MESA, Arizona – April 17, 2026 – Mesa Community College (MCC) hosted a Workforce Development Corridor groundbreaking ceremony April 17 on MCC’s Southern & Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. 

This historic groundbreaking marked the first stage of two transformational facilities designed to serve as Centers of Excellence: a 30,000 sq. ft. Welding Technology facility and a 15,000 sq. ft. Veterinary Technology and Sustainable Horticulture building. The Welding facility has capital funding approval of $25.4 million, with completion targeted for Spring 2028. The Veterinary Technology and Sustainable Horticulture building has capital funding approval of approximately $13.6 million. Public investment for the two buildings is being enhanced and shaped by the generosity of donors who believe deeply in the power of education to change lives.

Mesa Community College President, Dr. Richard Daniel, said about the event, “This groundbreaking highlights MCC’s dedication to expanding hands-on training capacity, modernizing instructional spaces and strengthening workforce pipelines in high-demand fields.” 

Speakers included Mesa City Councilmember Francisco Heredia; MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel; MCC Dean of Instruction, Michael Voss; MCC Welding Technology Program Director Michael Farley and faculty member Curtis Casey; Veterinary Technology Program Director Dr. Kimberly Focht; and Sustainable Horticulture Program Director Peter Conden.

To reflect the college’s dedication to student well-being, the ceremony included special remarks from Megan Keller and Brian Cooper honoring the memory of their son, MCC welding student Cade Keller, and encouraging a “See Something, Say Something” approach to supporting others.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.