The earliest activity in providing community college services to the Clare and Gladwin areas began in 1962. Two years later, the concept of the College was endorsed by the two local intermediate school districts and the five local school districts within the two counties. Following acceptance of this basic concept, a Citizens Advisory Council was formed to determine the feasibility of establishing a community college. The Council report, completed in 1965, recommended the formation of a local community college. The report was then submitted to the Michigan Department of Public Instruction, and notification of approval for the College was received in July 1965.
In September 1965, a special election was held to obtain community authorization for the establishment of the College, to elect a governing Board of Trustees, and to approve a construction and operating millage of 1.5 mills to be levied against the assessed property valuation in the voting district. The voters' favorable response led to official approval by the Michigan State Board of Education to establish Michigan's 25th community college.
During 1966-67, an administrative staff was employed to develop the initial planning for the College and the instructional programs. At the same time, an architect was developing a master plan for campus construction and development of the 560-acre site. Construction of the initial $1.5 million facility began in May 1968.
In the fall of 1968, the first courses began in temporary facilities in the Clare County Building in Harrison. The Practical Nursing Program was started at the Central Michigan Community Hospital, and the vocational and technical courses were conducted at the Area Vocational School, both in Mt. Pleasant. Temporary library facilities and audiovisual materials were obtained from the Harrison Public Library. During the fall of 1969, courses moved to the present Harrison Campus location and continued to be held at the Mt. Pleasant locations.
Construction of the Student Center was completed in 1972; the Goldberg Orientation Center, which originally housed the College's child care facilities, and a small engine repair building were added in 1973; the allied health facilities and Automotive Technology Center were completed in 1976; and the Climate Control Center was constructed in 1979. A Technical Trades Center opened for courses in the fall of 1983.
In December 1993, the College purchased a three-story modern office building in Mt. Pleasant. In 1994, the building was converted to a striking campus facility on an attractive site. The Mt. Pleasant Campus expanded the services available to Isabella and Gratiot Counties.
In the fall of 1998, the College began an extensive expansion of the Harrison Campus, adding new science and health education facilities.
In the fall of 1999, Mid was granted funding for a Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) to serve businesses, industries, and the community. The Center, completed in 2001, provides training for industrial and skilled trades employees and potential employees.
The Student Orientation and Academic Readiness (SOAR) Center opened in August 2004. This Center consolidated student services and academic support in one building to provide more comprehensive, coordinated service centered on student needs. Students now have easier access to all services in an inviting atmosphere.
Recognizing the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals, Mid opened the Herbert D. Doan Center for Science and Health Technologies in the Spring of 2008. Located on 44 acres in Mt. Pleasant, the Doan Center is a vital part of Mid's effort to expand its highly respected nursing program and establish new health science programs. The Doan Center doubled Mid's available space in Mt. Pleasant and provided additional science labs, classrooms, and computer labs. Further expansion continued at the new Mt. Pleasant Campus site. An addition to house student services was completed in March 2011. The Center for Liberal Arts and Business opened in 2014, consolidating services in Mt. Pleasant. Finally, the Morey Technical Education Center opened in early 2015 on the Mt. Pleasant Campus. The technical center enables the College to meet the region's workforce demands and complement the technical training available on the Harrison Campus. Students can now receive a full range of services at either campus location—Harrison or Mt. Pleasant.
In early 2018, the College's Board of Trustees approved a resolution to change the name of Mid Michigan Community College to Mid Michigan College. This change reflected the wider range of locales and the more diverse student population the College serves. Being community-inspired and community-dedicated is at the heart of Mid’s mission, and that has always been and will always be the case. The name now aligns with the College’s mission to deliver knowledge and ability to empower learners and transform communities regardless of where they live or how they attend courses. At a national level, many community/junior/technical colleges have changed their names to convey that they offer expanded services and programs of study. This trend holds in Michigan, where 9 of the 28 community colleges do not currently include community in their names. As we continue to respond to needs and demands, we anticipate that Mid may begin offering bachelor's degrees in select programs. This name change positions Mid for such a transition. The name change took effect July 1, 2018.
From 2018 to 2020, the Harrison Campus main classroom building underwent a $13M renovation to create an inviting space for community members and a more student-friendly atmosphere. In addition to providing classroom, library, and student activity space for current students, the project provides adequate space to accommodate a 25% growth in future enrollments. Newly renovated spaces include a campus store and café, student food pantry, veteran’s resource center, fitness center, and wellness areas. Updated electrical and mechanical systems now position Mid’s Harrison Campus to be one of the most energy-efficient community colleges in the State.
To increase the use and enjoyment of Mid's 560 acres of forest, the College constructed an Outdoor Education Center in 2019. This center serves as the trailhead for the biking and hiking trails frequently used by community members, mountain biking enthusiasts, and local high schools. The center features a flexible layout, with 1,600 square feet of interior space and 1,400 square feet of outdoor space that can be configured for use as a classroom or event venue.
In May 2021, residents of the Mt. Pleasant Public School District voted to join the College's in-district service area in an annexation vote. Mt. Pleasant joined Beaverton, Clare, Farwell, Gladwin, and Harrison school districts to make up the College's new district.
In 2025, the College celebrated its 60th Anniversary. Since 1965, Mid Michigan College has been dedicated to inspiring student success, fostering community growth, and shaping the future through accessible, high-quality educational opportunities for learners of all ages, and now serves more than 4,000 students annually.