Mid-South Publicity Coordinator Parks His Pen

In the past 18 years, well over 2,000 stories written by Don Threm have appeared on the pages of Crittenden County’s Evening Times newspaper, translating into approximately four million words Threm has used to publicize Mid-South Community College and Arkansas State University Mid-South.

Millions of words, however, are not adequate for this writer to appropriately honor a great colleague in announcing the retirement of Don Threm effective January 8, 2016.

Threm began his career at Mid-South Community College in 1998 after serving in a similar position at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City which included a stint as Registrar for EACC, replacing Dr. Debra West who became Chancellor of ASU Mid-South in August of this year.

“We’ve known each other for close to thirty-five years, and we’ve worked together through thick and thin at two different institutions of higher education,” said Dr. West. “I can say, unequivocally, that I know of no other person who embodies the words integrity, dependability, and humility as does Don. He has a quiet competence that belies a quick, dry sense of humor that only reveals itself once you’ve really gotten to know him. The college will miss his extraordinary talents as a writer once he retires, but I personally will miss my friend.”

‘Rockstar Farmer’ to Speak Dec. 8 at ASU Mid-South

Jean-Martin Fortier, known internationally as the “Rockstar Farmer” for his efforts in organic and biologically intensive cropping practices, will headline a full-day seminar at Arkansas State University Mid-South on December 8.

Presented by Small Farms for Big Change in collaboration with sponsoring organizations in Arkansas and Tennessee, the event will include morning and afternoon presentations, three organic/farm-to-table meals, and a farmer mixer.

Local organic farmer Brandon Pugh of Delta Sol Farm in Proctor and Ray Tyler of Rose Creek Farm in Selmer, Tennessee, teamed up to bring the event to the region. Fortier will present a half-day workshop in Selmer on Dec. 7.

Lady Greyhounds to Host Four-Team Weekend Classic

North Arkansas College, St. Louis Community College, the Lady Tigers club team, and Arkansas State University Mid-South will battle in the Lady Greyhound Classic Friday and Saturday.

Games will be played in the Glen F. Fenter Athletic Complex on the ASU Mid-South campus, and admission is $5 for adults and $3 for school-age children. ASU Mid-South students and staff will be admitted free with their college ID cards. The Classic is sponsored by the West Memphis Advertising & Promotion Commission.

Action begins Friday afternoon with the Lady Pioneers of Harrison squaring off against the Lady Tigers at 5 p.m. At the conclusion of the opener, the host team will take on St. Louis in the nightcap. On Saturday, NorthArk and St. Louis will take the court at 1 p.m., and ASU Mid-South and the Lady Tigers will follow at 3.

ASU Mid-South Offering ‘Dog Pack’ Options for Greyhound Basketball

Arkansas State University Mid-South begins its sixth intercollegiate basketball season on Friday, and area fans and businesses have several options for supporting the 2015-16 Greyhounds and Lady Greyhounds.

General admission for games in the Glen F. Fenter Athletic Complex (The Dog House) is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Children under school age are admitted free as are ASU Mid-South students and staff with college ID cards.

Fans looking for an even better deal are encouraged to “Join the Dog Pack.” The “Pack of One” option ($60) includes a season pass to all 26 home games, a Greyhound T-shirt, a basketball poster, and a free bag of popcorn (with additional purchase) at the concession stand.

The “Pack of Two” ($90) offers additional savings and includes two season passes, two T-shirts, a poster and popcorn.

Two ASU Mid-South Employees to Participate in Leadership Institute

Arkansas State University Mid-South employees Michelle McMillen and Pete Selden have been selected to participate in the Arkansas Community Colleges’ Leadership Institute.

McMillen, ASU Mid-South Director of Institutional Effectiveness, and Selden, Associate Vice President for Workforce Programs, will join colleagues from around the state in the training effort. The vision for the Institute is to identify, develop, prepare and advance leaders from within Arkansas’s two-year colleges.

“Michelle McMillen is an emerging leader who displays enormous drive and talent in everything she does,” said Dr. Debra West, ASU Mid-South Chancellor. “As Director of Institutional Effectiveness, she recently led our successful re-accreditation efforts, all the while maintaining one foot firmly in the classroom.

