Kirtland Foundation, The Bethany Ann Memorial Scholarship will begin taking applications for the annual fall semester endowment starting in March. Students ...morecurrently enrolled or wishing to attend Kirtland Community College for nursing may apply for the scholarship. "We have been personally moved by so many wonderful stories of the innumerable ways that mom [Bethany Ann Hubbard] established roots in and served the local community," said David Lawrence Hubbard Jr., son of Bethany Ann Hubbard. "Establishing this scholarship is the most profound way to honor her relentless caring and careless dedication to the nursing profession." Bethany Ann Hubbard began her career at Kirtland Community College in August 2003 as a part-time faculty member in the nursing program. In August 2009, Bethany Ann Hubbard changed from a part-time position to a full-time job in the nursing program. Then, after spending nearly ten years educating Kirtland`s nursing students, Bethany Ann Hubbard was named Director of Nursing in July 2013 and will hold the position till her retirement in December 2020. "Mom cherished her role as the Director of Nursing here at Kirtland," said Hubbard Jr.. "There are hundreds of nurses working in and around Northern Michigan who graduated from her program." Outside of providing local hospitals with nurses graduating from her program, Bethany Ann Hubbard was also very active in the healthcare industry. As one Kirtland Foundation board member mentioned, the effect of Bethany Ann Hubbard's hard work and dedication is still felt in the Grayling, Mich., community and surrounding communities. "Beth was an absolute asset to the Grayling community, and now her legacy will live on with the Bethany Ann Hubbard Scholarship," said Sheryl A. Coyne, owner/operator of Blarney Stone Broadcasting and a Kirtland Foundation board member. "Her contributions are still impacting the local community." The funds supporting this scholarship are provided to the Kirtland Foundation from Mrs. Hubbard's family in hopes that it will continue the legacy of educating future generations of caregivers. Additional funds were also collected by friends of the family and community members with hopes of growing the endowment annually. "Personally, I feel, besides the additional funding, it is providing someone the means to be able to go into a career in caring for people like Beth did," said Kirtland`s Director of Nursing Amy Polzin. "Any student that receives her [Bethany Ann Hubbard] scholarship should be honored to receive it. She meant a lot to the Nursing Program." Any student having a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher and actively enrolled or registered to begin taking courses in Kirtland`s nursing program can be eligible for the scholarship. Starting this fall semester, one applied student awardee will be allotted $1,000 annually. The scholarship will officially be open from March 20 May 28. Any eligible student wishing to apply for the scholarship can do so at Kirtland.edu/foundation/scholarship. "Beth will have an everlasting effect on the Kirtland Nursing Program. She had a passion for teaching and encouraging the students to be the best nurses they could be. Her caring and compassionate manner will always be felt here at Kirtland," said Polzin. "She truly cared about student success and giving all the students a chance to succeed." As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the Kirtland Foundation raises money from private donors, local businesses, alumni, and more, then allocates funds through scholarships and grants to Kirtland Community College students and faculty, and staff. https://www.kirtland.edu/foundation/ Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education, guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000 hide
GRAYLING, Michigan (July 12, 2023) Kirtland Community College concluded a three-week program named Kickstart on June 28. Kickstart provided preparation for students attending college in Fall 2023 and allowed ...morethose who participated to experience Kirtland facilities, classes, and programs offered. "Overall, we're glad the state provided the funding for this program since it helped a lot of students to get comfortable with what will be expected of them in college while making personal connections with Kirtland's staff and faculty," said Kirtland Community College Dean of Liberal Arts John Thiel. "They were able to explore the campus, brush up on the math and English skills prior to the fall semester, and even take on Kirtland's employees in ladder golf and cornhole on the last day of the program." Designed and funded by the state of Michigan, Kickstart is a free summer program providing support for new students planning to attend college in the Fall of 2023. Committed to providing a 'leg-up' experience before the start of the academic year, students in attendance were exposed and able to familiarize themselves with Kirtland's campus, support services, help with the financial aid process, and meet potential new classmates. Covering three weeks with online and face-to-face sessions, students received extra instruction for English and math courses and were awarded essential materials and supplies for the fall semester. "Students really enjoyed getting to know