History
Blue Mountain Community College was established on July 1, 1962, after winning an overwhelming five-to-one vote of confidence by the residents of Umatilla and Morrow counties. The College opened its doors in September of that same year. Vocational-technical courses were initially taught at Pendleton’s John Murray Junior High School; college transfer programs were added a year later. In 1965, BMCC moved the campus to the north hill overlooking Pendleton. Within 10 years, the original construction plans for the college were completed. In September 1992, the college purchased Columbia Hall in Hermiston to accommodate a growing student population in western Umatilla County. In October 1993, the College created a center in Milton-Freewater by leasing the former US Bank Building. In 1994, the Milton-Freewater Continuing Education Office and Basic Skills Center moved to the same location.
In November 1998, the voters in Morrow and Umatilla counties passed a bond measure for facility expansion in district growth areas. The bond-financed expansion of the centers in Hermiston and Milton-Freewater and the opening of the BMCC Morrow County Center in Boardman. The Pendleton campus expansion included new technical agriculture buildings, a new science and technology building, and the remodeling and upgrading of older facilities.
A ballot measure in March 2000 annexed Baker County into the BMCC district. Classes at BMCC Baker County began in the fall of 2000. In 2011, BMCC opened the Eastern Oregon Higher Education Center in Hermiston. The project, five years in the planning, expanded access to postsecondary education for the residents of communities in west Umatilla, north Morrow, and east Gilliam counties. Upon the Oregon State Legislature’s approval in June 2009 of $7.4 million in lottery-backed bonds for the project, and with previously secured funds (including federal appropriations and private donations), BMCC began the design and construction of the new building. The building opened for classes in September 2011. There are now nearly 2,000 students taking more than 100 sections of courses at this facility.
Blue Mountain Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2012. In May 2015, the voters of Morrow and Umatilla counties approved a $23 million capital construction bond. These funds allowed the College to make efficiency improvements to HVAC and electrical systems and update safety, security, and technology on the Pendleton campus. In addition, bond dollars funded the construction of the Workforce Training Center, which opened in April 2017 in Boardman. This facility replaced the old Boardman Center and houses BMCC’s Data Center Technician, Industrial Systems Technology, and Early Childhood Education programs, as well as provides general and community education.
In June 2017, BMCC opened the Precision Irrigated Agriculture Facility on the OSU Hermiston Agricultural Research & Education Center property in Hermiston. This facility has allowed further expansion of BMCC’s Precision Irrigated Agriculture program and enhanced partnerships with OSU. In September 2017, BMCC opened a new agriculture facility on the Pendleton campus - the Facility for Agricultural Resource Management, or FARM. This facility expanded and enhanced BMCC’s nationally-recognized agriculture, animal science, and livestock programs. In addition, bond dollars funded the renovation of the Milton-Freewater Center during the Summer of 2017. BMCC would like to thank the voters of Morrow and Umatilla counties for supporting these projects.
Blue Mountain Community College celebrated its 60th anniversary in October 2022.
Living in Eastern Oregon
Many communities in the counties served by the College have unique seasonal festivals and historic architecture that reflect the spirit and history of the region. The world-famous Pendleton Round-Up celebrates the heritage of the West each September with rodeo competitions, community events, and pageants in Pendleton. This cowboy sport is also enjoyed at county fairs and other festivals throughout the region. The Hermiston FunFest, Baker City’s Miners’ Jubilee, and the Umatilla Landing Days Festival are a few of the many popular events that showcase local products and community pride. Farmers’ markets are also a part of Eastern Oregon culture. Beginning in the spring and continuing into fall, these weekly gatherings provide access to the freshest produce, arts and crafts, music, and opportunities for visiting with neighbors and new friends.
Bordered by the Blue Mountains, the Columbia River, and rolling crop land, our district abounds with recreational attractions. The local area offers an abundance of year-round recreational sites, including state and national parks. The Umatilla National Forest, under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, provides more than 1 million acres of wilderness recreation opportunities. Skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, rafting, and hunting are outdoor activities available to BMCC students, local residents, and visitors. There are also many golf courses, open roads for bicycling, and vibrant parks and recreation organizations providing intramural sports and activities that will keep people of all ages busy throughout the year.
Eastern Oregon has four distinct seasons with a very livable climate. Sun-filled summers see temperatures ranging from 73 to over 100 degrees, while winters average 33 degrees. Humidity is low, averaging 45 to 50 percent. Our dry climate produces about 13 inches of rain each year. Snow is close at hand for winter fun.
The closest major cities to the main campus in Pendleton are Boise, Idaho (223 miles), Portland (210 miles), and Spokane, Wash. (206 miles). There is a small regional airport in Pendleton that serves travelers commuting to and from Portland. Also available at a reasonable distance is the Walla Walla, Wash., airport and the Pasco, Wash., airport.
