ABSTRACT
The community college, thought to be an American invention, actually had its roots in selected institutions worldwide. The United States version of the community college has a rich and colorful history that is poorly understood generally by politicians, educators, and the public. Some stalwarts have provided a historical and comprehensive context for the field. It is important to chronicle the community college movement’s historical evolution because the past informs the present’s actions, thus shaping the future. Understanding the community college movement is useful to future leaders, as it can help them avoid old mistakes when working with the college community to create new opportunities and visions. The community college’s ever-changing nature forces leaders to develop a critical understanding of where the community college has been, where it is now, and where it needs to serve all its constituents effectively. The Junior College Movement described the development of the public junior college, emphasizing geographic distribution, enrollments, and study programs.
