BOARD OF TRUSTEES
T. Jack Ramsey Tenure of Service: 1983 Tishomingo County Banker
John Anderson Tenure of Service: 2016 Alcorn County Educator
Tracie Langston Tenure of Service: 2004 Prentiss County Businesswoman
Lonnie Murphy
Tenure of Service: 2020 Prentiss County Retired Educator
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Vance Witt Tenure of Service: 2001 Union County Businessman
Ken Basil Tenure of Service: 2007 Union County Retired Educator
Sam McCoy Tenure of Service: 1988 Prentiss County Businessman
Tenure of Service: 2020 Prentiss County Chancery Clerk
Christie Holly Tenure of Service: 2014 Tishomingo County Superintendent of Education
Larry Mitchell Tenure of Service: 2016 Alcorn County Retired Educator
Mike Staten Tenure of Service: 2021 Union County Bank President
SECRETARY
Tippah County Retired Educator
Douglas Jackson Tenure of Service: 1995 Tippah County Retired Educator
Katie Moreland Tenure of Service: 2020 Prentiss County Retired Educator
Tenure of Service: 2002 Prentiss County Retired Educator
Kathy Shappley Tenure of Service: 2016
Bubba Pounds
Luzene Triplett
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Northeast continues to grow and move forward in many areas. As we try to maintain the academic excellence Northeast has established, we must continually be on the forefront of technology.
The world we live in today demands this expertise from our graduates. Getting our students successfully through college and into the workforce is our top priority. Sometimes we fail to understand that this is a shared responsibility.
Developing community partners is of the utmost importance in providing unlimited possibilities for Northeast graduates. We rely on our tremendous faculty to provide top quality and up-to-date instruction. Northeast graduates will graduate with the knowledge and expertise to meet the challenging demands of today’s workforce.
With the arrival of the COVID-19 virus we have made many decisions that affected our day to
day operations. Even though we have resumed some type of normalcy we continue to be aware of the danger of the COVID virus that unfortunately still exists. Keeping in mind we will adhere to all CDC and MSDH guidelines to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff.
During this critical health crisis and pandemic, we (Northeast) took the lead and provided valuable leadership for the state’s colleges and universities to follow. Northeast has provided and will continue to lead the way in classroom instruction with our technology initiative we have in place.
COVID has created several good practices during the last two years. However, there have been a few practices created within our daily lives that are not great characteristics. We have created a level of accepatance which has lowered the expectations of ourselves and the individuals that surround us. We must return to the precovid days in which we do not rely on distance learning and teleworking so heavily. Currently, we are turning to the teleworking concept at times we do not need it. Distance learning and teleworking certainly has its place within the educational system, but we must not completely rely on this concept of learning and instruction for our convenience.
Northeast will be entering the COVID recovery period and attempting the return to uninterrupted face-to-face classrooom instruction for students that request it.
We have an emphasis being placed on graduating career technical and middle skilled workers now more than ever. With this being very important, we cannot forget the careers that require a more advanced degree. Professions
such as educators, doctors, lawyers and engineers, just to name a few, are all important. We must maintain a stable and balanced job market.
Workforce development continues to be a priority for Northeast. We must continue to be a partner and key player in economic development. As we form partnerships with all members of our communities, we continue to be committed to assisting the enhancement of the quality of life to all citizens of northeast Mississippi. Toward this end, Northeast now has centers located in each of our five supporting counties. These centers will provide the citizens of each county easy access to all services available. One of our goals is to provide an AA degree for local citizens without them being required to travel a long distance.
Northeast desires to provide the complete college experience to all our students. In order to continue toward that end, we must constantly strive to expand and excel. We must have a vision. Through our Grow Northeast and Moving Forward initiatives, we have developed just that.
Through our marketing and community relations efforts, we have raised our visibility, advanced our brand, and articulated a clearer message. A popular item is our weekly podcasts, marketing all areas of the college to students, the institution, and the community.
The offices of Public Information and Marketing/ Community Relations have worked together to utilize all aspects of social media to its fullest extent.
We covet your support as we constantly monitor and measure our progress as we continue to grow and move forward.
We could not be effective with everything we do if not for the support of the Board of Supervisors in each county. Northeast Mississippi Community College belongs to the citizens of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties. We must therefore devote our time and energies to assist these citizens.
