Commercial Appeal Lists MSCC Among Top 50 Workplaces for 2013

The Commercial Appeal of Memphis has named Mid-South Community College one of the Top 50 regional workplaces based on survey results compiled by WorkplaceDynamics.

MSCC, which earned “Great College to Work For®” recognition from The Chronicle of Higher Education four years ago, placed fifth out of 15 honorees in the Commercial Appeal’s mid-size category.

The College earned its highest marks in the category that included questions about the institution’s direction, values, and leaders. Mid-South employees ranked the College an average of 28 percent higher in those three areas than the “Colleges & Universities - 2013” benchmark scores.

MSCC Education Instructor Wins Outstanding Faculty Award for 2013-14

Mid-South Community College Education instructor Lori Payne has been named an Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges’ Outstanding Faculty Member for 2013-14.

“I was very surprised and honored that I would be selected for the award,” said Payne, a full-time MSCC faculty member for nine years. “There are so many hard-working, dedicated faculty members at the college, and they all have the students’ best interests at heart.”

“Everyone here is willing to do whatever is necessary to help students be successful, and I’m very fortunate to be a part of that.”

Early Registration for Spring 2014 Begins Nov. 11 for Current MSCC Students

Early registration for Mid-South Community College’s spring 2014 semester will begin Monday, Nov. 11, and continue through Thursday, Nov. 14, for current MSCC students.

Spring classes are scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

“Early registration is always the best time to sign up for classes,” said Jeremy Reece, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services. “Our course and time selections are at their best at the beginning of the process, so we encourage currently-enrolled students to register as soon as possible.”

Lady Greyhounds Making Progress, Expecting Good Season

Mid-South Community College’s Lady Greyhounds expect to overcome collegiate inexperience with good talent and leadership from its returning players when the 2013-14 begins on Nov. 1.

“I’m really excited and believe we have made significant progress,” said Kim Ezell, who is entering her third year as the Lady Greyhounds coach. “We will definitely be better than last year. I feel like we have some good talent; it’s just a matter of keeping it headed in the right direction.”

The Lady Greyhounds return a small number of sophomores (three) but anticipate the veterans will mix well with the rookies for a competitive team.

“We only have a few sophomores, but I think they will be great contributors to our team,” Ezell said. “We’re expecting good things. We can come at least eight strong initially, and I expect the other young players to step up their games as the season progresses.”

Greyhounds, Lady Greyhounds to Host Season-Opening Classic Nov. 1-2

Men’s and women’s teams from four states will take the floor during the Mid-South Community College Greyhound Tipoff Classic on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2.

Teams from Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee will play eight games in two days on the Greyhounds’ new home court on the College’s South Campus. No admission fee will be charged during the tournament.

In addition to MSCC, Jackson State Community College of Tennessee, St. Louis Community College of Missouri, Mid-Continent University of Kentucky, the Memphis Tigers Club (women) of Tennessee, and North Arkansas College will participate in the classic-format event.

MSCC Dog House to be ‘Game Changer’ for Greyhounds, Lady Greyhounds

Mid-South Community College will “raise the woof” on its newest facility and begin a new era for athletics during the Greyhound Tipoff Classic on Friday, Nov. 1.

The MSCC Wellness Center, also known as “The Dog House,” will host men’s and women’s teams from four states for eight games in two days on the Greyhounds’ new home court.

“This facility is going to be great for our student-athletes, our institution, and our community,” said Chris Parker, MSCC Athletic Director and head men’s coach. “We have a beautiful floor and unbelievable sound and video capabilities, and our players and fans will have a lot of fun.”

MSCC Student Earns Scholarship for Aviation Maintenance Program

James Foley of West Memphis, who enrolled in Mid-South Community College’s Aviation Maintenance program in fall 2012, has earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium.

“This scholarship is well deserved,” said David Bond, Lead Faculty, Aviation Maintenance Technology. “James is a go getter; he always wants to learn more. He has so much energy and ambition. You couldn’t ask for a better student or a more worthy scholarship recipient.”

Foley, originally from Boston, has already earned a certificate of proficiency and has completed 42 hours in the program.