Greyhounds, Lady Greyhounds to Play Two Scrimmage Games Each

Arkansas State University Mid-South’s Greyhounds and Lady Greyhounds will play two home scrimmage games apiece before opening regular-season play on Oct. 30. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, and there is no admission fee for the scrimmages.

The men’s team will host Lyon College on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. and the Memphis Lions on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. in the Glen F. Fenter Athletic Complex, also known as “The Dog House.”

Employers’ List Tops 25 for ASU Mid-South Career Fair Oct. 21

More than 25 local and regional employers have registered to participate in Arkansas State University Mid-South’s Career Fair scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

The fair, open to anyone interested in hiring or being hired, will be held in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Educational Excellence on the college’s South Campus, 2000 West Broadway in West Memphis.

There is no admission fee for job seekers, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Companies/businesses still have time to reserve space at the event. Online registration is available at www.asumidsouth.edu by clicking on the Job Fair image/link, in the center of the home page. The fee for employers is $45.

The participant list already includes the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas Early Learning, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas State University Degree Center, Arkansas Workforce Center, AtlanticTrack, Automated Conveyor Systems Inc., AutoZone Inc., Bethel University, City of West Memphis, Comfort Suites-Choice Hotels International, Department of Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, East Arkansas Family Health Center, Family Dollar Distribution, Hershey’s, Homecare By Wesley, Hope Credit Union, H&R Block, J.R. Simplot Company, Jackson Hewitt, LSI Staffing, Onyx Medical, Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, Ritter Disposables Inc., Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Rural Sourcing Inc., Southland Park Gaming and Racing, Verizon Wireless, and West Memphis School District.

Six Teams Earn 1st-Place Trophies in ‘Cookin’ Cats’ at ASU Mid-South

The West Memphis Sizzlers won two events, and the Delta Porkers and Treemendous Fryers won one apiece and placed in four categories overall in the inaugural “Cookin’ Cats” competition at Arkansas State University Mid-South.

Hook ’Em & Cook ’Em, the Alley Cats, and Temporary Insanity also claimed division victories in the Oct. 3 event sponsored by CenterPoint Energy Arkansas.

The West Memphis Sizzlers prevailed in the Anything Fried and People’s Choice competitions. The Delta Porkers, also of West Memphis, won the Hush Puppies event, and the hometown Treemendous Fryers captured the Catfish Appetizer competition.

West Memphis Hall of Fame Class - Did You Know?

It's about 48 hours before West Memphis unveils its first sports Hall of Fame class, and
what a class it is.

Which leads to a list of Did You Knows about the seven who will be present at the
banquet on Thursday night at 6 at Southland Park:

Did you know that:

--- There will be one (Mike McCoy and his wife Janette) coming from Colorado, one (Ike
Harris) coming from Atlanta and another (Ann Carpenter, widow of inductee Lewis Carpenter)
coming from the state of Texas?

--- The only female in the group, Sonja Tate, recorded the rare quadruple double, the only
one in Arkansas State University history, when she scored 29 points, grabbed 14 rebounds,
dished out 10 assists and stole 10 balls in ASU's 86-59 win at Mississippi Valley State on Jan.
27, 1993?

Sonja Tate - Part I

West Memphis is ready to honor the greatest athletes in its community's history by unveiling its inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sept. 24.

A class of nine greats from the sports which span football and basketball will be honored in a Sept. 24 banquet at Southland Park at 6 p.m.

The class includes basketball greats Keith Lee, Michael Cage, coach Bill Terwilliger, Marcus Brown and Sonja Tate as well as football greats Lewis Carpenter, Mike McCoy, Ike Harris and Reginald Jones.

Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased immediately at the West Memphis School District Administration Building on South Avalon.

“I don't think there's any doubt that's a lot of star power not only for West Memphis, but for any high school in the state,” said West Memphis athletic director Lanny Dauksch, who was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame this summer.