In recent days, Northeast has experienced growth in our enrollment as students from all over Mississippi and the U.S. have recognized the high- tech instruction we deliver. They have chosen to attend Northeast in order to be at the forefront of a highly technological classroom which leads to high employability rates. The increase in enrollment has increased our portion of state appropriated funds.
Northeast is fortunate to have a tremendous Board of Trustees. This group is very supportive of our work and the Grow Northeast/Moving Forward vision. With their guidance and leadership, I can only envision Northeast becoming a greater and greater asset to northeast Mississippi.
Northeast has been very successful in past years primarily due to the passion, devotion and energy of all the employees of Northeast. We have a workforce that is second to none. They are the strength of this institution.
I invite you to investigate all the possibilities that are available at Northeast. Please come visit anytime. Join us as we Grow Northeast and Continue to Move Forward!
DR. RICKY G. FORD PRESIDENT
Student Ratio
EXPENDITURES
Instruction $15,147,156
Instructional Support $825,568
Student Services $4,172,563
Institutional Support $5,387,395
Student Aid $2,782,976
Physical Plant $4,149,358
Net Transfers Out $3,958,181
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $36,423,197
REVENUES
State Appropriations $14,118,004
Tuition and Fees $11,180,115
State and Federal Contracts $3,514,721
County Appropriations $1,960,113
Other Revenues & Transfers In $566,518
TOTAL REVENUE: $31,339,471
NET REVENUE TO RESERVES: ($5,083,726)
NET REVENUE TO RESERVES AS PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES: -16.22%
DIVISION OF FINE ARTS
Northeast music, theatre and art students were busy with many creative activities during the 202122 school year and returned to full strength following the restrictions of COVID.
The Art Gallery, located in Anderson Hall, featured exhibits by Tony Bullard (August 25–September 27), Judy Tucci & Maria Hughes (October 12– November 11), Five Up-AndComing artists (January 20 – February 17), the Annual High School Art Competition, (March
3 – 24), and the Annual Northeast Student Art Competition / Exhibition (April 7-27). The Art department had outstanding participation in the Northeast Student Art Show for 202122. Each studio class was represented at the student art show.
Northeast theatre director Christopher Schager led students in four short plays in October of 2021: “Once Upon a Blue Moon” by Laura Cotton, “Pop Star” by David MacGregor, “Moving Shortly” by Sheri Wilner, and “For Mr. Cuddles” by Erin Moughn. In February of 2022, the Theatre and Vocal Departments collaborated to produce a Musical Cabaret consisting of solos and ensembles from Broadway shows.
The Northeast Choir performed twice with the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra during 2021-22 in collaboration with the Itawamba Community College choir. Additionally, they presented a concert for the Corinth Music Club in April. A new small vocal ensemble was created during 2021-22 called “The Voices.” Designed to help recruit singers for the choral program, the group conducted two high school tours during the school year.
The Northeast Tiger Band performed at home football games and pep rallies during the fall semester, in addition to the Booneville Christmas Parade. They also performed an exhibition for the Corinth Crossroad Classic band competition and hosted and performed at the Northeast Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships for high school bands. The Tiger Band Showcase was held on April 12, 2022, and featured performances by the Concert and Symphonic Bands, the Jazz Band, the Pom Squad, and the Winter Guard. Additionally, The Northeast Jazz Band performed at the Tallahatchie Honor Jazz Band, and the Northeast Trombones performed at the Slidin’ in the Delta Trombone Day at Delta State University.
The Northeast Winter Guard participated in Mississippi Indoor Association (MIA) competitions in Brandon, Southaven, and the state finals in Oxford, winning a bronze medal. They hosted and performed in an exhibition at the NEMCC Indoor Championships for high school students.
Northeast Campus Country, directed by Chris Dunn, performs four Showtime concerts throughout the school year, including an acoustic pre-show at the beginning of their last show on April 22.
DIVISION OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Northeast’s Division of Health Sciences offers eight programs that prepare graduates for careers in health science.
Graduates of six of these programs: Associate Degree Nursing, Dental Hygiene Technology, Medical Assisting Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care Technology, all earn an associate of applied science degree. A certificate is earned by graduates of the Practical Nursing Education Program.
In addition, the Medical Assisting Technology program offers a certificate option. Each program in the division is accredited by national and/or state accrediting commissions or boards. The division has one Associate Vice President of Health Sciences, who serves in an administrative function. All programs in the division have a program director who serves as a faculty member for their respective programs. There are currently 35 full-time faculty who provide classroom instruction, serve as academic advisors and sponsor many different student organizations. The division also has an academic advisor and two full-time administrative assistants.