each other and creating a foundation for good communication as new students," said Kirtland Community College Admissions Coordinator Cesalee J. Kuffel. "They all know the person they need to find if they need help starting out this fall. They will also have many familiar faces when they return on August 28 for class." Students who attended the program received meals, daily gas cards and giveaways, backpacks filled with school supplies and materials, and chances to win additional prizes. The students who completed all requirements, attended each session and registered for Kirtland classes in the fall were given a $1,000 laptop voucher and $1,000 Campus store credit that can be used on their first day of classes. "For myself, I really enjoyed working with these students," said Thiel. "They asked great questions and really engaged with the whole program." Deemed a huge success by all faculty and Staff involved, Kirtland's kickstart program had 33 students attend, with 31 completing all assignments and attending every session. During the last day of the program, students were given tours of desired areas of study, met with other faculty and Staff, and participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt that awarded prizes such as iPads, Beats speakers, and more. With hopes of the state continuing funding for the Kickstart program next summer, Kirtland looks ahead to hosting the event again and remains committed to providing higher education opportunities for all. Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education, guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000 hide
GRAYLING, Michigan (April 24, 2023) Kirtland Community College was home to more than 800 students on Friday, April 21, during their 8th Grade Career Exploration Day event. The annual ...moreinteractive event involved 12 area middle schools and had established sessions for students to explore possible future career options. "The event is a great way for students to choose and explore topics they are interested in," said Kirtland Community College Admissions Coordinator Cesalee Kuffel. "It is a great way for students to get excited about learning and get a sneak peek into careers they may want to pursue in the future." Kirtland`s 8th Grade Career Exploration Day takes place once a year in which the school utilizes all of their Grayling campus to allow students a chance to explore the many career fields that are available through a Kirtland education. Providing 26 topic sessions, each session having 4 rounds, students were exposed to a vast array of career options with hands-on activities. Session topics included, but were not limited to, careers in skilled trades, the medical field, sports management and science, history, biology, and computer technology. "Most of the sessions are hands-on and students get to weld, dissect, gown-up in the ER, use the ultrasound equipment, do fingerprinting, work in the auto lab and so much more," said Kuffel. Along with exposing students to future career options, 8th Grade Career Exploration Day also exposes students to the college life. Students were required to navigate the Grayling campus with provided maps, interact with professors teaching topics that college level students would receive, and participate in a wide variety of hands-on activities such as surgical equipment feminization, ultra sound readings, cosmetology techniques, and automotive repair and maintenance. Stacy Shaw, a teacher in attendance from Charleston Heston Academy, located in St. Helen,MI., stated that events such as these open the eyes of young students to opportunities they may develop a passion for later on in life. "It [Kirtland`s 8th Grade Career Exploration Day] can open a lot of eyes, opportunities, and if they [students] have a slight desire for something, this can then set that desire on fire," said Shaw. "Not everyone knows if college is for them and this is a great opportunity for someone to take a class and say `you know what, maybe I do want to go to college`." Lucas Deforge, another teacher in attendance from Gaylord Community Schools, located in Gaylord, MI., added that the exposure students receive by coming to Kirtland`s event is `huge` in showing students what college can offer. "It [8th Grade Career Exploration Day] gives them a general view of what college is like. They do not get those experiences early on and can be miss lead by what they see online," said Deforge. "So being able to come in and see for themselves what its about, what its like, is huge for them." Kirtland Community College plans to continue hosting the annual 8th Grade Career Exploration Day event in hopes of further educating and exposing students to the options that await them through higher education. Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education, guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000 hide
