Fall 2022 Northwest Now

Sam Brumfield

Pearl| Sophomore PATHWAY GENERAL COLLEGE - PRE-NURSING

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

The John S. “Sonny” Orrell Endowed Scholarship

About Brumfield:

Sam is a sophomore linebacker from Pearl, Mississippi and has maintained a 4.0 GPA since coming to Northwest. Last year, Sam helped Northwest to a 9-3 overall record, the MACCC Championship and an appearance in the inaugural NJCAA Division 1 Football Championship. He recorded a team-high 93 total tackles last year, was the recipient of several academic honors, including President’s List, CoSIDA Academic All-American and First Team NJCAA All-Academic nods.

Why did you choose Northwest?

Coming to Northwest has been the best decision! I’ve gotten to meet new people and make good friends. The administration, coaches, and teachers are all amazing. Here at Northwest it’s just a great place to be and we’re all one big family.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan for the future is to continue my academic and athletic career playing Division 1 football. I look forward to graduating this December and to what opportunities are ahead.

Are there any instructors you want to recognize?

The faculty and staff always helped me go above and beyond. The coaches especially have played a huge role in helping take myself and my teammates’ performance to the next level. Across the board, everyone helps push students like myself to be the best.

What does receiving a Foundation scholarship mean to you?

Receiving a scholarship like mine means that someone took the time to give something they knew would have an impact. Taking that kind of time to grant someone an opportunity is powerful.

The word that readily comes to mind that best describes this year, particularly this fall semester, has been the word “growth.” Our administration, faculty, and staff have been working diligently over the last few years in some amazing ways in efforts to create new programs and services. This growth is evident this fall in every area of the College thanks to the hard work of all of our Northwest family. Record student enrollment growth has taken place in every semester of 2022 (spring, summer, and fall), and every campus has experienced this growth. The college has been able to grow Career-Technical Education and Health Science enrollment by double digits this year. Even though a historic pandemic negatively affected institutions nationwide, including Northwest, the College has been able to bounce back and thrive.

The College’s physical footprint continues to grow. In Senatobia, plans are underway to add a new men’s residence hall, renovate the Library, and continue work on academic classroom facilities. A new facility on the DeSoto Campus in Southaven will begin its construction in 2023 for the benefit of the healthcare industry and for workforce training for business and industry. In Oxford, at the Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center, plans are taking place to construct a new facility to assist in healthcare training as well. The college has experienced historic growth in funding opportunities provided by federal agencies, the Mississippi Legislature, Accelerate Mississippi, non-profits, and local support to help fund renovations and new facilities on our campuses.

Our new Northwest Center for the Performing Arts will open its doors in a few short weeks as the College raises the curtain on a 1,203-seat theater and instructional building on the Senatobia Campus. An outstanding season of entertainment lies ahead with performances by Kristen Chenoweth, Jay Leno, Billy Bob Thornton, Bobby Rush, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Dr. Ben Carson, The Pirates of Penzance, Pinkalicious, and several others. Tickets are on sale now at www.nwccpac.org.

The athletic growth on campus has been very exciting. Our student-athletes are the best in Mississippi, which is demonstrated by their hard work on the field and court, and in the classroom. Northwest was honored by having five All-Academic teams this year, and two of those teams—women’s soccer and football—had not only the best academic standing in the state, but were also recognized by the NJCAA as having the highest GPAs in the country. The Rangers continue to make strides in the post-season and on the national stage with our Ranger softball team, women’s soccer team, and football team all participating in their respective national playoffs. Ranger Athletics grew this fall by adding men’s and women’s tennis.

Lastly, the historic capital campaign to raise $4.5 million for campus programs and facilities—currently at $4.3 million—stands as evidence of the growth in community support for our future. That future envisions a place where students receive scholarships, where students get a great, affordable and accessible education, where students get prepared to work in careers that support family-sustainable wages, and a place where graduates raise families right here. Students can truly “Go Far…Close to Home!”

Thank you for your support in helping make “growth” a reality at Northwest Mississippi Community College!

Go Rangers!

Sincerely,

Heindl

VisionNorthwest Mississippi Community College transforms our students’ lives, enriches our communities, and strives for excellence in our educational programs and services.

