By establishing innovation as a core value, and living by it every day, Delta College created a culture in which change is embraced rather than feared.
To be innovative is to always be exploring and adopting new ways of doing things. To always be ready and willing to adapt in support of the evolving needs of current and future students.
Embodying this value allows Delta College to stand out above the rest, resulting in its recurring affirmation as a Leader College by Achieving the Dream, and many other noteworthy initiatives and recognitions over the years.
1957The board of trustees holds its first meeting. They went on to change state law and create Michigan’s first multi-county community college.
1961Delta College opens its doors to 2,636 students.
1964
Delta College becomes one of only a handful of community colleges in the country to operate a public television station.
1969
Delta College becomes one of the 12 founding members for the League for Innovation in the Community College. Delta maintains a seat on its board to this day.
1972
Delta’s TV station holds the first of 17 hugely popular Great TV Auctions to raise money to purchase new equipment.
1979
Delta College forms the Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP) with GM, a first-of-its-kind training program in the nation.
1981
Fall semester enrollment surpasses 10,000 students for the first time.
1997
Delta College Planetarium opens to the public after receiving an $8.75 million grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1992.
2010
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visits Delta College.
2016
STEM Explorer mobile laboratory first engages middle and high school students with STEM based hands-on activities.
2019
The Downtown Saginaw Center opens to provide even closer to home access to higher education.
2021
The Downtown Midland Center opens.
2026
Dr. Michelle Allmendinger selected as Delta’s 6th president.