Registration Continues for ‘Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats’ Events at ASU Mid-South

Registration continues for the Greyhound 5K run/walk, catfish cooking competition, Spirit Cheer
Contest, and WIFFLE® Ball Classic scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at Arkansas State University Mid-South. Runners and catfish cookers will vie for more than $1,500 in prize money at the event.

“Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats” (catfish) features the traditional 5K (now in its fourth year), Pup Dash, and Kids’ Zone inflatables as well as a catfish cooking contest, cheering competition, live music by local bands, arts and crafts, Cornhole skills challenge, and food/concessions. All of the fun and games will be held on ASU Mid-South’s North Campus at 2000 West Broadway in West Memphis.

Looking for a Job? ASU Mid-South Career Fair on Oct. 21 Can Help

The Arkansas State University Mid-South Career Fair, featuring several major regional employers, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Educational Excellence on the college’s South Campus.

There is no admission fee for job seekers, and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

“The Fair is a great opportunity to bring the community together for an event that benefits both the employers and potential employees,” said event organizer Janice Coleman, ASU Mid-South Career Services coordinator.

“Employers are always looking for skilled and qualified applicants, and the Fair gives them the chance to meet people who are ready, willing, able, and qualified.”

“For people seeking employment, the Career Fair provides a one-stop opportunity to talk with representatives from many different companies.”

ASU Mid-South Hospitality Program Earns National Recognition

Arkansas State University Mid-South’s Hospitality Management program recently earned inclusion in BestHospitalityDegrees.com’s “50 Most Affordable Small Colleges for Hospitality Administration and Management 2015” list. Lead Faculty Marjorie Gardner says that is just the beginning.

“We want to be No. 1 in everything we do,” said Gardner who came to ASU Mid-South this the spring to direct the fledgling program. “I have really big plans, and I’m getting the support I need from our administration and the industry in our region. I see Arkansas State University Mid-South as having the potential to create the leading two-year hospitality management program offered globally. That’s my vision.”

Melissa Maypole, who compiled the information for the top 50 list, said researchers consulted the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator to evaluate schools enrolling less than 3,000 students and offering associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Administration/Management, Hotel/Motel Administration/Management or Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management.

ASU System President, DRA Chairman host Reception for Mid-South Chancellor

Dr. Chuck Welch, Arkansas State University System president, and Chris Masingill, Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman, formally welcomed Dr. Debra West as the first chancellor of ASU Mid-South on Thursday.

Dr. Welch and Masingill hosted a well-attended afternoon reception in Dr. West’s honor and addressed the value of leadership and partnerships.

Greyhound 5K Expands to ‘Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats’ (Catfish)

Arkansas State University Mid-South is expanding its annual Greyhound 5K to include a full day of sporting activities, food-fixin’ competition, and family fun on the first Saturday in October.

“Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats” (catfish), set for Oct. 3, will feature the traditional 5K, Pup Dash, and Kids’ Zone inflatables as well as a catfish cooking contest, live music, arts and crafts, recreational sporting events, a “Cheer Off,” and food/concessions. All activities will be held on the ASU Mid-South campus at 2000 West Broadway in West Memphis.

“This is the fourth year of the race, and we wanted to make it into more of a full-day, family event to appeal to a wider range of people,” said Elizabeth Williams, ASU Mid-South Director of Development. “We want this to be a signature event for the college and the community. In the process, we’re hoping to build more awareness for our institution and our athletic program.”

ASU Mid-South Names Rachel Heideman 2015-16 Academic All-Star

Arkansas State University Mid-South student Rachel Heideman of West Memphis has earned Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Academic All-Star recognition for 2015-2016.

“It came as such a surprise; it was awesome,” said the U.S. Army veteran and mother of 3-year-old twin boys. “I knew I had done well in my classes, but I didn’t give any thought to the possibility of receiving such a prestigious honor. I figured they would pick somebody who had done more than I have. I guess I sometimes underestimate what I do.”

Among those who don’t underestimate Heideman’s successes are ASU Mid-South employees Grace Troutman, Dr. Craig Lafferty, Boyce Elliott, Dr. Ray Hawkins, and Mary Field.

