MACC was founded in 1927 as Moberly Junior College as a part of the Moberly Public School system.[2] Temporary facilities housed the classes until 1931 when a permanent building was constructed on 29 acres, which would today be the current MACC campus. The college experienced rapid growth in the 1970s and 1980s, especially after a public vote led to the establishment of a community college district encompassing a 16-county area in northern and central Missouri.[2] During this time, MACC gained accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1990, the school was renamed Moberly Area Community College.[3]
Major campus improvements include the $2.5 Million dollar Fine Arts wing constructed in 1984, providing a new library, classrooms, 600-seat auditorium, and Student Commons area. The Career Center was also expanded by nearly 22,000 square feet, allowing the consolidation of all vocational programs. College Hall, later renamed Komar Hall in honor of longtime MACC President Dr. Andrew Komar, Jr., was built in 1993.[2] The large three-story structure provided space for Administrative and business offices along with new chemistry, physics, and biology classrooms and labs. Fitzsimmons-Johns Arena, named for the two most successful basketball coaches in MACC history, Cotton Fitzsimmons and Maury John, is the home court for MACC Greyhounds men's and women's basketball[4] as well as Missouri high school basketball playoff games and music concerts. One of the newest additions to the MACC-Moberly campus is the McCormick Commons and Residential Center, built in 2007. The 2,700-foot commons provides recreational activities, a computer lab, and laundry room while also serving as the main entry to the men's and women's dorms.[5]
Administration
The current President of MACC is Dr. Jeff Lashley. Evelyn Jorgenson, Ph.D held the position from 1996 until her retirement in June 2013. Jorgenson followed Andrew Komar, Jr., Ph.D, who oversaw major growth in the college during his 25 years as president.[6] Doctor Komar serves as President Emeritus of MACC. In November 2012 Jorgensen accepted a position as president of Northwest Arkansas Community College effective July 1, 2012.[7] On December 11, 2012 the MACC Board of Trustees announced that Jeff Lashley, Ph.D would succeed Jorgenson as president effective July 1, 2013.[8] Lashley has been on the MACC staff since 1996, first as an instructor, then as Dean of Academic Affairs, then as Vice-President for Instruction, and now as President.[8]
The men's basketball team is one of the winningest programs in junior college history, with four NJCAA Championships—in 1954, 1955, 1966, and 1967-three National runners-up, and four third-place finishes. Through the 2015-16 season, the Greyhounds have 27 national tournament appearances, which ranks second overall. The "Hounds" have recorded the most wins at the National Tournament, with 66.[9] The four championships came under the direction of well-known college and pro basketball coaches Maury John (1946-1958) and Cotton Fitzsimmons (who coached at MACC from 1958 to 1967). Future Div I head coaches Charlie Spoonhour (1972–74), Dana Altman (1983-86) and Jay Spoonhour (2009–12) have led the Greyhounds.
Pat Smith Head Coach MACC stats: Career Record: 648-376. Last two seasons at Moberly Area CC: 52-16. Record at Moberly Area CC: 190-76 (8 seasons). National Tournament Appearances: NJCAA 1993, 1994, 2001, 2003, 2016. Highest National Tournament finish: 5th (2001–02). 10 straight 20 win seasons. NJCAA Region 16 Director. Record at Trinity Valley CC: 126-63 (6 seasons: 2006-12).
Men’s baseball inaugural season took place in 2023. Head baseball coach is Chris Fletcher.
Women
The MACC women's basketball team won the NJCAA National Championship in 1982, and have made 13 national tournament appearances. The Lady Greyhounds have had 21 NJCAA All-American selections. 58 players have gone on to play at the NCAA Division 1 level.[10]
Women fast pitch softball inaugural season was in 2023. Head Coach is Matt Bauer.
Notable alumni
Martha Mears - singer on radio and in films in the 1930s and 1940s who dubbed singing voices for movie stars;[11] graduated in Moberly Junior College's first class[12]
^"Fitzsimmons-John Arena". Moberly Area Community College athletic department. 2012. Archived from the original on 2013-01-10. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
^ ab"Hounds in the NBA". Moberly Area Community College Sports Information website. 2012. Archived from the original on 9 January 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
