Breaking barriers: Dr. Kimberly Beatty is appointed first Black Chancellor of Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City

Photo Taken on February 1, 2022 via Metropolitan Community College Kansas City marketing department archives- Album: Executive Cabinet 2022 In 2018, based on a report from the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center, Missouri and Kansas ranked amongst the lowest in the nation for graduating Black college students. This disparity is a result from a multitude of systemic inequities, including financial burden, and most notably, result from overt racism on college campuses. Though, the emergence of culturally responsive Black college leaders, looking to directly address these issues, offer a beacon of hope. Dr. Kimberly Beatty, the first Black (and eighth) Chancellor of Metropolitan Community College (MCC), embodies this transformative leadership.  Journey to Kansas City “The little girl in me would be proud but also surprised. I never imagined I would be sitting in the chair I am today.” Dr. Kimberly Beatty was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up as the only child of a single mother, she frequently accompanied her mother to her college classes. Dr. Beatty’s household was filled with extended family: being surrounded by so many relatives had a profound effect on her, especially her great grandmother. Her love of cooking and gardening rubbed...