A Top College, Again: The MCLA Community Reflects on Success

02:51PM / Monday, February 14, 2022Print Story | Email Story

As a top ten public college, MCLA has a lot to offer: more than 100 scholarships, a liberal arts curriculum that helps students learn across academic disciplines, tons of student activities, and support ranging from student-led tutoring to the TRIO Program, which focuses on helping low- income, first-generation, or disabled students get the most out of their college experience.

These are all important facets—and no doubt part of why MCLA also continues to appear on U.S. News’ list of best colleges for social mobility—but the MCLA community, who work here, live here, and learn here, has more to say about why MCLA has been named a Top Ten College for nine of the last 11 years, and keeps climbing the rankings lists each year.

"I think MCLA is a top college because of the quality of education it provides," said Domenica Gomez ’23, who attends MCLA while working as an admission ambassador, giving tours to prospective students. "Throughout my college experience I have had the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance from professors that genuinely care about your educational success and

make long-lasting connections that will help shape my future."

Kayla Hollins ’12, MCLA’s director of admission, came to MCLA from New York City and has helped thousands of students learn more about the College before they apply.

"MCLA is a top ten college because it is filled with true trailblazers—first generation students, students who live far from campus, undeclared students, and more," she said. "These are students who took a chance on our small community—and our community continues to deliver a quality education. MCLA is a place for all students to learn how to be a leader. As an alum, I pride myself on being a Trailblazer, and as the director of admission, I hope to recruit more of us to the institution."

MCLA professors bring their classes to experience everything in the Berkshires, from tracking salamanders in the MCLA forest and Mount Greylock State Reservation to working with museum staff on arts and education projects.

"We have incredible access to the arts," said Professor of Art Melanie Mowinski. "MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary art museum in the country, is one of our teaching labs. I think that experiential element related to the arts, the environment, and the beauty of the land is what continues to make us a top ten school."

"I think the institution, meaning the people who are at its core, understand and stay true to the ultimate mission: providing a quality affordable liberal arts education to a student population that is not especially advantaged," said Dennis Ducharme ’82, president of the MCLA Alumni Association. "The college provides amazing support through a great student to faculty ratio and with many layers of services geared to maximize retention and graduation rates. The result is an educational experience that puts our students on an upward trajectory, both financially and as engaged members of their communities."

Want to learn more about MCLA? Talk to the Office of Admission, or plan a visit, at www.mcla.edu.

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Companion Corner: Chino at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
02:41PM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There is a sweet and fluffy girl at No Paws Left Behind waiting for her new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Chino, short for cappuccino, was brought to the shelter about a month ago. She is three years old and medium-haired.

Kennel assistant Claire Morin introduced us to her.

"She came here because they just decided they didn't want a cat anymore. Since she's been here, she's been super friendly and has no issues with anything at all. She's medically up to date, and she is ready to go."

Chino is quite tame and interested in being held and shows her belly to those around her.

She can go to a home with other animals and with any age.

"Chino's so easygoing; she gets along with everyone. So she's free to go home with children. She's free to go home with pets. She's been around cats and dogs, and she would be very easy to go into any home."

Chino likes to play with you as well as likes to explore her surroundings and lounge in the cat tree.

"She's so easygoing; she loves this cat tree that we have here. She's very curious, looks all around when we let her out. She loves treats, and there really isn't anything that we can't say that she doesn't like."

Chino will be a great addition to any family who wants her and will play with her.

"I just think she'd be a perfect addition to any home because she's just so easygoing and so friendly."

You can visit Chino at No Paws Left Behind.

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