The Medical Assisting Technology program met thresholds for retention, job placement, graduate survey, employer survey, and exam
outcomes on the 2021 Annual Report Form submitted to the Medical Assisting Education Review Board. For the past two years, our program’s national examination scores have been higher in all three content areas (administrative, clinical and general) than all programs nationwide.
The Dental Hygiene program is proud of its instructors. Alana James is working on a Ph.D. in health administration at U.M.C., and Carrie Fowler just completed an M.S.M. at Faulkner University. In the fall of 2021, the program resumed normal clinical activities and successfully serviced many community members with either free or low-cost treatment.
The Practical Nursing program continues to complete at three different times each year in May, August and December.
The Associate Degree Nursing program met program outcome E.L.A.s related to completion, NCLEX pass rates, and job placement. Our next ACEN and I.H.L., a joint accreditation site visit, is scheduled for February 2023, with our systematic program evaluation and self-study underway due to the site visitors by December 21, 2022. Dr. Heather Kirk completed her Nurse Educator Certification (C.N.E.) in June 2022.
The Radiologic Technology program successfully submitted its interim report to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology.
The Division of Health Sciences is excited to announce the opening of the Diagnostic Sonography Program this fall. The program will have a total student capacity of 12. The Program Director is Alison Goodwin, and the clinical coordinator is Lacey Nichols.
DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS & SCIENCES
The Division of Mathematics and Sciences comprises 23 faculty members who teach mathematics, natural sciences, computer science and agriculture courses. Members of the division seek to continually use updated information, techniques, and resources in their respective areas to provide the best possible preparation for students for careers in current and future disciplines.
During the past academic year, five of the faculty in this division sponsored/co-sponsored five on-campus clubs/organizations in addition to their regular teaching and student advising responsibilities. To keep abreast of their respective disciplines, faculty currently hold active memberships in 45 professional organizations and participate in various interconnected conferences at the local, state and regional levels. As well as holding memberships in these organizations, faculty in the division made presentations, held offices and/or served on committees/boards in 20 of these organizations. Faculty members collectively participated in over 600 hours of professional development courses, workshops and in-service training sessions during this academic year. Two biology instructors
continue working on a project, Healthy Schools, in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Education and local K12 schools in the district.
The division sponsors the annual Junior High Mathematics Tournament and the High School Mathematics and Science Competition. These competitions involve students from the local schools in the five-county service district. In addition, faculty members assist with other competitions held by other divisions on our campus. Moving the Science Fair back to an inperson format was exciting this past year. We look forward to doing the same next year with the Junior High Competition.
The Division offers seated, online and hybrid courses. Equipment and software have been purchased as the budget has allowed, keeping the division up-to-date in our teaching practices and delivery methods. Instructors have continued efforts toward using Open Educational Resources (O.E.R.) materials in their courses. Many of our courses continue to use O.E.R. materials, which saves our students considerably. Instructors also strive to stay abreast of technology. Many of our division faculty have achieved Apple Teacher distinction. All of our division members have completed the Course Design Canvas Training, which has improved the format of the virtual courses offered within our division.
As evidenced by the dedicated work and participation in a broad spectrum of professional activities, the entire Division of Mathematics and Sciences continues to strive for, and has achieved excellence in teaching methods, techniques and in the areas of professional and personal growth. They are not only great contributors to their respective teaching fields and division but also to their communities.
DIVISION OF SOCIAL, BEHAVIORAL, & APPLIED SCIENCES
The Division of Social, Behavioral and Applied Sciences includes 16 University Parallel Programs and the following disciplines: Social and Behavioral Sciences--Economics; Geography; History; Political Science; Psychology; and Sociology; Applied Sciences--Accounting; Business Administration; Business Communication; Criminal Justice; Elementary Education; Family and Consumer Science; Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Lecture Courses; and Social Work.
This academic year over 5,800 students took classes in the division, which includes 15 fulltime faculty members and an academic division head who teaches. Six of the faculty teach two disciplines, thereby increasing the flexibility of the division to offer the courses students need. The division relies on approximately 15 different adjuncts, some of whom hold full-time positions at Northeast in other divisions. All instructors, including adjuncts, have a minimum of a master’s degree, and six of the full-time instructors and two of the adjuncts have doctorate degrees with two more faculty pursuing a doctorate degree. Each full-time division member also serves as
an academic advisor to students, primarily those majoring in programs of study within the division.
