Even the much-mocked black bear is more likely to appear on a sweatshirt than a Co-Lin Wolf.

The life of a community college mascot is just infinitely less glamorous, no matter how you look at it.

And in many ways, it’s the mascots that matter.

The students and alumni at Hinds Community College will never have the pull with the state legislature as those at Ole Miss and Mississippi State do, and it shows when funding is handed out.

The state plans to spend $10,067 per student at Mississippi’s four-year universities in 2011.

At the same time, the state will spend $3,349 per community college student.

The state’s community colleges have seen a 53.6-percent increase in enrollment in 10 years, while four-year colleges increased 13.7 percent.

Mississippi’s community college — Copiah-Lincoln included — have proven time and time again that they can do more with less.

They are quick to adjust to changes, whether in budget, enrollment size or type of student.

When International Paper closed in Adams County, Co-Lin willingly and successfully enrolled dozens upon dozens of middle-aged adults seeking an entirely new career.

When new business and industry comes to town, the state’s community colleges are ready to step up to the plate with an all-new training program.

And as more and more students and parents are finding out, so many times, community college is what is right for the student.

But it’s the politics of the Golden Eagle, Bulldog and the new Black Bear that are stunting community college growth.

When will our state legislators realize mascots are for children, but education will define our future?