MSCC to Host ‘Stories from the Streets’ Presentation

Rev. Lorenza Andrade Smith, an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church of the Rio Grande Conference, will make a special presentation at Mid-South Community College on Monday, Nov. 4.

“Stories from the Streets,” sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of West Memphis and MSCC, will feature some of Rev. Smith’s experiences while serving/living on the streets for the past two years. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Wilson Conference Center in Magruder Hall on the College’s South Campus. There is no admission fee, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Smith will offer insights into what kinds of ministries and services are helpful for the homeless and vulnerable.

MSCC Working with Elevate Entrepreneurship to Motivate Students

Mid-South Community College is working with Elevate Entrepreneurship Systems, an organization that develops youth entrepreneurs, to generate more excitement about new business creation.

With the help of NewME, a technology start-up accelerator/incubator, Elevate Entrepreneurship developed a smart phone application, makePAPER, that encourages student imagination, participation, and learning.

“The community college environment has been struggling with how to do a lot of what this technology can do,” said Matt Hampton who founded Elevate with his wife, Maria. “This new technology helps create a marketplace, a community, and an environment for students to be entrepreneurial.”

Nicks, Williford Appointed to MSCC Board of Trustees

Local businessmen Milton Nicks Jr. of Marion and Richard Williford of West Memphis have been appointed to the Mid-South Community College Board of Trustees by Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe.

The governor also reappointed Alex Coulter of West Memphis, who has served on the board since its creation.

“We are certainly pleased to welcome our two new trustees,” said Coulter, who is chairing the Board for 2013-14. “Mr. Williford is a long-standing citizen of the county and a successful entrepreneur, and Mr. Nicks is a lifelong resident who has served the community admirably in public and private capacities.”

“The continuing Board members are looking forward to the contributions these two men will make as we all work together to strengthen Mid-South Community College and our county.”

MSCC, Arkansas Women’s Business Center Offering Start-Up Workshop

Mid-South Community College and the Arkansas Women’s Business Center are working together to present “Bookkeepers’ Boot Camp,” a three-session workshop that begins Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m.
Two-hour sessions will continue on Thursday, Oct. 24, and Tuesday, Oct. 29. The classes will meet in MSCC’s University Center on the College’s South Campus.

The workshop will help participants set up efficient, time-saving bookkeeping systems, learn how to prepare financial statements crucial to business success, and the process for maintaining proper records to keep a company running smoothly.

“Bookkeepers’ Boot Camp” is a great beginners’ series that will help participants get their books in order and their business on track.

The registration fee is $50 and includes a book.

For information on participating in the workshop, contact Belinda Looney, MSCC Business and Industry Services administrative assistant, at (870) 733-6852 or bclooney@midsouthcc.edu.

The Arkansas Women’s Business Center is committed to providing technical assistance, training, and access to capital services tailored to meet the needs of business owners. The Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

MSCC, Arkansas Women’s Business Center Offering Social Media Sessions

Mid-South Community College and the Arkansas Women’s Business Center are working together to present “Social Media Strategy,” a three-session workshop that begins Tuesday, Oct.8, at 6 p.m.
Two-hour sessions will continue on Thursday, Oct. 10, and Tuesday, Oct. 15. The classes will meet in MSCC’s University Center on the College’s South Campus.

Social media marketing plans are essential for anyone who wants to engage customers effectively, and this workshop will provide valuable information toward that end.

TRiO Educational Opportunity Center Counselor Earns National Honor

Letory Collins, a TRiO Educational Opportunity Center Counselor at Mid-South Community College, has been honored as a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award winner.

“I was surprised at first, because I didn’t even have a clue that I had been nominated,” said Collins, a lifelong resident of West Memphis. “To win the award has been a highlight for me, one of the greatest achievements of my life. I appreciate everyone who helped me, those who believed in me before I learned it was okay to believe in myself.”

Sandra Mabry, EOC program director, and Dr. Elaine Wilkins, former Learning Success Center director and current adjunct faculty member, said Collins is well deserving of the honor.

