The Mid Michigan College Foundation recently hosted a renovation kickoff event at the Morey Technical Education Center on the College’s Mt. Pleasant Campus.
“This renovation will ensure that the Morey Technical Education Center continues to be a space where innovation meets opportunity,” said Alexa Carey, Executive Director of the Mid Foundation. “This event celebrated all the hard work that has gone into planning this renovation by local manufacturers, state legislators, dedicated faculty, and College leadership.”
Mid President Tim Hood, Dean of Workforce Education Shawn Troy, CEO of Aircraft Precision Products and Central Michigan Manufacturers Association Board Chair Bill Henderson, and Executive Director of the Mid Michigan College Foundation Alexa Carey all shared messages of gratitude and hope for the future.
The renovations include upgrades to Industry 4.0 standards to better equip students with in-demand technical skills. Supported by a $2.5 million state grant and a $500,000 fundraising goal, this project will expand and modernize the center, adding additional welding bays, robotic simulators, CNC machines, 3D printing technologies, and more. The upgrades aim to prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers in Michigan's evolving job market.
“What our friends and partners have contributed to the legacy and future of Mid is nothing short of extraordinary,” noted Tim Hood, Mid Michigan College President. “Local employers shared their vision to inspire the plans for this renovation as we all work together to ensure students continue choosing to learn here at Mid and work in our local communities.”
The Morey Technical Education Center was constructed in 2015, funded by a generous donation by the Morey Foundation.
“Lon Morey and the Morey Foundation are dedicated supporters of Mid, local education opportunities, and student success,” said Carey. “Their focus on community involvement cannot be overstated and we thank them for their generous support and continued partnership.”
A number of donors and supporters enjoyed the event, including Tom Close, President and CEO of Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC), who was instrumental in bringing a diverse group of voices and perspectives to the planning process.
“We greatly appreciate the support of ATC as a key partner in this project,” noted Hood. “Tom and his team not only contributed their expertise but also made a generous contribution of advanced technologies that were essential to bringing this vision to life.”
Renovations of the tech center are set to conclude in the spring, with courses and training opportunities offered in the following months.
“We’re excited to see this space transformed with state-of-the-art technologies that reflect the future of manufacturing,” shared Hood. “It was an honor to host the event and we eagerly anticipate sharing the completed renovations next year with everyone.”
