Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) was established as a result of Nebraska legislation enacted in 1973 and 1975.  Three existing, separately founded institutions were merged to form MPCC: 

• McCook Junior College (1926), the state's oldest two-year college
• North Platte Junior College (1965)
• Mid-Plains Vocational Technical School (1967)

Throughout their separate yet common histories and continuing through the present, their enduring mission has been preparing students for success by providing quality educational opportunities for lifelong learning. 

Today, MPCC serves its constituents across the 18-county region via a network of main campuses in North Platte and McCook and extended campuses in Broken Bow, Valentine, Ogallala, and Imperial.  In addition, MPCC reaches students via its thriving on-line campus, the College's newest location.  All together, nearly 16,000 credit and non-credit students are enrolled annually.

In response to the accelerating demand for health care workers throughout the 18-county service area over the past 20 years, MPCC has significantly expanded its health programs.  Partnerships with area hospitals, clinics, health-care providers, and long-term care facilities have been crucial to that expansion.  There is a need to produce even more healthcare workers, as well as a need for additional health-related programs, but the College is out of teaching space on its North Platte campuses.  In fact, some student housing is being used as classroom and lab space as a stopgap measure.

McCook Community College's True Hall, built in 1937, has been home to its competitive athletic program for more than 70 years.  The student athletes who practice and play there have established a tradition of winning despite the building's deficiencies, including a court that is four feet too short to meet current collegiate standards, several safety issues, and an antiquated heating system.  As a result of the building's minimal size, the practice schedules for MCC's six athletic programs are a constant challenge.