“Rachel is such a sweet, dedicated, hard-working young lady,” said Troutman, a biology instructor at the college. “She always had a great spirit in class and was willing to help others. She made an ‘A’ in my biology class which is not an easy feat. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

ASU Mid-South Math Instructor Earns National Excellence Award

Stephanie Krehl, Contextualized Mathematics Specialist and Lead Faculty for Developmental/Technical Math at Arkansas State University Mid-South, has earned a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award.

“I’m honored because I consider it a pat on the back from my peers which means a lot to me,” said Krehl who has worked at the college since August 2010. “Like many people here, I put in a lot of hours and work hard. I don’t do my job for recognition like this, but it is certainly nice to receive a ‘good job’ in whatever way, shape, or form. I appreciate the award and am grateful to those who considered me worthy of it.”

Dr. Cliff Jones, ASU Mid-South Senior Vice Chancellor for Learning and Instruction, said Krehl has helped take the developmental math effort to a new level.

“First and foremost, Stephanie is a great teacher,” he said. “Her team approach to instruction is a fundamental element to creating a great learning environment for our math students. She has worked with her full-time colleagues, adjunct instructors, tutors, staff members and administrators to implement best practices in developmental education. The departmental rates for student success have improved dramatically, and Stephanie certainly deserves a portion of the credit.”

ASU Mid-South Administrative Specialist Earns Staff Award

Virginia Gardner, Administrative Specialist at Arkansas State University Mid-South, has been named an Arkansas Community Colleges’ Outstanding Staff Member honoree for 2015-16.

“I am very humbled and honored,” said Gardner who joined the college staff in 2007. “I felt appreciated. I felt that my hard work had not gone unnoticed. This really means a lot. I take it as a particular honor that this will be the last one awarded by Dr. (Glen) Fenter.”

Gardner said she had no idea she had been nominated and admitted that she wasn’t watching closely as her photo appeared on the screen at the front of the room during a campus-wide meeting.

“I knew it wouldn’t be me, so I was ready to clap for whoever it was,” she said. “I was genuinely surprised. I felt bad that I didn’t say ‘thank you,’ but I couldn’t have done it without crying.”
The award didn’t surprise the people who nominated her.

ASU Mid-South Graphic Designer Earns National Excellence Honor

Pete Sullivan, graphic designer at Arkansas State University Mid-South, has been selected as a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award winner.

“I was completely surprised and humbled,” Sullivan said. “When you think about all of the incredible people on our campus, anybody could have won this award. It happened to be me this time, but it certainly could have been lots of other people.”

ASU Mid-South Offering Late Registration on Monday, Aug. 24

Regular registration for Arkansas State University Mid-South’s fall 2015 semester has ended, but students still have the opportunity to enroll in life-changing courses and educational/technical programs.

Late registration will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Donald W. Reynolds Center (RC 121) on the South Campus.

ASU Mid-South has scheduled nearly 350 classes and labs for the fall term, and first-time as well as returning students will find high-quality academic programs and state-of-the-art technologies designed to enhance the higher learning process. They will also find friendly and knowledgeable employees eager to help them succeed.

Fall classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 24 and continue through Dec. 15.

CenterPoint Energy Presents Rebate Check to ASU Mid-South

Representatives of CenterPoint Energy Arkansas recently presented a $5,500 rebate check to Arkansas State University Mid-South for the purchase of high-efficiency natural gas equipment in the Jeremy Jacobs Hospitality Center.

Lance Orton, CenterPoint Energy Efficiency Consultant; Karen Frank, Area Manager, and Dianna Nicks, Senior Marketing Consultant, joined ASU Mid-South Chancellor Dr. Debra West, Hospitality Management Lead Faculty Marjorie Gardner, and Delta Cuisine Executive Director John Auker for the presentation.

“CenterPoint Energy offers substantial rebates for high-efficiency natural gas equipment through a suite of Conservation Improvement Programs,” Orton said. “The rebates are designed to help alleviate the initial higher cost of energy-efficient appliances over standard models.”

