Miami Dade College
Public college in Miami, Florida, US From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Miami Dade College (MDC)[8] is a public college located in Miami, Florida. Established in 1959, MDC operates eight campuses and numerous outreach centers throughout Miami-Dade County. It is the largest institution in the Florida College System. MDC serves a significant number of minority students, particularly Hispanic students, enrolling more than any other institution in Florida.[9][10][11]
 | |
Former names | Dade County Junior College (1960–1973)[1] Miami-Dade Community College (1973–2003)[1] |
|---|---|
| Motto | Scientia est potentia (Latin) |
Motto in English | "Knowledge is power" |
| Type | Public college |
| Established | 1960 |
Parent institution | Florida College System |
| Accreditation | SACS |
| Endowment | $272.8 million (2024)[2] |
| Budget | $376.5 million (2024)[3] |
| President | Madeline Pumariega[4][5] |
Academic staff | 703 (full-time)[6] 1814 (part-time)[6] |
| Undergraduates | 47,245 (fall 2022)[6] |
| Location | , , United States 25°46′40″N 80°11′26″W |
| Campus | Large city[6] |
| Colors | Blue and gray |
| Nickname | Sharks |
Sporting affiliations | NJCAA Region 8 – Southern Conference |
| Mascot | Finn the Shark[7] |
| Website | www |
 | |
History
Founded as Dade County Junior College in 1960, MDC began on a high school farm and became desegregated in 1962, opening its doors to students of all races.[12] Over the decades, MDC expanded by launching several campuses, including Kendall, Wolfson, and Hialeah, and established a Medical Center to support students in health programs.[13]
In 1973, the college changed its name to Miami-Dade Community College.
During the 1980s, outreach programs were developed to assist the increasing number of Cuban exiles and other immigrants. As state education budgets declined, MDC continued to grow and relied on its foundation to support operations. In the 1990s and 2000s, the college established its Honors College, offering rigorous academic programs across its largest campuses.[14] In 2003, the college changed its name to "Miami Dade College" and began offering four-year degree programs.
Campuses
Miami Dade College operates eight campuses and two outreach centers throughout Miami-Dade County.[15] The North Campus, established in 1960, focuses on emergency services and entertainment technology programs. Kendall Campus, opened in 1967, is home to MDC's athletic teams and offers community service programs.[16][17][18] Wolfson Campus, in downtown Miami, hosts the Miami Book Fair and houses the Culinary Institute.[19][20] The Medical Campus, opened in 1977, offers nursing and health programs with a simulation hospital.[21][22][23] Homestead Campus, built in 1990, features an FAA-approved aviation program. Eduardo J. Padrón Campus specializes in bilingual education and community-focused programs. Hialeah Campus offers English programs and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management. West Campus in Doral provides innovative programs like the Tesla START program.
Academics
MDC offers a wide variety of associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as vocational and technical certificates. The college is known for its strong programs in liberal arts, nursing, business, allied health professions, and computer information systems. Students can also pursue degrees in newer fields like cybersecurity.[24]
The Honors College provides scholarships and specialized curricula for high-achieving students, with opportunities for transfer to prestigious universities, including a partnership with the University of Miami. Dual-enrollment and virtual learning options are available for high school and home-educated students.
Athletics
MDC participates in the Southern Conference of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and competes in five sports: men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball, with soccer teams being added in 2024. MDC teams have won 35 NJCAA national titles, making it a hub for talented athletes and MLB scouts.
Arts and culture
MDC has an extensive art collection of over 1,600 works, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The Wolfson Campus hosts the Miami Book Fair International, the largest literary festival in the U.S.
Notable achievements
In 2019, MDC was recognized by the Aspen Institute for its focus on economic and social mobility, winning the Aspen Prize.[25] The $1 million prize, awarded every two years, noted MDC's "clear path to economic and social mobility for its students" as well as its demographic diversity.[26][27][28]
Notable alumni
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Former U.S. Representative
Manuel "Manny" Alberto Diaz[29] Mayor of Miami 2001-2009
Sylvester Stallone American Actor
Steven Bauer American-Cuban Actor
Glenn Howerton American Actor
Oscar Isaac American Actor and Singer
Raul Ibanez Professional American Baseball Player
Mike Piazza Former American Professional Baseball Player
Steve Carlton Former American Professional Baseball Player
Plácido Polanco American-Dominican professional baseball player
Natalie Martinez American Actress and Model
Harry Wayne Casey American Musician
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Notable faculty
- Joanna Falco-Leshin, professor of English and Humanities
Gallery
Photos of Miami Dade College
Miami Dade North Campus Science Complex.
Kendall Campus - Building R.
Building 6 that is located on the Eduardo J. Padron campus of Miami Dade College, minutes from downtown, Miami.
Night view of the Hialeah campus.
Outside Stair mural connections of the three floors of the Main building in the Hialeah Campus.
References
External links
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