Mission

Northwest Mississippi Community College is an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha counties. NWCC is a learning-centered community providing educational opportunities with quality instruc tion for students from all walks of life. Our college fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and stu dent success. We strive for continu ous improvement, with a standard of excellence in every area of the institution. Our college partners with businesses and industries that seek to grow the economy and the workforce, as well as partners with alumni, friends, and others. Engage ment takes place in all communities that the college serves.

Dr. Michael J.

President, Northwest Mississippi Community College

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT'S SERVICE AWARDS 2022

The Northwest Mississippi Community College Alumni Association Board of Directors had its annual Homecoming meeting on October 20, 2022. Present for the meeting are pictured above: First row (L-R):  Patti Gordon - executive director, Institutional Advancement; Leeann Elrod – advancement specialist; Bonnie Burkes – secretary/treasurer; Kimberly Bland Wells – Quitman County representative; Jackie Myrick – president; Linda Maynor – Yalobusha County representative; Brenda Miles Gray – Benton County representative; Mary Bonds – faculty representative; Sylvia Evette Clark – at-large representative; Hannah Dickerson – scholarship coordinator; Anna Grace (Gracie) Perry – advancement services coordinator; Second row (L-R):  Noah Fraser – student representative; Dr. Michael Heindl – NWCC President; Jeff Horn – vice-president; Mike Boren – Tunica County representative; Stephen Box – Calhoun County representative; Don Randolph – Marshall County representative; Jerry Lightsey – Panola County representative; Robert Salmon – Tallahatchie County representative Photo by Julie Bauer

2022 President’s Customer Service Award for Faculty recipient Monica Williams, nursing instructor ; Pictured (L-R) Dr. Michael Heindl, Monica Williams, Dr. Stephanie Mullins - Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Mathew Domas - Vice President of Instruction

The President’s Service Award is given each year to one faculty member and one staff member who go above and beyond what is required of them in their duties.

2022 President’s Customer Service Award for Staff recipient Sarah Williams, Career-Technical Education office manager

SANDY GRISHAM EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

DESOTO EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD OXFORD EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

2022 Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award recipient Jennifer Hale, mathematics instructor Pictured (L-R) Dr. Michael Heindl, Jennifer Hale, Dr. Mathew Domas - Vice President of Instruction

2022 DeSoto Campus recipient Ebonē Dukes, Director of Funeral Service Technology program director Pictured (L-R) Dr. Michael Heindl, Ebonē Dukes, Dr. Keith Reed - Dean of DeSoto Center

The Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award is given each year to an outstanding academic faculty member from the Senatobia Campus who uses creativity, technology and innovation in the classroom. The award winner receives a check in the amount of $1,000 from the Northwest Foundation -The Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Endowment.

2022 Oxford Campus recipient Cathy Wilburn, Surgical Technology instructor Pictured (L-R) Dr. Michael Heindl, Cathy Wilburn, Dr. Don Jones - Dean of Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center

CONVOCATION MARKS THE START OF A NEW YEAR!

Story By Jennifer Griffith

Northwest kicked off the start of a new academic year by welcoming back faculty, staff, and students with annual convocations. Separate meetings were held for each group‒the Staff Convocation was held on Aug. 5, with Faculty Convocation on Aug. 8, the first day back to work for faculty.

During the meetings, faculty and staff were updated on college happenings and the latest developments on and around campus by Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl. Dr. Heindl also gave an overview of the college’s strategic plan and what lies ahead in 2022-2023, like the opening of Chickfil-A on the Senatobia campus, the launch of a Career Choice Partnership with Amazon, and the new one-stop enrollment center for students with the Advising and Retention Center (ARC). Dr. Emily Tucker Davis, the director of the ARC talked about the renovations to Yalobusha Hall to make it a one stop shop for student success with admissions, advising, financial aid, and housing all under one roof!

In addition to these updates, the annual Grisham, DeSoto, and Oxford Center Excellence in Teaching awards and President’s Awards were presented. New faculty members were also introduced, as well as instructors who have completed the ACUE Certification program: a program for facilitating a more equitable classroom environment and campus.