Mid-South Welding Students Continue Certification Perfection

Welding students at Arkansas State University Mid-South continue to ace certification exams at a 100 percent clip, and lead instructor Ed Cook says he couldn’t be more pleased.

“It tickles me to death,” said Cook who has 30 years of welding experience. “I’ve been welding all my life, and every time you take a test, you get nervous. It’s not like welding every day. And all it takes is one little piece of trapped slag, and you fail.

For us to go three years and not have something like that happen is amazing.”

The feat is even more impressive when the volume is added to the equation. This spring, ASU Mid-South students passed 53 of 53 tests.

“That’s a pretty good number,” Cook said. “We’ve had really good students who take pride in what they’re learning. We’re putting out a pretty good product, and industries are calling me right and left looking for welders.”

College Becomes ASU Mid-South; Focus Remains on Students, Community

Mid-South Community College officially became Arkansas State University Mid-South on July 1, but while visual changes will begin appearing soon, the focus on student and community needs will remain the same.

“We have changed what we call our institution, but we have not changed who we are,” said Dr. Barbara Baxter, ASU Mid-South interim chancellor. “Our mission to meet the higher education needs of our region continues to be our driving force. Other than new signs, new logos, new ID cards, and new web and email addresses, our students probably won’t see a great deal of change in the next few months.”

“Our long-term hope is that our merger with the ASU System will bring enhanced program offerings to our campus and even greater opportunities for our students to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees without leaving Crittenden County.”

MSCC to Add ‘Real-World’ Welding Fabrication Area

Mid-South Community College will increase the physical size of its Welding Technology lab inside its current location and will construct a new building for maintenance equipment that will be displaced by the program expansion.

MSCC’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the $600,000 project at its June meeting.

Ed Cook, Lead Faculty for Welding Technology, said the additional space will be used to mirror conditions and situations welders face on the job, like pipe, confined-space, and aerial welding.

“We’re calling it a ‘real-world welding fabrication’ area,” Cook said. “Our advisory committee encouraged us to do this because, while our students are great welders, they sometimes have difficulty when facing a challenging work environment.”

Mid-South Trustees Receive Honorary Degrees at Final Meeting

During what is most likely the final meeting of the Mid-South Community College Board of Trustees, the institution awarded honorary degrees to board members for 2014-15. The college also presented Board Chair Mary Toney with a plaque for her leadership over the past 12 months.

The trustees, in turn, recognized Dr. Glen Fenter and Dr. Barbara Baxter with mementos in honor of their 20+ years of service. Both are retiring from the college this summer.

Pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission, MSCC will become part of the Arkansas State University System as ASU Mid-South on July 1, and the Board of Trustees will become a Board of Visitors.

While some of the trustees suggested special recognition for the three founding members – Toney, Solon Anthony, and Alex Coulter – Toney said she felt everyone should receive something for their time, effort, and place in MSCC history.

“I’ve tried to do everything this year that members asked, other than one thing. The board told me to do something for myself, Mr. Anthony, and Alex, but I wanted to do something for everybody. So I exerted my authority as chair.”

MSCC Foundation’s ‘Campaign For Hope’ Moving Steadily Toward Goal

The Mid-South Community College Foundation’s Campaign for Hope, a $250,000 scholarship fund-raising effort to honor outgoing president Dr. Glen Fenter, has topped 60 percent, and the effort is entering the home stretch.

Dr. Fenter, who has served the college and community for nearly 23 years, will retire from MSCC on June 30 and become chief executive officer of the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce. A Donor Appreciation Event and Tribute Dinner has been scheduled for June 26, and contributors of $500 or more will be invited to the special event.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of generosity in support of this scholarship,” Dr. Fenter said. “When members of our Foundation Board first discussed this idea with me, I told them I thought they could raise a whole lot more money if the fund were to pay me to leave town, not create scholarships.

Debra West Appointed Chancellor at Arkansas State University Mid-South

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – Arkansas State University System President Dr. Charles L. Welch today announced the selection of Dr. Debra West as chancellor of the ASU Mid-South campus.