GRAYLING, Michigan (April 11, 2023) Kirtland Community College in Grayling continues to increase pathways for nursing students wanting to obtain a bachelor`s degree in nursing by strengthening their partnership ...morewith Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). Kirtland currently has an agreement with SVSU that creates pathways for nursing students working on their Associate`s Degree in Nursing (ADN) to concurrently work on their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) accredited by SVSU. Assisted by instructors from SVSU, Kirtland`s nursing program provides students a chance to gain their BSN degree from SVSU in as little as three years. "By having this partnership, we are opening the door for people to conveniently obtain a BSN," said Kirtland Community College President Dr. Thomas Quinn. "We are providing students who work and have obligations outside of academics a chance at obtaining their BSN when before that may have not been an option." Created to serve students attending a community college such as Kirtland, the partnership with SVSU provides additional pathways for those students who wanted to continue their education after completing their associate`s degree. Kirtland`s current partnership with SVSU also stands out as front runner in providing the medical profession with higher educated nurses in a field needing employees, and ultimately resulting in improved patient care. "Not only are we allowing a conveniently pathway, we are improving hospitals nursing care with higher skilled nursing staff," said Quinn. Beginning this fall, Kirtland and SVSU will be building onto their partnership to include: -an additional 3+1 ADN to BSN program -providing students with success coaches and tutoring options -hiring additional instructors to teach at Kirtland to minimize travel between campuses as students complete their degree. "These new additions to our partnership will allow students yet another avenue to obtain their BSN and provide additional resources for support," said Kirtland Community College Director of Nursing Amy Polzin. "This will only strengthen our already existing partnership as the students will have more than one option to obtain their BSN." The new 3+1 pathway program created by Kirtland and SVSU will allow students to focus on pre-requisites, ADN specific course work, and nursing licensure before taking BSN courses through SVSU. "This allows students to get our courses completed first, then frees them up to focus specifically on SVSU courses needed to finish their BSN degree," said Quinn. "A focus behind the new 3+1 BSN program is to further increase opportunities and chances for students to gain their degree by eliminating stress." With funds generated by a grant created by Michigan state leaders, focused on providing community colleges with opportunities to create pathways with universities for BSN programs, Kirtland will be adding additional staff, upscaling nursing facilities and equipment, provide professional development for current instructors, and creating scholarships to help students cover costs of courses. With these additions to the SVSU partnership, Kirtland will be able to now provide all necessary learning for a bachelor`s degree from SVSU at their Grayling campus. The partnership between Kirtland Community College and SVSU increases support, pathways, and facilities as the institutions partner to deliver excellence in nursing education, as well as excellence in the graduates their program provides to the medical profession as a whole. For more information contact Kirtland Community College`s Director of Nursing Amy Polzin at (989) 275-5000 Ext. 254 or amy.polzin@kirtland.edu Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000 Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university offering more than 90 programs of study, including one of the largest undergraduate nursing programs in the Midwest. The university has maintained high standards of instruction and clinical preparation. In 2022, SVSU nursing students recorded a remarkable first-time pass rate of 92% on the national licensing exam (NCLEX), which nurses must pass to enter the nursing profession. hide
GRAYLING, Michigan (Nov. 22, 2022)-This Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, The Kirtland Foundation will be directing all donations to support their Path to Success program offered to 7-12 grade students pursuing ...moregoals towards higher education. "I feel young people have a sense of pride to be in the Path to Success Program," said Kirtland Community College President Thomas Quinn. "When we hold events here at the college I am always astonished to see the motivation these students have in regards to achieving future enrollment in higher education." The Path to Success Program begins at the seventh-grade level and follows along with the student till 12 grade or graduation. The students enrolled in this program often are facing challenges that without the Path to Success program would have less likely a chance to achieve higher education enrollment. The objectives for any student enrolled in the Kirtland Foundation program include helping students reach their full potential, broaden students` horizons and knowledge of cultural diversity; and encourage higher education as a goal for all. The Kirtland Foundation`s Assistant Director Alice Furstenau stated that students enrolled in the Path to Success program are not only stronger students by the end, but are also more empowered to reach other goals as well. "Path to Success to me is seeing kids empowered by finding their passions and realizing their abilities and strengths," said Furstenau. "By being enrolled in the