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MCC Daily Tribune

MCC Proud: Meet Jonathon Little

Jonathon Little, a geography professor at Monroe Community College (MCC), has proudly guided students since 2007.

It was clear that Little was destined to be a teacher. “Both my parents are educators, as well as my aunt and sister, so it definitely runs in the family!” he said. “I've always had a passion for maps, other cultures, and the weather, and my job at MCC covers all three.”

Little teaches Physical Geography I (GEG 100 and 101), as well as a number of Geographical Information Science Technology (GIST) courses (GEG 130, 133, 237). Along with being the Global Roundtable Co-Chair, Little is the principal investigator on a National Science Foundation grant to meet GIST workforce needs as well as a SUNY Innovative Instructional Technology grant focused on artificial intelligence.

Over the years, Little has received several grants, including:

  • National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant (2020-2025) focused on meeting workforce needs for skilled Geospatial Technicians through virtual geospatial information science technology education. Awarded $676,838.
  • National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education grant (2015-2019) to develop a GIST Certificate and to provide geospatial professional development to high school educators. Awarded $199,838.
  • SUNY Innovative Instructional Technology Grant focused on using AI effectively in the classroom (e.g., GEG 101, Physical Geography I). Awarded $14,970.
  • SUNY Innovative Instructional Technology Grant (2019-2020) for Open Geospatial Lab & Remote Workforce Opportunities across rural New York State. Awarded $54,200.
  • 100,000 Strong in the Americas Principal Investigator for Monitoring Coastline Water Quality in Cartagena, Colombia Using GIS Technology and Spanish Consultants (2018-2019). Awarded $24,783. 
  • U.S.A. Embassy in Kazakhstan funded grant to develop a student virtual internship and conduct faculty research to identify wheat disease (2020). Awarded $20,000.

He has received multiple honors during his time at MCC, including the American Association of Community Colleges Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty designation (2022) and the James Kweku Eshun Youth Mappers Mentoring Award (2021) for his role as Mapping Club Advisor. He was also named a Fulbright Specialist in 2019, spending time in Kazakhstan.

Little enjoys seeing students graduate and use the knowledge they've gained at MCC to succeed and enjoy their career! When asked what advice he would give current students, Little said, “…networking, asking questions, and taking advantage of opportunities outside the classroom (e.g., club, local conferences) are important.”

For those interested in enrolling in MCC's Geospatial Information Science Technology/Geography program, Little said, “If you like to use technology to solve problems, this field may be great for you. The field integrates science, technology (including AI) as well as the aesthetics of map making so many people with different skill sets may find this field to be a good fit.”

Outside of MCC, Little is a member of the National GeoTech Visiting Committee.

Little attended school at the University of California Davis, University of California Santa Barbara, and the University of Delaware.

Fun  Facts About Jonathon:

Courtney: If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be?
Jonathon: Tacos!

Courtney: What is your favorite movie?
Jonathon: Shawshank Redemption

Courtney: What is your favorite sports team?
Jonathon: Sacramento Kings

Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
Jonathon: I played College roller hockey in California.

Courtney: If you could attend a dinner with any celebrity, living or dead, who would you choose?
Jonathon: Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Courtney: Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning?
Jonathon: Waking up early in the morning.

Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
Jonathon: The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.

Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
Jonathon: There are so many! Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Peru, Croatia, Montenegro. I could keep going here.

Courtney: What activities do you participate in over the weekend?
Jonathon: You can often find me running outside, swimming at the local pool, or hiking.

Photo caption:  

  • Head and shoulder shot of Jonathon Little wearing a blue-green buttondown shirt and smiling directly into the camera. 

Attached Files:
Little_Jonathan.jpg

Courtney Weimar
Community Relations
03/12/2025