West, an Arkansas native with broad experience in community college workforce training initiatives, will succeed Dr. Glen Fenter, who will resign June 30 as the first president of Mid-South Community College to become CEO of the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce. Pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission at its June 25-26 meeting, the college will become Arkansas State University Mid-South on July 1.

 “We conducted an extensive national search, had four outstanding finalists and I believe hired one of the most competent and visionary administrators in the country,” Welch said. “An added benefit is Dr. West’s strong knowledge of, and commitment to, this institution and the Delta region as a whole. One of the search advisory committee members stated she was looking for a candidate who was strong in communication, motivation and innovation. Dr. West definitely excels in those areas, and the response received from all campus constituencies was overwhelmingly positive regarding her leadership abilities.

Delaware North Co-CEO Helps MSCC Dedicate Hospitality Center

Louis Jacobs, co-chief executive officer of Delaware North, talked about family, history, and community spirit while participating in Mid-South Community College’s dedication of the $2.2 million Jeremy Jacobs Hospitality Center on June 2.

Speaking to a large crowd gathered in MSCC’s newest facility, Jacobs started his presentation with regrets from his father, whose name will appear on and in the building.

MSCC Foundation Seeks to Honor Dr. Fenter with Endowed Scholarship

Mid-South Community College’s Foundation Board of Directors has announced Campaign for Hope, a $250,000 fund-raising effort to honor outgoing president, Dr. Glen Fenter.

The campaign will focus on the creation of a scholarship endowment in Dr. Fenter’s honor that will support deserving students pursuing their dreams at MSCC.

“Glen Fenter is a visionary president whose leadership has had an extraordinary impact on Mid-South Community College and eastern Arkansas,” said Foundation Board Chair Franklin Fogleman. “By endowing this scholarship in Dr. Fenter’s honor, we ensure a tribute in perpetuity to Glen and the success he has been instrumental in achieving for the College.

MSCC Students Earn 15 Medals at SkillsUSA State Championship

Mid-South Community College students won two gold, nine silver, and four bronze medals at the Arkansas SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Championship at Hot Springs on April 14-15.

MSCC has earned 161 medals since joining the SkillsUSA competition in 2007.

Jeremie Paige of MSCC and the Academies of West Memphis and Veronika Pounds of MSCC and Earle High School won state championships and qualified to participate in the 51st annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville City this summer.

Educators’ Forum Draws High School Students to MSCC

Crittenden and Poinsett County high school students gathered recently at Mid-South Community College to hear about opportunities, rewards, and challenges of the teaching profession.
 

The 8th Annual Future Educators’ Forum included three breakout sessions, an MSCC campus tour, a keynote address by Tamika Jordan, Curriculum Technologist from Avondale Elementary School (Marion K-1), door prizes, and event T-shirts

“We had a good turnout again,” said Lori (Payne) Forrester, MSCC faculty member and Lead Instructor in the education program at the college who established the event. “It was fun, and the students really enjoyed it."

MSCC Introduces Sonja Tate as Lady Greyhounds’ Coach

Mid-South Community College formally introduced Sonja Tate as its women’s basketball coach on April 10, and the Crittenden County native had to rein in her emotions while addressing the large crowd.

“Honestly, I did not know this was going to be so enormous,” said Tate, a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and a former professional player in the U.S., France, Russia, and Spain. “I just thought I was going to slide in here and start coaching. I kind of got emotional back there (during the introduction); I’m going to try not to get emotional here.”

“I appreciate Dr. (Glen) Fenter, Coach (Andy) Stoglin, and Coach (Chris) Parker for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to come back home to be able to give back. You’re going to get my all because that’s all I know how to do. Nothing has ever been given to me; I’ve had to work for everything.”

Sonja Tate Coming Home to Coach Lady Greyhounds

Arkansas Sports Hall of Famer and Crittenden County native Sonja Tate, who has excelled as a player and coach on multiple levels, is returning to her roots to direct the Mid-South Community College Lady Greyhounds.

Tate, who played professionally in the U.S., France, Russia, Spain, succeeds interim coach Andy Stoglin as the leader of MSCC’s women’s basketball program.

