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.
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
5 Tire Problems That Could Cost You Money This Summer
Summer in Berkshire County means road trips, vacations, weekend adventures, and plenty of miles behind the wheel.
But before you head to the beach, the mountains, or your next family gathering, it's worth taking a closer look at one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your tires.
According to the team at T&M Auto in North Adams, many drivers don't realize how quickly tire problems can develop—and how expensive they can become if ignored.
"Your tires affect everything from safety and handling to fuel economy," said Mike Milazzo at T&M Auto. "A simple inspection can often catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems."
Here are five tire-related issues every driver should check this summer.
1. Uneven Tire Wear
Take a close look at your tire tread.
If one side of the tire appears more worn than the other, it could be a sign of an alignment or suspension issue.
Uneven tire wear can:
Shorten the life of your tires
Affect vehicle handling
Reduce fuel efficiency
Lead to premature tire replacement
Many drivers don't notice the problem until it's too late.
2. Low Tread Depth
Tire tread is designed to help your vehicle maintain traction, especially during heavy summer rainstorms.
As tread wears down, your ability to stop and control your vehicle decreases.
The Finance Committee in the last two weeks reviewed Public Safety, auditor, Zoning Board of Appeals, City Council, election and registration, Office of Community Development, city solicitor, License Commission, information technology, Planning Board, and vital statistics. click for more
On Friday, June 12, Matthew Parker will be arraigned in Northern Berkshire District Court for an incident that occurred on Wednesday evening, June 10, into the early morning of Thursday, June 11. click for more
The upper section of Houghton Street was blocked off for hours on Wednesday night as authorities sought to deal with an individual reportedly having a mental health issue.
click for more