History
Kirtland Community College was created in 1966 by a vote from six local school districts: Crawford-AuSable, Fairview Area, Gerrish-Higgins, Houghton Lake, Mio-AuSable, and West Branch-Rose City. It was established under the rules of Michigan's Public Act 188 of 1955. Kirtland is the largest community college district in Michigan by size, covering 2,500 square miles (6,500 km²) and serving parts of nine counties: Ogemaw, Oscoda, Roscommon, Crawford, and areas of five other counties. About 65,000 people in the district are served by Kirtland. The college started working in 1968 with five portable classrooms and 160 students. It is named after the Kirtland's warbler and has grown into an important educational institution in the region.
Kirtland's new central campus was built in 2016. This campus houses the health and science programs. In addition, Kirtland has classrooms and community spaces in Gaylord, Michigan.
Academics
Kirtland Community College offers 49 degrees and certificates to its students. These include transfer associate degrees and programs in arts and sciences, business, professional fields, industrial trades, health science, public safety, and other areas. The Associate in Science and Arts (ASA) program allows students to complete basic classes at Kirtland. Most in-person classes are held at the main campus in Grayling, though some are also available in Gaylord and at high school campuses for students who are enrolled in both high school and college. The college provides a concurrent BSN-RN pathway, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a registered nurse license at the same time, in partnership with Saginaw Valley State University and Grand Valley State University in 2024.
Kirtland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is also a member of the Michigan Community College Association and the American Association of Community Colleges. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which later became the Higher Learning Commission, recognized Kirtland as a candidate for accreditation in 1972. Since 1975, the college has been officially accredited as an institution that grants associate degrees. Some specific programs at Kirtland are approved by other organizations, such as the surgical technology program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the associate of science in nursing program approved by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN-CNEA), and the medical assisting programs approved by the American Medical Technologist Association (AMT).
Athletics
Kirtland Community College participates in college sports as part of the Northern Conference in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The Kirtland Firebirds compete in men's golf, men's and women's cross-country running, and also offer pickleball at the event center, where paddles can be borrowed from the library. Scholarships that cover part or all of the cost are available for students. In 2015, bowling was added to the athletics program. In 2022, men's and women's basketball were added. Recently, e-sports was added, including games like Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, and Mario Kart.
The Firebirds' home sports areas are located near campus: cross-country runs at Hanson Hills, bowling at Hi Skore Lanes in West Branch, and golf at the Grayling Country Club. The boys' and girls' basketball teams play at the Thomas Quinn Event Center, a newer gym on campus. This facility has three basketball courts, two of which can be used for other activities. A 200-meter track surrounds the courts, and there are four locker rooms and a weight room. Students can use the Event Center for free.
The Firebirds compete in cross-country, golf, and bowling in the MCCAA. They also compete against four-year colleges in Michigan and Ohio in regional and national competitions for the NJCAA Division II. Firebirds teams have earned academic honors and have ranked among the top 10 nationally for academic success. They have participated in national championship events in places like Garden City, Kansas, and Lansing, Michigan. Scholarships are available for all student-athletes, and many move on to play at four-year universities.
Sports events take place at locations like Hanson Hills in Grayling, Hi Skore Lanes in West Branch, and the Grayling Country Club. These locations give fans opportunities to watch matches and support student-athletes.
The Kirtland Esports Club helps students explore and promote competitive video gaming. The club aims to build a community, help students form teams for tournaments, and prepare for future Firebird Esports teams. It offers opportunities for gaming, streaming, and event hosting.
Kirtland Community College hosts a 5K Run at the Grayling Campus. Students can walk or run with fellow Firebirds. After the event, participants enjoy a free potluck meal.