“It is not often a college has the opportunity to hire both a homegrown talent and a former professional player, but we have done just that,” said MSCC Athletic Director Chris Parker who coaches the men’s team. “Her experience at the highest levels of women's basketball, both in the WNBA and overseas, has given her exposure to some of the top coaching in the game, and her love for our community has given her the motivation to return home.”

Tommy Goldsby Leaves the World a Better Place than He Found It

Albert Einstein, generally considered one of the greatest scientists of all time, once offered this bit of advice about making a positive impact on the world: “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” I can think of many people who have attained the former but far fewer who have accomplished the latter.

I don’t know if the late Thomas B. Goldsby Jr. had heard or read Einstein’s quote, but he certainly epitomized it. Mr. Goldsby could easily be described as successful by any applicable measures, but, more importantly, he lived a life of great value to others. While he passed from this life on March 15, Tommy’s amazing legacy of philanthropy and his desire to make a difference will be felt for generations to come.

I can safely say that Tommy was one of Mid-South Community College’s most passionate supporters, not only financially, but also in the way he valued the education and opportunities offered at our institution. Tommy’s vision was that higher education could and would spark economic development in our region, but his amazing philanthropy went well beyond classroom education and extended into a genuine love of Mid-South Community College – a love that he demonstrated on countless occasions in support of every major initiative we’ve pursued.

Adjunct Faculty Making ‘Super’ Contributions to MSCC

Mid-South Community College recently recognized seven adjunct faculty members for extraordinary contributions during the fall semester to our mission to change the educational landscape of the Arkansas Delta. Nakeisha Griffin, Daphne Jones, Murat Kavuncu, Roxanne Lee, Angela Payne, Darlene Smith, and Amy Ware received certificates and financial incentives for their above-and-beyond efforts to encourage our students.

Lee is the “dean” of the honorees with service to the College dating back to 2002. She served as a part-time instructor for us beginning in June of that year and continuing through July 2008 before taking a break to pursue additional higher education. She returned as an MSCC “regular” in January 2012. Lee has served as an educator since 1994, working at Memphis Catholic High School, Marion High School, Christian Brothers High School, Wonder and East Junior High Schools, and West Memphis High School.

Career Coach Program Providing Great Opportunities

Thanks to the special efforts of Mid-South Community College Career Coach Cortez Washington, two MSCC concurrent-enrollment/Academies of West Memphis students and one AWM student spent a day helping state lawmakers with their legislative duties.

On Feb. 10, Washington transported Mid-South students Kelsi Burns (taking three classes at MSCC) and Anna Beth Haney (taking two college classes), as well as Academies student Sabina Therenciel, to Little Rock to participate in the 90th General Assembly of the Arkansas State Legislature. The young women enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I’m so grateful for the Career Coach program for providing us with the experience of visiting our state capitol,” Burns said. “It was a great opportunity to meet Representative Deborah Ferguson, Senator Keith Ingram, and Governor Asa Hutchinson…. It was interesting to see how things work in our state government compared to the federal government which we learn about in our AP Government class.”

MSCC Math Students Succeed at Record Rate during Fall Semester

Mid-South Community College students succeeded at a record rate in Developmental Math and College Algebra during the fall semester, according to departmental figures released recently.

“Fall 2014 was a good semester for the Math Department; success rates were our best ever,” said Stephanie Krehl, MSCC lead instructor for Developmental and Technical Math. “We’re excited and encouraged by the students’ positive response to our efforts to help them succeed, and we are working to maintain that momentum during the spring semester.”

The greatest improvement came in Developmental Math III, the final step before College Algebra. Students passed the classes at a 73.2% clip, 21.3% better than in Fall 2012 and 26% better than Fall 2013.

MSCC To Host Math Contest March 7; Registration Deadline Set for Feb. 27

Suppose that $7,500 is invested in an account that pays 3% compounded continuously. Find the amount in the account after 5 years.

Junior and senior high students who think they can answer that question will want to participate in the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Mathematics Contest at Mid-South Community College on Saturday, March 7.