Mission, Vision, & Core Values
- Vision: Blue Mountain Community College will be a recognized educational leader in achieving student success, completion, and advancement..
- Mission: Blue Mountain Community College provides responsive and high-quality innovative educational programs and services that promote personal and professional growth to strengthen our communities.
- Values: In support of our vision and mission, Blue Mountain Community College values:
- Integrity that promotes trust, honesty, ethical behavior, and professionalism.
- Communication that is open, honest, and encourages a cooperative exchange of thoughts and ideas.
- Compassionate relationships based on empathy, kindness, and reliability.
- Access to all in an equitable manner.
- Respect of all individuals for their uniqueness and diversity.
- Excellence in an educational environment that engages, challenges, advances intellectual curiosity, and fosters lifelong learning.
Strategic Plan & Goals - 2021 - 2024
The Blue Mountain Community College Board of Education reviews the 2021 - 2024 strategic plan on an annual basis and will accomplish the goals listed below. These goals were refreshed in 2021.
- Offer relevant and dynamic education in response to community and industry needs
- Empower students to advance on their educational path in a Students First learning environment
- Foster a culture of learning and growth in an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Efforts are underway to create the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
Campus and Locations
Typical of many community colleges, Blue Mountain Community College has a main campus, four centers, two contract-out-of-district (COD) locations, and a distance learning delivery system to better serve students in the region. Students have access to the following services at all BMCC locations:
- Information for obtaining financial assistance (grants, loans, scholarships)
- Academic advising and degree planning
- Placement assessments in math and writing
- Courses, workshops, and other educational offerings
- Tutoring and/or academic assistance; computer labs
- Disability accommodations
Each site offers services unique to its operation, but all enable students to access a variety of distance education and online courses.
BMCC CAMPUS
BMCC PENDLETON
2411 N.W. Carden Avenue
Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone: 541-276-1260 or 541-278-5759
Fax: 541-278-5871
Email: getinfo@bluecc.edu
BMCC CENTERS
BMCC BAKER COUNTY
3370 10th Street, Suite H
Baker City, OR 97814
Phone: 541-523-9127
Fax: 541-523-9128
Email: bmccbaker@bluecc.edu
BMCC HERMISTON (Eastern Oregon Higher Education Center)
975 S.E. Columbia Drive
Hermiston, OR 97838
Phone: 541-567-1800
Fax: 541-289-2876
Email: bmcchermiston@bluecc.edu
BMCC PRECISION AGRICULTURE
2121 S. First St.
Hermiston, OR 97838
Phone: 541-289-2873
Email: aleggett@bluecc.edu
BMCC MILTON-FREEWATER
311 N. Columbia
Milton-Freewater, OR 97862
Phone: 541-938-7176
Fax: 541-938-3763
Email: bmccmiltonfreewater@bluecc.edu
BMCC WORKFORCE TRAINING CENTER (Morrow County)
P.O. Box 939 / 251 Olson Rd
Boardman, OR 97818
Phone: 541-481-2099
Email: BMCCMorrowCounty@bluecc.edu
BMCC CONTRACTED OUT OF DISTRICT LOCATION (COD)
BMCC GRANT COUNTY
835-B S. Canyon Blvd.
John Day, OR 97845
Phone: 541-575-1550
Fax: 541-575-2920
Email: getinfo@bluecc.edu
BMCC UNION COUNTY
708 K Ave, #49
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: 541-215-0305
Email: getinfo@bluecc.edu
Accreditation
Regional Accreditation
Blue Mountain Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds the criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Programs at the college are approved by the Oregon Department of Education to offer education and training under the public laws pertaining to financial assistance to veterans.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558-4224 | www.nwccu.org
Other Accreditation
Programs at the college are approved by the Oregon Department of Education, to offer education and training under the various public laws pertaining to financial assistance to veterans.
- A.A.S. Nursing program: fully approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
- Certificate Emergency Medical Technician program: Courses are accredited by the Oregon Department of Education.
Equity and Non-Discrimination Policies
Public Notification of Non-Discrimination in Educational Programs
It is the policy of the Blue Mountain Community College Board of Education that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the BMCC Title IX Coordinators, Room 13 Morrow Hall, Blue Mountain Community College, 2411 NW Carden, Pendleton OR 97801, Phone: 541-278-5947. Email: HR@bluecc.edu. For hearing impaired assistance please call Oregon Relay at 7-1-1.
Photo/Video Release Policy
Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) uses photographs, photographic images, names, and audio and video recordings of employees and students for general publicity in publications, on its website, on social media, in public relations, promotions, publicity, advertising, etc.
BMCC does not collect release forms from its students, employees, or guests for the use of images or films taken in public places on campus. Any employees, students (or the parents or guardians of such persons, if under age 18), or guests who do not want to be photographed or recorded, or to have their names, voices, or biographical materials used in connection with any such recording, must notify the College Relations Office at BMCC.
