What's in a name? College requires a clear identity

Is McCook's college suffering an identity crisis It seems to be.

Originally McCook Junior College, it is the oldest two-year college in the state.

In the early 1970s, when it became part of the Mid-Plains Technical Community College Area, it became known as McCook Community College.

Now, however, without fanfare or announcement, it has become the McCook Campus of the Mid Plains Community College Area. Let's hear you try to give that cheer at a basketball game. College officials have been reluctant address the name change, although one member of the board of governors said it was in response to an accrediting agency's complaint that the three campuses of the Mid Plains Community College Area were operating as independent units rather than three branches of the same entity.

The agency probably is right. The area's operation has left much to be desired in the past.

But we doubt that the accrediting agency understands the rivalries and pride involved in the relationship between North Platte and McCook -- or even the two campuses in North Platte. The merger of the early '70s was a union of convenience at best, or a shotgun wedding at worst.

Compounding the problem is the fact that the Mid Plains moniker formerly applied to what is now officially the North Platte Campus of Mid Plains Community College Area. Calling McCook part of the Mid Plains Community College Area system makes it sound, to seasoned ears, like a sub-satellite to North Platte, rather than an equal partner.

As an aside, there is also an attempt afoot to down play the Indians mascot, including an official banning of the caricature.

Both the name and mascot issue need to brought out for full public debate and an official decision, not a quiet, executive fiat.

Until then, we will refer to the facility in news stories as the McCook College, in line with the official name of the McCook College Foundation, which has done much to benefit the local college over the years.