Excellence in the classroom is the primary goal of the instructors in the division. Frequent reviews of goals, objectives, and instructional methods provide the best possible learning experience for the students, whether in seated or virtual classrooms. Within the past five years, each discipline in the division has participated in a state curriculum review which includes articulation with senior institutions and other community colleges to update course descriptions, syllabi, and programs of study.
Many of the classes, both traditional and virtual, are characterized by innovative and interactive teaching, including the use of instructor created podcasts, videos, guest speakers, raising a virtual child, and utilizing iPads as pedagogical tools.
By 2021-22, the division began moving toward Open Source materials, with ECO 2113--Principles of Macroeconomics serving as a pilot course. Currently, Open Source materials are used for fourteen different classes within our division. A student can now complete the core requirements taught by the division without purchasing a textbook.
Furthermore, the instructors focus on providing quality academic advising. In helping students select courses, advisors refer to the annually
updated Mississippi Articulation and Transfer Tool between the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and the Mississippi Community College Board. Agreements also exist with other local four-year institutions. Research of senior college requirements is a part of the annual review of each program of study, with appropriate revisions made as needed.
This year division instructors took advantage of many professional development opportunities. The entire division attended a series of professional development activities dedicated to our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Several individual instructors participated in training specific to their fields, including an accounting and tax workshop, Mobile Learning workshop and Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Conference.
Instructors stayed abreast of their fields in other ways, including making academic contributions and participating in professional societies. One instructor is a member in good standing of the Mississippi Bar Association. The division head/accounting instructor is a member of the Mississippi Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of CPA’s. Other instructors are members of the Mississippi Historical Society, the American Political Science Association, and the Mississippi Counselors Association. The criminal justice instructor is a certified law enforcement officer and continues to receive field training. One history instructor serves on the Membership Committee for the Mississippi Historical Society. One instructor was chosen as the college’s Humanities Teacher of the Year. The majority of the full-time instructors have worked outside the field or in other roles, thereby bringing a great deal of practical experience to the classroom.
Faculty members contribute to the college in numerous ways. The division chair and one faculty member are advisors of our nationally ranked Phi Theta Kappa Chapter. Another faculty member serves as the Northeast cheer coach. Two division members are co-directors of the Scholars’ Bowl Team. Division members contribute through twentytwo different standing college committees, plus special initiatives such as implementing the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement committee. One division member is the director of the Food Bank and another is the co-director of the Honors College. The government/history instructor was the organizer of the Voices and Votes exhibit provided by the Mississippi Humanities Council and Smithsonian Institute.
DIVISION OF LANGUAGES & HUMANITIES
Northeast’s Languages and Humanities Division includes the disciplines of English, Modern Foreign Languages, Philosophy and
Communications. Several division members received recognition for their dedication and work during the 2021-2022 school year.
Dr. Bill Stone attended The Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS) conference. Dr. Justin Treloar completed the Community College Policy Fellowship and participated in advocacy sessions with state leaders in Washington, D.C. Dr. Treloar also attended Phi Theta Kappa’s international convention
“Catalyst” in Denver, Colorado. Amanda Garvin sponsored the NEMCC creative writing contestTyger Symmetry, where the contest winners go on to compete in the statewide creative writing contest.
Eleven faculty members attended training workshops and conferences to enhance their expertise in technology in the classrooms, statewide curriculum objectives, and teaching dyslexic students. In addition, division faculty focused on service and sponsorship of programs to enhance student learning and generate educational experiences for students, colleagues and the community.
Awards and training certifications earned by division faculty included one instructor being selected for the Teaching Outstanding Performance (T.O.P.) Award winner for the Languages and Humanities Division and two faculty members attended “Creating Futures Through Technology” in Biloxi.
Dr. Justin Treloar served as an advisor for Phi Theta Kappa. During the 2021-2022 academic year, the Iota Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa finished tenth internationally. Dr. Justin Treloar was a member of the Distinguished Advisor Team as recognized by Phi Theta Kappa. Other division faculty members volunteered in the Tiger Delivering Every Need (D.E.N.) food pantry. The Tiger Den focuses on providing food security to students on campus. One division faculty member served on the Cultural Arts Committee. Through the Languages and Humanities Writing Lab, faculty served 152 students by helping students with written assignments across all Northeast Mississippi Community College curriculums.