Pup Dash, Inflatables, Rides Highlight Kids’ Activities at Greyhound 5K

The Second Annual Greyhound 5k event at Mid-South Community College will include something for everyone, and young participants will have plenty of opportunities for fun and games. The festivities are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5.

“We have some great activities planned for kids,” said Race Director Patti Coleman, MSCC Director of Advancement. “We’re working with Operation Moon Bounce of Memphis, and they have a bunch of new cool attractions to showcase at the Greyhound 5k. Our goal is to have a first-class event for people of all ages.”

5k Sponsors

Greyhound 5k Sponsor – Comfort Suites of West Memphis is participating in the 2013 Greyhound 5k walk/run as a silver sponsor. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, and online registration will remain open through Sept. 29 at http://greyhound5k.racesonline.com. The upcoming race features a new course that highlights the MSCC campus. Pictured from left are Matthew Glass, MSCC Foundation Board member; Stephen Sorrells, Comfort Suites manager; and Patti Coleman, MSCC Advancement Director.

Contributing to MSCC Race – Arkansas Distributing of West Memphis is in its second year as a major sponsor for the Greyhound 5k at Mid-South Community College. Pictured from left are Kenny Boone and Stacie Riley, two members of the Arkansas Distributing race team; Matthew Glass, MSCC Foundation Board member; Patti Coleman, MSCC Advancement Director; and Randy Sullivan, Arkansas Distributing general manager and race contestant. Boone and Sullivan both competed last year.

Boosting the Greyhound 5K – Schneider Trucking of West Memphis is a new sponsor to the Mid-South Community College Greyhound 5k this year. Registration for the event that will generate scholarships funds for MSCC’s basketball program is $20 through Sept. 29. Pictured from left are Wayne Elliott, Schneider National Operations Manager-Memphis Division; Patti Coleman, MSCC Advancement Director; Becky Matthews, Schneider National Customer Service Manager; and Holmes Hammett, MSCC Foundation Board member.

Running with the Pack – Barton Powersports of West Memphis has signed on as a silver sponsor for the Second Annual Greyhound 5k race at Mid-South Community College. Registration for the event is $20 (through Sept. 29) and includes a tech T-shirt, post-race food and drinks, and live entertainment. Weather permitting, an inflatable park will be available for kids. Pictured from left are Matthew Glass, MSCC Foundation Board member; Patti Coleman, MSCC Advancement Director; and Frank Barton, owner of Barton Powersports.

New Diesel Tech Staff Accelerating MSCC Program

Mid-South Community College’s Diesel Maintenance Technology program is putting the pedal to the metal this fall with new, highly-qualified staff members and training equipment that remains second to none in the region.

Nathaniel McGee Jr. joins MSCC as the program’s Lead Faculty, and he welcomes Darron Brooks, Mark Wilson, Reginald Cash, and Donnie Brown to the instructional staff.

“We have assembled a great team, and we have a well-rounded situation,” said McGee, who came to MSCC from Vatterott Career College in Memphis where he directed the diesel technology program. “We have an excellent program, and everything in our shop is modern equipment.”

East Arkansas Orthodontist Donates Building/Land to MSCC; Sale Provides Much-Needed Funding for Foundation

As owner of the largest individually-owned orthodontic practice in North America, Dr. Ben Burris says one of his main goals is to “create beautiful smiles” through his work.

He recently found a different way to create smiles – a building/land donation to Mid-South Community College that netted the MSCC Foundation much-needed funding for various programs.

“This is an amazing gift from Dr. Burris, and we are all humbled and challenged by his generosity,” said MSCC President Dr. Glen Fenter.

“In his practice, Dr. Burris focuses on improving self-image, boosting confidence, and enhancing the lives of his patients. We see the work of Mid-South Community College in much the same way, and Ben’s contribution gives us additional resources to continue making a profoundly positive impact on our region.”

MSCC Selects Hampton to Direct Adult Education Efforts

Donnylle Hampton, who came to Mid-South Community College in July 2009 as program coordinator for the Technical Center, has been named director of Adult Education.

Hampton succeeds Gheric Bruce who has been promoted to Associate Vice President for Student Life.

