MCC Daily Tribune

Dr. Douglas Interviewed About President Biden's American Families Plan

WROC-TV interviewed Dr. Douglas for her insights and reactions to President Biden's American Families Plan after it was unveiled last week. The TV report, "Local colleges ‘thrilled’ to hear President Biden’s free community college proposal," also includes comments from FLCC President Robert Nye.

Key takeaways from Dr. Douglas' interview:

-- "The number one hurdle is finances. It doesn't matter which institution, which state, whether it's urban, rural, suburban, finances challenge our student populations."

-- "To think that they could continue beyond high school tuition-free, that just could be the tipping point that would send folks back to college. We know that that will make a difference to rebuilding our economy."

-- "If there's anybody who's been hit hard during this pandemic, it's parents of young children. At MCC, one in five of our students are parents. So the support of parents that is being discussed (in the proposal) can make a real difference for students." 

"We have proposed to our trustees and to our county sponsor to not increase tuition for this coming (academic) year. We know our students have been hit very hard financially. So that's where our tuition is at, whether this bill passes or not."

Last week, a statement from Dr. Douglas was distributed to local media outlets. Spectrum News picked up the release, and WHAM-TV interviewed Provost/Vice President of Academic Services Dr. Wade.

Hency Yuen-Eng
Government and Community Relations
05/05/2021