DIVISION OF BUSINESS & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
The Division of Business and Engineering Technology offers career and technical education (CTE) training that is designed to provide students with the technical abilities and academic skills needed to be competitive in today’s job market. Programs of study within this division fall within sector strategies identified by the local workforce investment board: Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, or Logistics: Transportation, Distribution and Warehousing. These training programs are directly related to the high-demand skills needed to gain employment in current or emerging occupations.
Northeast offers 22 career and technical education programs through the divisions of Business and Engineering Technology, including
both associate degree and certificate options. Additionally, many of our training programs offer students the opportunity to earn national certifications in relevant industrial fields. The division is comprised of thirty faculty and staff members, including twenty-three instructors that have specialized training and industry experience.
It has been a very productive year in the Division of Business and Engineering Technology. The division hosted the spring Job Fair in April. Over 80 employers and hundreds of students participated over two days.
Approximately 50 students and 20 companies participated in the Tiger Apprenticeship.
In coordination with the marketing department, CTE Counselor Carrie Cobb worked to create promotional videos for programs within the division and for the Tiger Apprenticeship.
One Hundred percent of Drafting, Design, and 3D Modeling students who are not continuing their education at a four-year institution accepted full time positions with organizations before graduation, four of which were Tiger
Apprentices. One hundred percent of students passed the AutoCAD Certified User national certification exam.
The IST program is an academic partner with EC-Council who is one of the most well- known cybersecurity certification authorities. Eighty-four percent (21/25) of students that took the EC-Council Secure Computer User certification passed. Instructor Nick Jackson earned EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator status and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.
The Precision Manufacturing and Machining program received an $8,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation, $15,000 from Mr. John Dunn and $1,000 from Ashley furniture.
The Early Childhood Resource & Referral Network had approximately 720 visitors to our R&R Center in Waller Hall. The Resource & Referral Network has hosted numerous community engagement events for parents and families and has conducted over 102 hours of professional development sessions which resulted in 256 childcare providers receiving contact hours as required by the Mississippi State Department of Health Childcare Regulations.
The NEMCC Childcare Center was awarded the “Child Care Strong” grant through the Mississippi Department of Human Services. This grant is offered to child care providers as a part of the American Rescue Plan and are designed to help with operating expenses.
The Construction Engineering Technology program received a $14,000 grant from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. These funds have been vital in helping to provide training equipment and certifications for students.
Jason Mattox, academic division head, served as president of the Career and Technical Officers Association (CTOA) for the Mississippi Community and Junior Colleges.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Continuing Education becomes increasingly essential to the overall mission of the College each year, and 2021-2022 was no different.
Northeast returned to host the Region IV Science Fair in person again after a two-year interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year was the first year the Lower and Upper Fairs were held on the same day with a combined Awards Ceremony.
The Commercial Truck Driving received a $1,110,021.80 grant for equipment, salaries, supplies, advertising and marketing from Accelerate MS.
Molina Healthcare awarded the Department of Continuing Education $25,000 for program scholarships.
ServSafe led all programs in trainees last year with 71 participants. Commercial Truck Driving and Radiology for Dental Assistants followed with 48 and 47, respectively. Certified Nurse Aides had 34, Emergency Medical Technicians 19 and Dental Assistants 9.
Program year 2021 was very productive for the Northeast WIOA Staff.
Around 430 participants utilized Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services, and student training programs used approximately $600,000 of WIOA funds. WIOA administered On-The-Job Training (OJT)
dollars for Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah and Union counties. Northeast provided over $260,000 in assistance to 18 employers to offset the cost of training.
The Tiger Apprenticeship Program witnessed 52 students participating with 38 employers to gain valuable work experience and work toward a two-year Career and Technical Education (C.T.E.) degree.
WIOA provided access to services for over 50,000 clients and students through the Northeast at Corinth One-Stop Center. Both Northeast at Corinth and Northeast at New Albany added training programs: Smart Start/MiBest, C-2-C, Medical/Business Office Assisting & Microcomputer. In the “Manufacturing Center” on the Corinth campus: Industrial Maintenance, Robotics & Production Technician were fully utilized this year.
Welding continues to be the most desirable workforce training program on the New Albany campus, along with Robotics, Injection Molding & Production Technician.
Northeast at Corinth added the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services as a partner and provided them with three office spaces. In addition, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Northeast Mississippi Community Services, Manpower, Strategic Solutions for Families, Corinth School District and the Corinth-Alcorn County Assistance Agency occupy space in the Corinth facility.
