photo by steed media service

Though very dignified in posture and comportment, Jacqueline Hodges possesses an amiable and disarming disposition that makes her approachable inside Wayne County Community College’s downtown campus. Hodges wants the WC3 to be viewed in a similar light by members of the Detroit community, whether they are students or not.

“It is because of our chancellor, who envisioned the community college as more than just a place for academics,” she explains while standing in the flanks of a Detroit Recovery Project informational seminar. Events such as the one put on by the renowned drug prevention and treatment organization are commonplace and indicative of an institution, Hodges advises, that serves the community from a multiplicity of standpoints. Hodges, in turn, implores the community to investigate the various ways it can collaborate in its growth and revitalization. “It is a place where all of us reflect on the entire community and we encompass the entire community ... to bring [a] better quality of life. It is truly democracy in action,” Hodges adds.

Hodges says WC3 is equipped to efficiently handle the high volume of students and nonstudents seeking opportunities for perpetual personal and professional growth.

“It is my responsibility to work with those within the community to bring them into the college. That’s the whole purpose of a community college. It is not just to serve transfer students,” Hodges says. “There are members who may never, ever aspire for a degree or a certificate, but they aspire for knowledge. Learning is lifelong and we must offer opportunities for learning to occur in all types of venues.” – terry shropshire

For more information, log onto www.wcccd.edu.


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