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. Todd Martin. Dr. Jeffrey C. Lashley held the position from 2013 until her retirement in 2024. Lasley followed Dr. Evelyn E. Jorgenson. [6] 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 had been on the MACC staff since 1996, first as an instructor, then as Dean of Academic Affairs, then as Vice-President for Instruction, and as President.[8]
The men's basketball team is one of the most victorious 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 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.
The current men's basketball is Pat Smith, who has been coaching since 2012. His career record is 893–434.[10] Men’s baseball inaugural season took place in 2023. Head baseball coach is Chris Fletcher.[11]
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.[12] The current women's basketball head coach is Chevis Thompson.[13] Women's fast pitch softball inaugural season was in 2023. The head coach is Matt Bauer.[14]
Co-ed
The MACC esports team had it's inaugural season in 2024.[15]
Notable alumni
Martha Mears – singer on radio and in films in the 1930s and 1940s who dubbed singing voices for movie stars;[16] graduated in Moberly Junior College's first class[17]
↑"Fitzsimmons-John Arena". Moberly Area Community College athletic department. 2012. Archived from the original on 2013-01-10. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
12"Hounds in the NBA". Moberly Area Community College Sports Information website. 2012. Archived from the original on 9 January 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
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