This year, WIOA staff continued to help provide multiple training classes designed to improve participant job readiness skills, served as a training/ testing location for various industries and state agencies and hosted the 2021 Jr. Auxiliary Leadership Bootcamp on-site for kids from ages 14-17. In addition, WIOA staff held multiple workshops to help students improve skills, such as resume writing and job interview skills.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Workforce Training and Economic Development encompasses the following areas: (1) Workforce Training (Customized Training) to provide training and training incentive funds to area businesses, industries, and emergency/medical services, (2) Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA)/ WIN Job Centers to assist adult and dislocated workers in attaining new and additional skills and locating employment, (3) Adult Education (AE) /High School Equivalency (HSE) training and testing, as well as basic skills training in preemployment, English as a Second Language,
etc., and (4) Continuing Education to provide workshops and classes for personal and professional enrichment, community service, and licensure recertification.
Northeast Mississippi Community College serves as the “One Stop Operator” for two WIN Job centers in our area: Corinth and New Albany. The WIN Job Centers are designed to provide job seekers, employers, and students a convenient way to access various services in one location. Our Corinth One Stop is categorized as a Comprehensive Center, and the New Albany location is now staffed five days a week.
The Division of Workforce Training and Economic Development provides training and funding assistance to offset the training cost incurred by area businesses and industries.
The funding for the training is provided annually through the enactment of the Mississippi Workforce and Education Act of 1994. The Division of Workforce Training and Economic Development developed and managed 41 statefunded workforce projects through the Workforce Education Subgrant System (WESS) and training projects funded through other state and federal grants. During FY 2022, 3,609 trainees received 22,132 instructional hours and 512,153 contact hours of training through 445 classes. The total budget for training in the five-county area reached $1,882,689.94.
1. Managed 41 Workforce Training Projects.
2. Taught 445 classes.
3. Trained 3,609 individuals
4. Provided 22,132 hours of instruction.
5. Logged 512,153 training contact hours.
6. Secured $1,882,689.94 in training dollars for the college district.
The Workforce Division launched a new online training program for employers that includes access to more than 700 topics. Courses can be customized to meet industry needs, and they are flexible to provide training on-demand. Employers now have the option to reskill, upskill or certify current employees with online training or a mixture of online and in-person training.
The NEMCC District Workforce Council is among the best in the state. The group is operating action teams to address workforce pipeline issues that have challenged our employers for years. Team members represent manufacturers, economic developers, local government leaders, K12 schools and the NEMCC Workforce support four action teams dealing with manufacturing skills, essential skills, school/industry relations and promotions/marketing.
ADULT EDUCATION
Total students enrolled: 1110
Enrollment by county: Alcorn (252), Prentiss (276), Tippah (130), Tishomingo (23), Union (202)
Total Percent of gains made: 52.8%
SMART START
Total students enrolled: 546
Total Smart Start certifications: 55
Total Smart Start credentials: 253
OPAC
Total students tested: 140
Students who earned one or more credential: 134
Total number of credentials earned: 542
GATEWAY
Total students enrolled: 79
Total HSE’s earned: 44
Total completed Smart Start: 70
Total participating in work experience: 49
Total entered employment/college: 56
Total earned EFL gain: 48
Total earning essential skills certificate: 73
Total earning CRC certificate: 48
IET CAREER PATHWAY PROGRAM
Enrolled in Career Pathway Program: 3
Enrolled in Workforce courses: 49
Total completions: 2
Total earned credentials/certifications: 2
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA
Total tested: 327
Total HISET Passed: 134
Total GED Passed: 46
Total HSE Passed (HISET+GED): 183 Pass Rate: 55%
NATIONAL CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATE (WORKKEYS)
Total tests administered: 967
Total Bronze certificates: 242
Total Silver certificates: 254
Total Gold certificates: 117
Total Platinum certificates: 53
Total number of retests: 160
COLLEGE & CAREER NAVIGATOR
Students assisted with finding employment: 23
Students assisted with enrollment into post secondary education or training: 86
ADULT EDUCATION
Northeast’s Adult Education Program offers various avenues to enhance the skills and abilities of individuals, preparing them for the workforce or additional educational opportunities. To be competitive in today’s work environment, individuals must prepare themselves in math, reading, writing, communication, teamwork and computer skills. The Adult Education (A.E.) programs – A.E. & Basic Skills, Career Pathways, WIOA Gateway, and MIBEST (Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) – provide the needed assistance in developing these skills and abilities for individuals to move
effectively into diverse work settings. These skills are taught through the Smart Start and Adult Education classes.
