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.”