In addition, employees, students, and guests who do not want to be photographed or recorded, and who have notified the College Relations Office in writing, are responsible for removing themselves from the area in which photographing/recording is occurring, or notifying the camera operator of their opt-out status. Failure to do so may result in the individual’s inclusion in a photograph or recording; will be deemed equivalent to a release and will allow the college to use that photograph or recording as it chooses.
Non-Credit Workforce Development and Community Education Programs
Continuing and Community Education
Continuing Education is for everyone! Learn valuable professional development skills or pursue your personal interests or passions. Our noncredit courses are affordable and we provide a variety of options. Financial aid does not apply and coursework cannot be applied to programs of study that require academic credits. Continuing Education courses are available entirely online or you can enroll in a campus-based class or at one of our Centers or contracts out of district in Grant and Union counties. Continuing and Community also includes the following program areas: adult basic education (ABE), general educational development (GED) preparation, English language acquisition (ELA), and the JOBS program. For more information about any of these programs call 541-278-5152 or visit us on the Web at www.bluecc.edu. Learn more by visiting https://bluecc.edu/continuing-education.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
BMCC’s SBDC is part of America’s SBDC network that includes 20 centers in Oregon and nearly 1,000 centers across the country. Our SBDC is funded by the US Small Business Administration (SBA), the Oregon Business Development Department, BMCC, and local public and private supporters.
Our premier service is free, confidential, one-on-one business advising by experienced business owners. In addition, training and resources are available to assist small business owners in every aspect of business development and management - many are offered online as workshops, webinars, or complete courses.
The services of the BMCC Small Business Development Center are available year-round to new or experienced business owners in Baker, Umatilla, and Wallowa counties. Clients range from students planning their first business to owners and managers of companies with hundreds of employees. Visit BMCC’s SBDC home for an overview of programs or register for our services.
College and Career Prep
The College and Career Prep Department includes the following program areas: adult basic education (ABE), general educational development (GED) preparation, English language acquisition (ELA), and the JOBS program. College and Career Prep programs are available either in person or remotely at all BMCC locations. For more information about any of these programs call 541-278-5795 or visit us on the Web at https://bluecc.edu/pathways-programs/college-career-readiness/.
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education classes provide instruction for adult learners in the foundational skills of reading, writing, and math to help them transition into the labor market, higher academics, or workforce training. ABE classes are available to students who have GED credentials or a high school diploma but have been away from academics for an extended time. ABE programming is available at BMCC in Pendleton, Hermiston, Baker City, Milton-Freewater, and Boardman.
General Educational Development (GED)
General Educational Development classes are offered for students who want to obtain a GED credential, which is a recognized high school diploma equivalent. Students earn the GED when they receive passing scores on the battery of four exams: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science. At BMCC, students can earn college credit while studying for GED certification; the student preparation schedule includes basic math, writing, and reading courses that are tied to college credit. GED programming is available at BMCC in Pendleton, Hermiston, Baker City, Milton-Freewater, Boardman, and our contracts out of district in Grant and Union counties.
GED.com is a study site offered as an alternative to students who want to study at their own pace. The site is designed to increase technology skills and help students study for the GED exams.
Students who earn a GED through BMCC’s GED program may participate in the BMCC commencement exercises held in June. For more information on participation in graduation ceremonies, call 541-278-5795.
Information on the GED test can be accessed at www.ged.com.
A high school release is required for students 16 and 17 years old. Information on testing and school release may be obtained from the BMCC Testing Center in Pendleton at 541-278-5931 or through College and Career Prep at 541-278-5795.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
English Language Acquisition instruction is offered to all levels of non-English speaking students who wish to improve their ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English. ELA programming is available through BMCC in Pendleton and Hermiston; however, distance learning connections can be arranged. College and Career Prep Department offices are located in Pendleton, on the upper level of Morrow Hall in M-200, and in Hermiston at EOHEC. Contact the College and Career Prep Department at 541-278-5795.
Job Opportunities and Basic Skills for Oregon’s Future (JOBS)
Through a contract with the Oregon Department of Human Services Self-sufficiency office, BMCC provides JOBS Program services in Umatilla & Morrow counties. The goal of JOBS is to enable individuals to transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency. JOBS services may include individualized guidance and small group classes in daily living skills, intensive work-search assistance, training in workplace basics, employment stabilization services, and life skills. Clients receiving help through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) may be placed as a volunteer in a limited-duration work experience training position with private employers.
The JOBS Program works closely with partners in the community, as well as with other BMCC educational services to explore students’ options for studying for and obtaining a GED in an environment that suits their personal needs and goals. Education classes are offered on campus, or through GED Academy online to help JOBS clients meet their goals. The JOBS Program is located at BMCC Hermiston, BMCC Milton-Freewater, and BMCC Pendleton. For more information, please contact the JOBS Program manager at 541-289-2822/541-278-5159.
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