State Representative to Speak at MSCC Graduation on May 8

Dr. Deborah Ferguson, who represents District 51 in the Arkansas House of Representatives, will present the keynote address at Mid-South Community College’s graduation on Thursday, May 8.

“Deborah Ferguson has provided great support for Mid-South Community College both as a private citizen and as a state legislator,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, MSCC President. “As a healthcare professional for 25 years, she certainly recognizes the importance and value of higher education, and as a public servant, she is clearly dedicated to making our state a better place to live.

“We consider it a great honor to have her join us in this event that has such deep meaning for our students, their families, our Board of Trustees, and our employees.”

MSCC commencement exercises, featuring one of the College’s largest graduating classes in the institution’s history, will begin at 7 p.m. at the West Memphis High School Lehr Arena. The ceremony is open to the public, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Dr. Ferguson is serving her first term in the Arkansas House of Representatives. She was honored as an Outstanding Legislator by the Municipal League, the Arkansas Medical Society, and the Arkansas Dental Association. She was named as a top sponsor of legislation by Lobbyup and is serving as the Treasurer of the House Democratic Caucus.

She was chosen as the Arkansas State Delegate for Women in Government and named by the Speaker of the House to the National Conference of State Legislator’s National Health Committee.

Dr. Ferguson has practiced dentistry in West Memphis for 25 years and is the only healthcare provider on the House Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee where she serves as the Vice Chair of the House Labor and Environment Subcommittee.

A DDS graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, she additionally serves on the Legislative Oversight Committee for the new Healthcare Exchange and on the Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative & Military Affairs.

Before running for office, Dr. Ferguson participated in numerous community and church activities in Crittenden County. She is a graduate of Parkin High School in Cross County and the University of Mississippi. She is married to Dr. Scott Ferguson, and they have three grown children.

Nearly 400 Mid-South Community College students, including more than 50 who will receive multiple degrees and/or certificates, will be recognized on Thursday. An additional 16 students will receive bachelor’s degrees from MSCC University Center partners Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. One student will be awarded a master’s degree from Arkansas Tech University.

MSCC will also recognize more than 60 students who have earned a General Education Diploma® over the past year.