KoC Welcomes MJ McCown as CAMP Director

Kodiak College is thrilled to announce MJ McCown as the new Director for its College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). This marks a historic milestone for Kodiak College as it launches its first-ever CAMP program, supported by one of the first CAMP grants awarded to the state of Alaska by the U.S. Department of Education. Kodiak College is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, alongside two other institutions, Kenai Peninsula College and University of Alaska Anchorage receiving this grant.

“I am thrilled to welcome MJ McCown to Kodiak College,” said Jacelyn Keys, Director of Kodiak College. “Her experience living in and passion for serving rural communities in Alaska align perfectly with the mission of our CAMP program. This grant represents a transformative opportunity for our college to support migrant and seasonal fishing industry students, and I am confident that MJ’s leadership will make a lasting impact.”

MJ McCown joins Kodiak College from the Kenai Peninsula College, where she worked in administrative services, managing special projects, developing streamlined processes, and providing critical budget analysis. Her experience living and working in rural and remote communities in Alaska positions her uniquely to understand the needs of Kodiak College and the greater Kodiak community.

Currently pursuing a graduate degree in One Health with a concentration in the Co-Production of Knowledge at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, MJ brings a deep commitment to collaboration and holistic approaches to education. 

“I am excited to join the Kodiak College community and look forward to working together to support our students,” MJ shared. “Rural and remote communities often feel changes in the economy or public funding more intensely than communities on the road system. Those changes can make students feel like their educational and personal aspirations are out of reach. The CAMP program is meant to empower students by breaking down barriers and opening the door to new opportunities. I am truly honored and eager to work with students and help them to achieve their educational and personal goals.”

The CAMP program is designed to provide comprehensive support services to help eligible students succeed in their first year of college and beyond. This program is part of a federal initiative to improve access to higher education for migrant and seasonal farmworker students and their families, providing resources such as academic advising, financial assistance, and cultural enrichment activities.

For more information about the CAMP program or Kodiak College, please contact:

MJ McCown
College Assistance Migrant Program Grant Director 
Kodiak College
Email: mjmccown@alaska.edu