In total, 1,103 students were served in Adult Education, resulting in a 53.14 percent success rate. The performance target set by the state of Mississippi is 50.2 percent.
Included in the 53.14 success percentage were 180 high school equivalency completions, 240 Smart Start credentials and 51 Smart Start completions.
Fifty-eight students entered post-secondary education/training or the military. Eighty-five students gained employment.
Of the 139 students sitting for the 46 Office
Proficiency Assessment and Certification (OPAC) Exams, 590 individual exams were administered, 537 exams passed with 70 or above, and a 91-percent overall pass rate.
A.C.T. WorkKeys® (C.R.C.) Tests were administered to 971 students. Career Readiness Certificates were awarded to 667 students, while 12 IC3 certifications were earned through the Computer Applications Career Pathway Class.
There were 59 Career Pathway Completions, 72 WIOA Gateway Essential Job Skills Certificates, 53 WIOA Gateway Work Experience participants and four Challenge Exams Administered for College Credit.
Of the 27 students enrolled in the MIBEST program, 13 also enrolled in Workforce classes. Fourteen MIBEST Students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (C.T.E.) at Northeast. Gateway Youth Program is open to participants ages 16-24. It is designed to give these students every advantage to compete in this challenging workforce through paid internships, one-onone counseling, essential job skill training and certification, and basic literacy skills. Industry and national certifications such as A.C.T. WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) are available. Pathways toward a High School Equivalency diploma, career, advanced training, college or the military lead to employment.
Of the 79 enrollees last year, 46 high school equivalency diplomas were earned along with 50 Smart Start completions, 48 career readiness certifications and 70 essential skills certificates. Forty-nine gained work experience, and 56 entered the workforce, while 49 achieved total earning education advancement.
EULA DEES MEMORIAL LIBRARY
The Northeast Library experienced significant growth and change during the 2021-2022 academic year, despite facing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to improve the library’s student services, the library staff renovated and upgraded three of the library’s five available study rooms just before the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester. This update included adding new media tables, TVs, large dry erase boards, and updated seating for studying, along with green screens to support video creation and provide project-based learning opportunities. These updates nearly doubled study room usage. This year the library scheduled 821 study reservations compared to the 438 reservations in the previous year.
Additionally, the library staff added new resources to the library’s physical and digital collections at the beginning of the school year. The acquisition of board games has been popular, as indicated by the 125 game checkouts this year. On the digital side, the Overdrive platform became accessible to Northeast students and employees in August 2021. Patrons are able to access thousands of eBooks and audiobooks through Overdrive, which supports the college’s growing number of online students. The library’s circulation statistics for books increased to 3,068 this year (last year’s number = 2,972). This number combines all formats—print, eBooks, and audiobooks.
Members of the Library staff were proactive in pursuing professional development opportunities and participating in campus events this year. Altogether, the Library is represented on 18 campus committees. In addition to committee work, librarian Sherita Taylor has been a member of Strategic Doing Team 2.2, focused on providing students with instructional technology support. Additionally,
she helped plan and worked as a volunteer during Diversity Day in April. Kalah Rogers, librarian, applied for and was accepted into the Apple Learning Coach program. She completed the training in July 2022 and is excited to use her certification to provide training for other educators. Kalah is also actively involved in the Strategic Doing efforts on campus. She is a member of Team 1.2, whose focus is to improve advising. Library Director Ellice Yager attended several professional development conferences and workshops throughout the year: Capturing Kids’ Hearts in Oxford; Creating Futures in Biloxi; ISTE in New Orleans; and Northeast’s own Mobile Learning Conference. Ellice served as the editor for the Strategic Doing Newsletter that was sent out to employees each month, and she served as secretary for the Mississippi Community College Library Directors.
The library enjoyed participating in fun activities involving the community this year, such as Northeast’s first annual Tent or Treat in October and the Northeast Now events in the fall. Also, the Library hosted a tour for the Thrasher Elementary second grade classes and treated the kids to a lively story time featuring several Northeast employees!
The library, along with the Library Committee, planned and celebrated National Library Week in April with a week full of activities, including a pizza party, a movie and popcorn night (the students voted for the movie on social media), and a scavenger hunt. Students who completed the Scavenger Hunt were entered into a drawing to win prizes.