program [Path to Success] these students can achieve goals and have opportunities, that otherwise, might not have been made available to them." During their time enrolled in the Path to Success program students will follow a three-tier system with focuses changing as they progress in their educational career. As a student enters the program at seventh grade and progresses through eighth grade Path to Success focuses on expectations such as broadening horizons, character building, and team work skills. These expectations, or level of learning, are taught in various ways from attending cultural enrichment events such as museums and plays, to mentoring and educational trips. Moving up into the other two tiers, 9-10 and 11-12 grades, focuses switch to career and higher education, volunteering, job preparedness, and college planning. At the programs end each student is required to complete a cap stone project in order to graduate. "This program enables the Kirtland Foundation to help young minds grow before they reach college level," said Kirtland Foundation Director Heather Appold. "By interacting with peers from various schools and mentors who volunteer for the program, students have fun while building their personal skills." Solely funded by donations, Path to Success has operated since 2019 with an average of 40 students enrolling each year. On Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29, The Kirtland Foundation hopes to continue the success of program by taking all donations given that day and putting them towards Path to Success. Giving Tuesday is a globally recognized day of giving back, with many people donating to local, national, and international causes of their choosing. The Kirtland Foundation states that on this year`s Giving Tuesday, give locally and support something special by donating to the Path to Success program. "How can you pass up an opportunity to support the youth of today," said Furstenau. "Rather it by cultural education, higher education, or personal growth, Path to Success gives the youth of today that support." Mark your calendars and go online Tuesday, Nov.29, to help support The Kirtland Foundation`s Path to Success program. Visit htttps://www.kirtland.edu/foundation/donate or call (989) 275-5000 ext. 446 to join in on this Giving Tuesday. Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000 hide
GRAYLING, Michigan (July 10, 2023) Kirtland Community College's Automotive Technology Program received contributions and a donation of three late-model vehicles from their local and state-affiliated partnerships. These vehicles were ...moreacquired and provided to increase hands-on training with modern-day automotive technology. "These vehicles bring new technology to our lab," said Kirtland's Director of Automotive Technology Robert Oakes. "It is important to teach modern technology in the classroom, but it is imperative to be able to go into the lab where the students gain experience and confidence by putting their hands on it." Opening in Fall 2021, Kirtland's Automotive Technology program is housed in state-of-the-art facilities that provide students with everything they need to become master automotive technicians. With the additions of two Chevrolet cars purchased from Matt LaFontaine Automotive, a Spark and a Malibu, and a donation of one 2500 Dodge Ram pickup truck from Mopar CAP Local, Kirtland's automotive program continues to provide a 'second to none educational experience. "As automotive technology changes, it is important for Kirtland to keep our lab equipment up-to-date. Adding late model vehicles in our automotive program will help ensure our students get the hands-on experience they need to work in the industry," said Kirtland Community College Dean of Occupational Programs Barb Walden. As with other trade programs provided by Kirtland, Automotive Technology stays current with what is happening in the industry by partnering with local and state industry leaders. Local partner and sponsor Matt LaFontaine Automotive have been with the program since revealing the new automotive lab, named after the dealership's namesake. Matt LaFontaine Automotive has continued to support the program with contributions and support, such as the two recently obtained vehicles and providing current industry technicians to assist in the educational program. When asked about their partnership with Kirtland's automotive program, LaFontaine stated that they are proud to be partnered with the program and stressed the importance of continuing to provide highly educated technicians to the growing automotive field. "In my 30-plus years of being in the automotive industry, I can't think of a more critical time for Kirtland's Automotive Program. As the number of vehicles on the road is higher than it's ever been and with the changes in many people's mindsets, people are making more decisions to keep their car longer and we are already seeing an increase in our shops," said Matt LaFontaine Automotive President Matt LaFontaine, "As many of the current technician workforce ages out and we are seeing a larger number of students, especially in our area leaning more toward the trade's vs a 4-year traditional program. Kirtland's program is one of the most comprehensive I have seen, and I have no doubt