“Donnyelle is a great addition to the department because she cares about students, understands the culture of our institution and our region, and knows how to administer grant-funded programs,” said Bruce, who oversees the Adult Education Department as part of his new duties.

MSCC Promotes Reece, Bruce to Associate Vice President Positions

Mid-South Community College has promoted Jeremy Reece and Gheric Bruce to associate vice president positions to address growing needs in the Student Affairs area.

Reece is serving as AVP for Enrollment Services, and Bruce is serving as AVP for Student Life. They are sharing the duties that had previously been handled by the Vice President for Student Affairs, a position the College has elected to not fill.

Greyhound 5K Offering $10 Registration for HS, MSCC Students

Students at Mid-South Community College and area high schools can register for the Second Annual Greyhound 5k Run/Walk for half price between now and Sept. 20.

For the next month, students have the opportunity to sign up for the race for only $10. Registration forms cards for Mid-South students are available at the Student Life front desk in the Reynolds Center on MSCC’s South Campus, and cards for high school students will be available at their schools.

Commission Seeks Comments on Mid-South Community College

A consultant-evaluator team from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools will visit Mid-South Community College in October, and third-party comments are being solicited as part of the process.

Students, alumni, community members, and other constituent groups are encouraged to contact the Commission regarding the programs and services provided by the College. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs.

State Approves MSCC’s Associate Degree in Digital Media

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved Mid-South Community College’s Associate of Applied Science Degree in Digital Media during its quarterly meeting on Friday, July 26.

“The Digital Media program is great because it gives students the opportunity to learn how to do a variety of different things,” said instructor and program organizer Anwar Jamison. “You can’t really get this type of instruction anywhere else in this area because most other schools focus on particular facets of the profession.”

State Approves MSCC’s Hospitality Program; Mid-South Partnering with University of Memphis for Transfer Scholarships

Mid-South Community College’s Hospitality Management program has received approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and classes will be offered beginning this fall.

In anticipation of state clearance, MSCC has been working with The University of Memphis and has already established a transfer/scholarship agreement that will be a major boost for students.

“Hospitality is one of the world’s most dynamic and growing industries, and our program will give students an opportunity to pursue an exciting career in a broad field of service-industry professions,” said Claudine M. Cooper, MSCC program designer and lead faculty.

Southland Park Sponsors Greyhound 5K Run/Walk

For the second consecutive year, Southland Park Gaming & Racing will serve as the title sponsor for the Mid-South Community College’s annual Greyhound 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 5. MSCC, in collaboration with Start 2 Finish Event Management of Memphis, will host the second annual event with proceeds going toward MSCC’s Athletic Booster Club to fund basketball scholarships.

“Southland Park and Mid-South Community College have forged a strong bond over the years and this event’s sponsorship is just another testament to the ties between these two community leaders,” said Troy Keeping, president and general manager. “We’re also honored to be able to assist in the development of our community’s future through these basketball scholarships and look forward to upcoming ventures.” The 3.1-mile walk-run, which drew 396 registrants from 34 cities and towns in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee last year, will feature a new route in 2013 but will continue to start and finish on the beautiful MSCC campus. Pre- and post-race activities will center around the college’s $9 million Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center.

Southland Park Gives MSCC Another $100,000 Toward Million-Dollar Commitment to Hospitality Program

Southland Park Gaming & Racing, in collaboration with its parent company, Delaware North Companies, presented Mid-South Community College with another $100,000 check on Monday (July 15). It is the second of 10 annual payments to support the Jeremy M. Jacobs Hospitality Program, which is named after Delaware North’s chairman and CEO.

MSCC has submitted supporting documents and will make a presentation to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board later this month for state approval of an Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Technical Certificate, and Certificate of Proficiency in Hospitality Management.

Two MSCC Students Earn $10,000 Hino Scholarships

Clinton Jones and Jordan White, 2013 graduates of Marion High School, have been named recipients of $10,000 Hino Motors Manufacturing scholarships and will continue their education at Mid-South Community College this fall.

“I wasn’t really expected to go to college because of my financial situation, but scholarships are really helping,” said Jones, who is working two jobs to help support his mother and sisters. “When we found out about the scholarship, my mom was speechless; she couldn’t stop smiling. This scholarship really means a lot to me.”