Finally, the Library was a proud recipient of the TIE Committee’s Reach for the Sky award this year. The entire staff contributed to the Library receiving this honor. Each staff member brings unique talent to the team and contributes something different to make the Library successful. We are excited to continue moving forward during the next school year.
ATHLETICS
Northeast’s Tiger softball team finished the season as the number six seed in the MACCC standings and finished third in the state tournament en route to clinching a berth in the Region 23 Tournament played at Co-Lin. The Tigers defeated four teams in the top 10 of the NJCAA rankings in the last four weeks of the season, including one against then-ranked number one Co-Lin. Cassidy Duskin (Ardmore, Ala.) was recognized by the National Fast-Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) as a National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Division II All-American.
Richy Harrelson and the Tiger baseball team hosted a first-round series at The Plex for the first time in its stadium history. Colby
Holcombe (Florence, Ala.) was named the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Pitcher of the Year and First Team NJCAA All-American. Jackson Owen (Starkville, Miss.) was awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The Tigers finished the year winning 16 of their last 19 conference games.
Golf was represented in the NJCAA National Tournament for the second consecutive year as Tate Dickerson (Booneville, Miss.) and Andrew Fennell (New Albany, Miss.) qualified for the tournament based on their regular-season scoring averages. Dickerson earned NJCAA First Team All-American honors after finishing in the top 10, while Fennell finished in the top 35.
Cord Wright and the men’s basketball team made their ninth straight postseason appearance. The Tigers advanced to the finals of the MACCC Tournament and the semifinals
of the Region 23 Tournament. The team also set a program record by winning their 31st consecutive game inside Bonner Arnold Coliseum. Zeke Cook (Starkville, Miss.) was named NJCAA third-team All-American.
Brenda Mayes’ and the women’s basketball team hosted a Region 23 Tournament playoff game and advanced to the quarterfinals of the region tournament. It was the Lady Tigers’ fifth postseason appearance in the last six years. Calysia Phillips (Lyon, Miss.) was named a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-American.
Tennis made its return to the Tiger athletic lineup. The Tigers played two home matches on the on-campus courts, while the other home matches took place at Bank of New Albany (BNA) Park in New Albany.
The Tiger football team finished the season winning three of its last five games, including its last two. The Tigers defeated Itawamba for the third time in a row for the first time since the 1968-70 seasons. Jamarcus Smith (Saltillo, Miss.) was named a CoSIDA Academic AllAmerican for the second consecutive season.
The cheerleaders were cheering on the Tigers at all the home football and basketball games.
Archery made its debut at Northeast as a club sport. Under the direction of coach Parrish Huddleston, the Tigers had five medalists at the state meet. They include Sarah Davis (gold, women’s recurve), Michalea Holt (gold, women’s bare bow), Nick Hopper (gold, men’s bare bow), Jacob Evans (silver, men’s bare bow) and Jordan Haddock (bronze, men’s bare bow).
$3,280,981 $1,998,253 $1,338,000 $4,613,732
EMPLOYEE ENHANCEMENT GRANT
Northeast Mississippi Community College Development Foundation Board of Directors allocated $15,000 for Employee Enhancement grants during 2021. These funds were fully funded through the contributions of the Northeast employees. The 2021 EEF Steering Committee members were Will Bowlin (Chairperson), Beth Byrd, Michael Byrd, Tony Finch, Paige Sasser, and Christopher Schager.
2021 T.I.P./T.O.P. AWARD WINNERS
Because of the continued dedication and commitment to Northeast, the Northeast Development Foundation created the T.I.P/T.O.P. (“Tremendous Individual Performance” and “Teaching Outstanding Performance”) Awards. The T.I.P. Awards program is designed to recognize “Tremendous Individual Performance” for non-administrative staff members of Northeast Mississippi Community College. The T.O.P. award is given to one outstanding faculty member from each of the academic divisions who show innovative teaching methods.
Paige Sasser
Mason Smith Division of Business and Engineering Technology
Raleigh Downs Graphic Designer
Michael Byrd
Dr. Tabitha Perrigo Division of Social, Behavioral and Applied Sciences
Will Bowlin (Chairperson)
Dr. Beth Dawson Division of Health Sciences
Christopher Schager
Bonnie Wanner Division of Mathematics and Sciences
Leigh Ann Stewart Director of Counseling Services
Tony Finch
Christopher Schager Division of Fine Arts
Beth Byrd
Candy Miller Division of Languages and Humanities