they will continue to build on this momentum! We are proud to be a part of this program and given the opportunity to have our name on the Automotive Technology Center." Not only partnering with local communities but Kirtland's Automotive Technology Program is also patterned with Mopar CAP Local, a nationally recognized accrediting group for automotive education. The partnership with Stellantis Mopar CAP Local and Kirtland were founded in 2016 before the new automotive lab was constructed. Like the partnership with Matt LaFontaine Automotive, Mopar CAP Local provides Kirtland's automotive program with donations of vehicles and expert advice on their educational programs. Often involving big-named corporations such as Chrysler, Fiat, Dodge, and more; Mopar CAP Local further ensures that students in Kirtland's automotive program stay current and in the know with everything in the automotive industry. When asked about their partnership with Kirtland's automotive program Mopar CAP Regional Manager Eric Faulman, stated that they are committed to not only strengthen Kirtland`s automotive program, but also committed to strengthen education for all future automotive technicians as a whole. "Stellantis vehicle and compound donations, such as our recent donation to Kirtland of a Ram 2500, is not only a further commitment to the growth of the college`s Automotive Technology Program, but also showcases our dedication to the success and prosperity to the next generation of Stellantis automotive technicians," said Mopar CAP Regional Manager Eric J. Faulman. "Without our Mopar CAP partner schools-and equally as important-without our CAP students and graduates, the advancement and longevity of automotive innovation would simply cease to exist." With these new additions to their fleet, Kirtland's automotive program strives for excellence in training the industry's future technicians. Students in the program will now be able to learn, work, and master techniques on the very identical vehicles they will see in their future shops. This educational experience, as stated by Oakes, is what separates Kirtland's automotive program from its competitors and increases employment opportunities for graduates. "The ability to have hands-on learning on the newest technology keeps our program and students at the forefront of automotive technology. When our students leave and enter the workforce, they have experienced the same type of vehicles with the same technology that they will be working on," said Oakes. Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000 hide
...read more
School Overview
The teacher population of 74 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student population of Kirtland Community College has grown by 8% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has decreased from 19:1 over five years.
The Kirtland Community College diversity score of 0.19 is less than the state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has grown by 41% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,458 students
2,783 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
425 students
1,079 students
# Part-Time Students
1,033 students
1,704 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
826 students
298 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,458 students
1,115 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
929 students
1,615 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
178 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
2%
5%
% Black
3%
12%
% White
90%
72%
% Two or more races
1%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
5%
Diversity Score
0.19
0.46
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
23%
21%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
3.79%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,700
$30,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,980 is more than the state average of $4,944. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $9,390 is more than the state average of $6,878. The out-state tuition has grown by 15% over four years.
Club or Organization: Biology Club, Criminal Justice Club, Hot Rod Automotive Club, Housing Activities Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Service Learning, Veterans Helping Veterans
Recreational Athletic Programs: Student Wellness Group
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
Kirtland Community College was founded in 1966. Kirtland
offers over 30 degree and certificate programs including transfer
degree programs. Kirtland competes in intercollegiate athletics as
a member of the Eastern Conference of the Michigan Community
College Athletic Association. The Kirtland Firebirds compete in
basketball, bowling, golf and cross-country. Kirtland Community
College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The
college also holds membership in the Michigan Community College
Association and the American Association of Community
Colleges. Kirtland has locations in Gaylord and Grayling, in
addition to offering courses online.
Explore the diverse landscape of community colleges with our comprehensive guide, 'Community CollegeS: A to Z.' From academic programs to student support services, this article provides a look at everything community colleges have to offer.
