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Did you know Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) was founded 60 years ago in a high school closet and has grown into a thriving institution serving thousands of Alaskans?

October 24, 2024

Why it matters:
KPC has grown from offering a handful of courses in 1964 to becoming a key player in workforce development and higher education in Alaska. This fall, the college is serving more than 2,500 students — an 11.2% increase from last year.

A brief history:
Founded in 1964, KPC’s first courses were held in local high schools under the leadership of English teacher Clayton Brockel. His office? A closet. Brockel's mobile office was a 1963 Chevy Sedan, dubbed “Ol’ Blue.” KPC was officially established by the University of Alaska (��ū�컨��) Board of Regents in 1964 and the first degree, an Associate of Arts, was awarded in 1971. Since then, the college has expanded across the Peninsula. Today, KPC offers a wide range of programs, from paramedicine to process technology.

Humble beginnings at the Homer Branch of the (then) Kenai Peninsula Community College

 

Celebrating the milestone:
During the 60th-anniversary open house, KPC welcomed more than 400 guests to campus for the event. The event featured tours, a visual timeline of KPC’s history, and remarks from Director Cheryl Siemers, who emphasized the college’s commitment to “excellence in education, training, and lifelong learning.” The celebration also included a legislative citation honoring KPC’s decades of service to the region.

KPC’s impact:
KPC’s deep-rooted community partnerships remain a cornerstone of its success. Collaborating with local industries like oil, gas, and welding, the college ensures students are job-ready for positions critical to the region. The welding program, for instance, continues to thrive, with students often hired before they graduate. The college’s pre-medicine and paramedic programs have also seen their largest pool of applicants to date.

What they’re saying:
Former director Gary Turner, who served from 2002-2020, reflected on KPC’s growth: “Faculty and staff were out in the community more than before. We introduced distance education, expanded programs like paramedics, and saw the campus grow through several renovations.”

The big picture:
KPC’s diverse student body is a source of pride, ranging from high school students enrolled in the Middle College program to older adults. The college recently expanded the Kachemak Bay Campus by acquiring a new building in Homer, ensuring future growth.

Looking forward:
As KPC looks ahead to the next 60 years, its commitment to accessible, relevant education remains central. With innovative programs and partnerships, the college continues to prepare students for success, meeting them where they are — both in person and online.

KPC's campus today

Go Deeper: 
For more information about Kenai Peninsula College, visit
The Peninsula Clarion's