When Christine Morris came to Montgomery County Community College in 2006, she already was equipped with an associate degree in criminal justice from Lackawanna College but wanted to expand her educational horizons.

“I was working as the executive director of the Police Athletic League in Pottstown,” she said. “I took evening and online classes to earn enough credits to transfer to Albright College at MCCC's University Center to get my bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior and Applied Psychology.”

The University Center enables students to continue their education at MCCC’s campuses in Pottstown and Blue Bell, as well as online. The University Center was attractive to Morris for various reasons. 

“It was an easier transition because there was someone on campus who would be able to help me,” she said. “It was convenient for me because the Albright professors teach at Montco’s Pottstown campus. I had all my classes in North Hall, and my books were delivered right to the classroom.”

She came to campus once a week for four hours, taking one class at a time. 

“It’s a great option for working parents and adult learners,” she said. “It was designed originally with them in mind.”

Since the University Center is located on MCCC's campuses, students have access to all of MCCC’s resources, including tutoring, advising and wellness resources.

“It is a great opportunity to continue taking classes on a campus where you have a community of friends and support,” she said. 

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in 2010, Morris was hired as a part-time faculty member and taught Business Software Essentials.

For some time, Morris also worked as a coordinator for MCCC’s Act 101 Scholars Program, a grant-funded program for students with financial and academic needs. 

“I was previously an Act 101 student when I attended Lackawanna College. Here at Montco, I worked with students who had food and housing insecurities like I once had,” she said. “I also had students with a lot of academic and mental health issues. That inspired me to continue my education.”

During that time, she decided to pursue her master’s degree through the University Center with Chestnut Hill College. 

“I just finished my master’s in Human Services Administration in August 2022,” she said. 

After teaching for a decade, Morris started working in 2022 with the University Center as the program manager of educational partnerships to expand the opportunities for students.

“One of the goals is to build additional programs and increase our partnerships to provide more options for our students,” she said. “I also want to inform high school students about these pathways through building awareness with our High School Dual Enrollment program.”

Based upon her work with students, she believes Gen Z students (people born 1997-2012) are more aware of college debt and the expenses of moving away than previous generations.

MCCC’s University Center can solve both of those concerns.

“There is an opportunity to complete your degree right here with reputable four-year colleges,” Morris said. 

Despite officially getting her master’s degree, Morris has something to look forward to this spring. 

“I’ll be walking in May,” she said. “I’m a two-time graduate of the University Center.”

To request information about the University Center, its partners, and pathways, email universitycenter@mc3.edu or call 610-718-1931. University Center offices are located in Parkhouse Hall at MCCC’s Blue Bell Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, or in North Hall, 16 East High Street, at MCCC’s Pottstown Campus.