Literacy Council at MSCC Names New Board President

David Barch, Director of One Stop Operations for the Eastern Arkansas Workforce Center, has been elected president of the Literacy Council of Crittenden County which is based at Mid-South Community College.

Barch, who has served as a Literacy Council director for the past five years, succeeds David Moose, who also worked with the Council for five years. Moose stepped down because he and his wife, Judy, are pursuing personal changes and new opportunities in Louisville, Ky.

MSCC’s Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center Earns LEED Certification

Mid-South Community College’s Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center has earned silver level certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

LEED is a voluntary, third-party verified “green building” rating system that addresses the site, water energy, materials, and indoor environmental quality of a facility.

The Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center qualified for LEED certification based on building achievements that have a positive impact on the facility itself and the broader community.

MSCC Board Chair Recognized

MSCC Board Chair Recognized – Mid-South Community College Board of Trustees Chair Marvin Steele receives a plaque of appreciation from MSCC President Dr. Glen Fenter at Monday’s quarterly board meeting. In making the presentation, Dr. Fenter acknowledged “the great work Marvin has done in his position as chair” and thanked him for his service for the 2012-13 fiscal year. “It’s been a pleasure,” Steele said.

Assisi Foundation Awards $650,000 Grant to MSCC for Aviation, Manufacturing Training Facility

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc., has awarded Mid-South Community College a $650,000 grant in support of its proposed $3 million Mid-South Aviation and Manufacturing Training Facility.

“The people of our region deserve a first-class facility and the opportunity to compete for great jobs, and this generous grant from the Assisi Foundation will help us move forward with a vitally-important educational program,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, MSCC President.

“We are committed to developing a world-class training initiative that is completely responsive to the Memphis metropolitan area workforce needs, and our goal continues to be the creation of a workforce that will be second to none in the nation,” added Dr. Gibson “Sunny” Morris, Arkansas Delta Training and Education Consortium Liaison for Special Projects at MSCC.

Southern Business Magazine Ranks MSCC in Workforce Training Top 10

Southern Business & Development magazine has recognized Mid-South Community College in its 11th Annual Top 10s Edition published in April and distributed in May.

SB&D’s Winter 2013 issue lists MSCC as one of “Ten Outstanding Southern Community Colleges for Workforce Training.”

Southern Business & Development, in its 21st year of publication, is the South’s only economic development magazine. In the past two years, the publication has been quoted and/or featured on CNN, Time, AP, ABC News, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, The Huffington Post, Yahoo, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many other electronic media, as well as in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, USA Today and The New York Times.

MSCC Reorganizing Foundation, Marketing Departments, Names Executive Director

Todd Pendergrass, who came to Mid-South Community College as coordinator of Career Services, has been promoted to Executive Director of Institutional Advancement as part of the College’s ongoing restructuring.

Pendergrass will oversee MSCC’s Foundation and Marketing/Public Relations department in his new role. The retirement of Len Grice, Marketing/PR Director at the college for more than four years, played a part in the administrative decision to merge the two departments.

“Todd brings an excellent background in working with people and with new media, and he’s had a good deal of exposure to successful marketing concepts,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, MSCC President.

Southland Park to Continue MSCC Greyhound 5K Sponsorship

Southland Park Gaming and Racing has once again agreed to participate as the title sponsor for the Mid-South Community College Greyhound 5k Run/Walk.

The second annual fund-raising event will be held in West Memphis on Saturday, Oct. 5.

“Our goal is to build upon the phenomenal success of the 2012 race, and Southland Park Gaming and Racing has given us a great start,” said MSCC’s Todd Pendergrass who is serving as Race Coordinator. “We’re excited about the potential we have to make this a premier event in our region.”

Lenny’s Sub Shop of West Memphis has also rejoined the effort and will again serve as the food sponsor.

Eleanor, Solon Anthony Remember Fathers with MSCC Scholarship

Eleanor and Solon Anthony have established a Mid-South Community College Foundation scholarship to honor the memories of their fathers Mr. Porter Bennett and Mr. Luke S. Anthony.