MSCC is serving as a competition site for the ninth consecutive year.

“We are pleased to provide this academically-stimulating opportunity and look forward to great participation from the students of our region,” said Regional Director Anthony Wilkinson, lead faculty for Mathematics at MSCC. “Hosting some of the best mathematical minds in the region is always an exciting event for Mid-South Community College.”

Military Education Publication Selects MSCC as Top School

Military Advanced Education (MAE) has awarded Mid-South Community College the designation of a Top School in its 2015 Guide to Colleges & Universities which measures best practices in military and veteran education. MSCC is a four-time winner of the recognition.

“We consider it an extraordinary honor to play a part in the educational and career success of our military veterans and their families,” said MSCC President Dr. Glen Fenter. “The men and women who serve our country give their best for us every day, so it’s a privilege of the highest order for us to extend the same courtesy to them.”

“MSCC recognizes the unique learning needs of military personnel, and we are dedicated to assisting them in their efforts to achieve academic success,” added Dr. Barbara Baxter, MSCC Executive Vice President. “We are proud of our long-standing commitment to provide quality educational programs and student support services to the men and women who defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy.”

Mid-South Community College, ASU Boards Approve Merger

WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – Mid-South Community College will become Arkansas State University Mid-South on July 1 under a merger agreement approved and executed today.

The Mid-South Board of Trustees and Arkansas State University Board of Trustees approved resolutions authorizing the merger. ASU System President Charles L. Welch and MSCC President Glen Fenter signed the agreement and transition plan.

“"We are thrilled to partner with the Arkansas State University System," said Mary Toney, chair of the MSCC Board. “ASU and Mid-South share many common goals for higher education and workforce development in the Delta. Working together, I'm confident Mid-South will continue to build on the foundation established by Dr. Fenter and his team.”

Charles Luter, chair of the ASU Board, said Mid-South has been a national model for community colleges and workforce training and will be a welcome addition to a progressive, growing system.

“Dr. Fenter has been a visionary and built a fine institution,” Luter said. “We have tremendous respect for this institution and appreciate the trust its board has placed in us to help continue and escalate its mission.”

“This is a historic day for the ASU System and Mid-South,” Welch said. “Dr. Fenter and his team have made Mid-South a vital workforce training and education connection between students and employers with very progressive ideas. Those efforts are consistent with our system’s goals to enhance educational opportunities and contribute to economic development in the Delta region and throughout the state.”

Fenter, who became the first president of the college in 1992 and will continue as president until July 1, said he looks forward to ensuring a smooth transition. He will become president emeritus of ASU Mid-South on July 1, when he becomes CEO of the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce.

"I'm very proud of what we have accomplished at Mid-South in our service to the Delta, and I'm just as excited about the opportunities ahead with the support of the ASU System," Fenter said. "Our board agrees that this move will help us efficiently increase and improve the delivery of higher education and workforce training in the eastern Arkansas Delta region, while also allowing us to continue a great deal of autonomy."

The merger is contingent upon accreditation approval by the Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association. MSCC and the ASU System will work together on that process during the next few months, Welch said.

MSCC serves 2,000 students in Crittenden County and the surrounding area of the Delta. Originally established as a vocational-technical school, Mid-South Community College became a comprehensive community college in 1992.

The ASU System serves 20,800 students throughout Arkansas and includes Arkansas State University, a four-year research institution in Jonesboro; ASU-Beebe, with additional campuses in Heber Springs and Searcy; ASU-Newport, with additional campuses in Jonesboro and Marked Tree; ASU-Mountain Home; and instructional sites in Paragould and at the Little Rock Air Force Base.

MSCC Offering Late Registration on Monday, Jan. 12

Regular registration for Mid-South Community College’s spring 2015 semester has ended, but students still have the opportunity to enroll in life-changing courses and educational/technical programs.

Late registration will be held on Monday, Jan. 12, 9 a.m.-noon and 3 p.m.-6 p.m., in the Donald W. Reynolds Center on MSCC’s South Campus.

Mid-South’s spring classes are scheduled to begin Jan. 12 and continue through May 4.