Chancellor's Welcome
It is my pleasure to welcome all those who interact with WCCCD through our website. I wish to express a special welcome to those students who make WCCCD their educational home and trust us to share in their academic and career journey and to our many community partners and supporters who enable us to make this college a place here learning leads to a better life. WCCCD is a special place in a number of ways. We are the only truly urban community college in Michigan, serving the city of Detroit and the Wayne County region. We are an open-door college, welcoming all those who can benefit from our services. Our students come from very diverse racial, ethnic, income, educational, geographic, and experiential backgrounds, and our faculty and staff provide them with a vibrant equity-driven higher education experience that focuses on student success, belonging and satisfaction.
Our fierce commitment to excellence, diversity, and equity is expressed in our mission statement: WCCCD’s mission is to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve their higher education and career advancement goals through excellent, accessible, culturally diverse, and globally competitive programs and services.
Our students enroll in university transfer, general education, career education, continuing education, and workforce development programs. They also benefit from varied student support services, such as orientation, financial aid, career and academic advising, tutoring, special needs services, and co-curricular activities. Through our distance learning, international education, and “Study Abroad” programs, WCCCD extends its reach beyond its Wayne County service area to serve the global community.
WCCCD is known as the “community's college” because of our commitment to high-quality programs and services that respond to the unique educational and economic needs of Wayne County citizens, businesses, and communities. I also invite you to think of WCCCD as your college. Come, study, learn, grow, and achieve your dreams.
Sincerely,
Dr. Curtis L. Ivery
Chancellor News
Curtis Ivery, 2025 Recipient of the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership
In divisive times, the messages from three metro Detroit leaders were welcome — collaborating for the best possible outcome, empowering people to achieve their potential, and uniting to make an impact.
As the automotive industry faces unprecedented challenges and transformative change, the 2025 Annual Rainbow PUSH/CEF Global Automotive Summit returns to Detroit with a renewed focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
He thought he'd be a short-timer, 30 years later Wayne County educator is still here
Dr. Curtis L. Ivery is the recipient of the 2025 Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership, a lifetime achievement award recognizing a person who has encouraged regional cooperation and understanding in a prominent way over their careers, presented annually by the Detroit Free Press and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition.
Achievements and Accolades
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Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership (2025) Named in honor of the late Detroit Free Press publisher Neal Shine, this award recognizes leaders who demonstrate integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the region. Dr. Ivery was celebrated for his lifelong dedication to education and community transformation. |
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Outstanding Leadership Award – 313 at the CBC (2025) Dr. Ivery was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Leadership Award during the “313 at the CBC” program in Washington, D.C. This annual gathering at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's events highlights Detroit’s civic, business, and community leaders advocating for progress in the region. |
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Arthur Haman Wondermaker Award – DAPCEP (2025) Presented during the 2025 Real McCoy Awards, this honor recognizes Dr. Ivery's efforts to support STEM education and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators through the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP). |
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Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan – Distinguished Warriors Dr. Curtis Ivery was honored as a Distinguished Warrior, a prestigious recognition awarded to outstanding leaders making a lasting impact in education, equity, and social justice. Learn more about the Distinguished Warriors Award |
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Michigan Chronicle Power 50 Recognition Dr. Ivery was named one of the 50 Most Powerful African Americans in Southeast Michigan by the Michigan Chronicle, acknowledging his long-standing influence in education and civic leadership. |
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Kansas State University Leadership Program (2024) Dr. Ivery serves on the advisory board of the John E. Roueche Center for Community College Leadership, helping shape national policy and training the next generation of higher education leaders. Learn more about the program |
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Detroiter Magazine Feature (2022) In this cover story, Dr. Ivery and other community college leaders were recognized for transforming Michigan’s talent pipeline through education, innovation, and workforce development. Read the article |
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African American Family Magazine (2005) This cover story profiled Dr. Ivery as “The Man Who Saved Wayne County Community College,” showcasing his early efforts to rebuild trust, expand enrollment, and restore academic excellence at WCCCD. |
VIDEOS
Dr. Curtis Ivery 2025 Neal Shine Award Recipient
Message from the Chancellor
WCCCD Chancellor Dr. Curtis Ivery speaks at Urban Issues Educational Summit Detroit
Curtis Ivery, Chancellor WCCCD | One Detroit
WCCCD Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery & Marcus Ivery Interview on Flashpoint