“We’re educators, and we felt that if we could do anything to help any child in the school business, we needed to do it,” Mr. Anthony said. “We thought this would be a good way to honor the memory of our fathers as well, and we welcomed the opportunity to come on board.”

The Anthony Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund supports the awarding of one $250 scholarship to a Mid-South Community College student each fall and spring semester. This award is designed to help students purchase textbooks for MSCC courses.

MSCC Recognizes Jeremy Smith as Outstanding Alumnus

Jeremy Smith a 2003 graduate of Mid-South Community College has been named the college’s Arkansas Association of Two-Year College’s Outstanding Alumnus for 2012-13. Smith serves as director of MSCC’s Pharmacy Technology program.

“It feels very rewarding to receive an honor of this significance,” Smith said. “When I graduated from high school, I was the probably the least likely out of all of my family to go to college. That makes me appreciate the award even more.”

Two coworkers at MSCC praised Smith for his approach to his profession.

“I would consider Jeremy Smith a ‘natural instructor,’” said Dr. Craig Lafferty, MSCC Academic Coordinator for Allied Health & Natural Sciences. “Jeremy has adapted extremely well in the academic environment, and students have informed me that they love his teaching style because he is very personable.”

MSCC TRiO Students Encouraged to Believe in Themselves

Students involved in the TRiO Student Support Services program at Mid-South Community College received an inspiration and motivational message during the recent Ninth Annual End of the Year Recognition Program.

Keynote speaker Dr. Trenia Miles, former MSCC Director of Retention Services and Program Coordinator for College Study and Survival Skills, encouraged students to tap into their internal strength.

“Everything you need to be successful is already in you,” said Dr. Miles, who serves as associate director for the Arkansas Department of Career and Adult Education. “You just have to believe and do the hard work it takes to make it happen. People will put limitations on you if you let them.”

MSCC Sets Summer Registration for Tuesday, May 28

For students willing to give up sun burning for learning this summer, Mid-South Community College is offering nearly 160 academically-challenging and career-building classes and labs beginning Monday, June 3.

Registration for MSCC’s summer classes will be Tuesday, May 28, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Educational Excellence on the South Campus. The College is located at 2000 West Broadway in West Memphis.

Literacy Council at MSCC Sets Tutor Training for April 20

The Literacy Council of Crittenden County at Mid-South Community College will conduct a free Tutor Training Workshop on Saturday, April 20, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at First Christian Church (1015 Balfour St., West Memphis). Light snacks will be provided for participants interested in volunteering their time and talents to help adults who are not functionally literate.

Prospective tutors must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and must be 18 years of age or older. Good reading skills are also important. Previous teaching experience, while helpful, is not necessary.

Early Registration for Summer, Fall 2013 Begins for Current MSCC Students

Early advising and registration for Mid-South Community College’s summer and fall 2013 terms will begin Monday, April 15, and continue through Thursday, April 25, for current MSCC students.

Summer classes, which will meet Monday-Thursday, are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 3, and conclude on Wednesday, July 17. The campus will be closed on Fridays in June and July. Fall classes are scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 19.

MSCC to Host Manufacturing Institute Education Council Meeting

         The Manufacturing Institute’s Education Council will convene at Mid-South Community College on Thursday, April 11, for its semiannual meeting. This will mark the second time the group has met outside of Washington, D.C.

         “We’re excited and honored to host this prestigious event,” said MSCC President Dr. Glen Fenter, a charter member of the Council and the lone representative from Arkansas. “We’re setting a precedent for a community college to host this meeting and are looking forward to the opportunity.”

MSCC Foundation Hosts Annual Scholarship Luncheon

Mid-South Community College’s Foundation honored donors and recognized recipients at the 2013 Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, March 14.

Festivities also included two special recognitions and a presentation by former MSCC student and current Richland Elementary School teacher Takelia Carter.

During his opening remarks, MSCC President Dr. Glen Fenter described the Scholarship Luncheon experience as “one of the most powerful ones that we have on campus on a regular basis. It gives our students an opportunity to thank people who have essentially changed the course of their lives.”

