In the fall of 1966, Lorain County Community College became the first community college in the state of Ohio to have a permanent campus and Mark McKinley became one of LCCC’s first faculty members.  “That was the exciting part,” said McKinley.  “I liked the dynamics of growth and being involved at the beginning.”

At the time, McKinley was teaching at a community college in Michigan.  LCCC hired him as an Instructor of Psychology.  His first classroom was in the Physical and Social Science Building which was one of only three buildings on the LCCC campus in the Fall of ‘66.  “Community colleges were a growing movement back then,” he said.  “They were relatively new.”  Today, Dr. Mark McKinley is a Professor of Psychology and a leader on LCCC campus.  “I feel I can make a difference,” he said of his work in the classroom.  “I feel I have made a difference.  I have a fun job.  I really enjoy it!” 

In the fall of 1998, McKinley was the first professor on the LCCC campus to offer a course over the internet.  That course was Introduction to Psychology.  This spring semester he is teaching seven online classes.  “The internet courses allow for the flexibility of time,” he said.  That doesn’t mean he is interested in leaving the classroom though.  “Live instruction allows for the personal interaction with the students and I really enjoy that too,” he added. 

In McKinley, LCCC has a respected professor with a treasure chest of experience to offer any student that takes his classes.  “I have gotten enjoyment,” he said, “in doing something worthwhile and satisfying to both myself and the community.”  

In LCCC, McKinley feels the community has a jewel too.  “I think,” he said, “this college has truly evolved to be a community college and in that sense it is the most significant occurrence in Lorain County.”  

If you are interested in taking a class in the Social Sciences, please visit LCCC Social Sciences and Human Services.