It is named for politician, businessman, and philanthropist Charles Stewart Mott.

The majority of students come from Genesee, Lapeer, and northwest Oakland County.

[2] In 1946 Charles Stewart Mott granted $1 million towards building a four-year college.

A development committee was started based on the offer for future funding of a College and Cultural Center with more than $30 million pledged by the early 1960s.

The college was turned into a county-wide institution with a referendum and millage proposal passing the voters in 1969.