MSCC Changes Bookstore Vendor to Provide Lower Prices for Students

In an effort to lower the overall cost of higher education, Mid-South Community College is teaming up with Arkansas-based BBA Solutions, the fourth largest college textbook company in the United States.

BBA Solutions works with more than 100 colleges and universities in 20 states, and the business continues to expand. In Arkansas, BBA operates bookstores at Philander Smith College, Arkansas State University-Newport, Henderson State University, and MSCC.

MSCC to Host ‘College Goal Sunday’ Financial Aid Program on March 10

For people who don’t have a clue about how to pay for higher education, Mid-South Community College is offering a special event designed to help them find life-changing answers.

On March 10, MSCC will participate in College Goal Sunday, a free nationwide program designed to assist current and future students with the financial aid application process.

MSCC Hires Lead Faculty Member to Create Jacobs Hospitality Curriculum

Mid-South Community College has hired a lead faculty member to develop courses and oversee creation of the Jeremy M. Jacobs Hospitality training curriculum. MSCC is in the process of seeking state approval for an associate of applied science degree program in Hospitality Management.
Claudine M. Cooper brings a wealth of practical experience and educational accomplishments to the new position.

“Claudine is a highly-motivated educator and executive who possesses great expertise in building and optimizing organizational systems and teams,” said Dr. Cliff Jones, MSCC Vice President for Learning and Instruction.

Goldsby Scholars Transfer List Tops 170; Degrees Earned Reaches 500

Participants in the Thomas B. Goldsby Jr. Scholarship program at Mid-South Community College have transferred to more than 170 prestigious colleges and universities in the country including Duke, Vanderbilt, and Syracuse.

The list of institutions has grown by about 30 schools since the last official update. In addition, the Goldsby program’s value to students and parents in Crittenden and surrounding counties has exceeded $10.2 million.

MSCC Offering Business Startup/Expansion Classes Starting Feb. 25

Mid-South Community College will host a series of low-cost, non-credit classes to assist local entrepreneurs in starting their own business or expanding an existing one to create additional employment opportunities in the region.

Operation JumpStart training will begin Monday, Feb. 25, at MSCC’s Workforce Technology Center (Room 102) on the College’s North Campus, 2000 West Broadway, West Memphis.

MSCC’s Tutor Training Program Earns CRLA Certification

Mid-South Community College’s Tutor Training program has earned College Reading and Learning Association certification and will be able to certify its own tutors for reaching mastery goals at three levels.

“We’re really proud of this certification,” said Dr. Elaine Wilkins, MSCC’s Learning Success Center Director. “It validates what we do on a daily basis. What that means is people who do this for a living have looked at our program and said, ‘MSCC has a strong tutoring center.’”

MSCC to Operate Historic KWEM Radio Station; Students, Community to Benefit

KWEM Radio, which forever changed the musical landscape by allowing unknown or little-known Memphis-area artists the opportunity to perform on air, will soon have a new home at Mid-South Community College.

MSCC’s Foundation has purchased the Web-based station and numerous artifacts related to its rich musical history and will establish an on-campus “studio” that will serve as a laboratory for students, a source of pride for the community, and a tourism draw, all at the same time.

Greyhounds Split Weekend Series; Women Fall to NorthArk

Trevail Lee scored 27 points, and T.J. Handley and Tyrone Willis added 17 each to lead Mid-South Community College’s Greyhounds to an 81-74 win over Champion Baptist College on Friday.

In Saturday’s action, MSCC’s men dropped a 77-72 decision to North Arkansas College, and the women lost 67-53 to the visiting Lady Pioneers.

With Friday night’s win, the Greyhounds’ notched their 12th triumph of the year and earned the praise of their coach.

MSCC Dedicates Robert Bosch Conference Center

Mid-South Community College officially dedicated a high-tech, multimedia meeting room in recognition of ongoing, generous contributions from the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation during a special ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

The Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Conference Center is located in MSCC’s Workforce Technology Center on the College’s North Campus.

MSCC to Participate in Veteran Training/Education Initiative

Mid-South Community College, in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges, ARVets, and the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coalition, is participating in the Arkansas Veterans Education and Training Partnership project.