Student Convocation was held in Howard Coliseum on Aug. 10. Entitled, ‘Ranger Roundup,’ the event was held to help familiarize students with campus policies, student services, and clubs & organizations. Student hosts, Dakota Lesure and Elizabeth Swindell, emceed, while Ranger cheerleaders and drumline kept the excitement and Ranger spirit going! Tables and booths were available for students to discover more about assorted services on campus and how to get involved on campus.

Scan to view highlights from Convocation

Dr. Heindl shares the inspiration for Northwest's strategic plan reflects on the college’s values to be a “Student Ready College.”

19 members of Northwest’s faculty completed their ACUE certification this summer. This credential helps instructors with validated research to improve student achievement and equality gaps.

Dr. Tonyalle Rush, associate vice-president of student services and enrollment management, presents on the upcoming remodel to Yalobusha Hall which will create a universal location to serve students on campus.

Northwest celebrates 245 SUMMER GRADUATES

Story By Julie Bauer

Northwest officials announced 245 graduates have been awarded degrees and certificates for the summer 2022 semester. Degrees were officially conferred by Dr. Michael Heindl, Northwest president, on Aug. 1 during the college's 111th Commencement. Serving as Commencement speaker was State Rep. Lataisha Jackson, who represents Mississippi District 11.

The Associate of Arts is a two-year degree awarded to students in academic pathways as well as the Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program. It is designed as the first two years of a four-year college or university program leading to a baccalaureate degree. Graduates of the nursing program are prepared to take the nursing registry exam to enter the workplace as a registered nurse. Students must earn a minimum of 60 semester hours with a minimum grade point of 2.0 on all work completed.

The Associate of Applied Science is a two-year degree awarded to students in career-technical and most health science pathways. It is designed to meet the educational needs of students who are seeking preparation for employment in occupational fields not requiring a fouryear degree. Students must earn a minimum of 60 semester hours with a minimum grade point of 2.0 on all work completed.

The Technical Certificate is awarded to students completing a minimum of 45 hours in a specific technical program. It is designed to meet the educational needs of students who are seeking preparation for employment in occupational fields not requiring a four-year degree. Students must make a passing grade and average a minimum 2.0 grade point on those courses required in the curriculum.

The Career Certificate is awarded to students completing a one-year minimum of 30 hours in a specific career program. It is designed to meet the educational needs of students who are seeking preparation for employment in occupational fields not requiring a four-year degree. Students must make a passing grade and average a minimum 2.0 grade point on those courses required in the curriculum.

FA L L FUN

Administrative Hires

Angel Nickens

Northwest Mississippi Community College is proud to announce the promotion of Angel Nickens, former assistant dean of eLearning, to dean of the college’s eLearning Division.

“ELearning is a big component of the college, and has a pivotal big role to play in its continued success as the future education environment continues to change,” said Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl. “We are excited for Angel Nickens’ leadership in this area of the college.”

A 17-year veteran in higher education with 28 total years of teaching experience, Nickens is excited to lead Northwest’s online efforts following the retirement of eLearning Dean Phyllis Johnson, who led the program since its inception.

The Sarah native is a graduate of Northwest, and noted a number of family members who have either graduated from or been employed by the school. Nickens said she embarked on a teaching career after being inspired by one of her Northwest instructors. She models the “tough but compassionate” style of instruction that she said made an impact on her as a student.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biological science from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in natural science from Delta State University, Nickens began her career as a science teacher at North Sunflower Academy. She went on to teach science and biology at a number of institutions before becoming an adjunct instructor at Northwest in the fall of 2006. She joined the college as a full-time faculty member in 2007, going on to serve as the eLearning science coordinator in 2012 and assistant dean of eLearning in January of 2022.

Excited about the future of online education, Nickens said eLearning is proud to be making a difference in the lives of students.

“Our students are making critical decisions here on campus, and the community college experience allows for better relationships with students in the classroom,” she said.

One of her goals as dean is to add even more resources for Northwest eLearning students.

“Online education is not a sterile environment where learning happens,” she said. “At Northwest, we strive for a complete college experience. I want our online students to have an experience that resembles on-campus student life by providing elements like events, services, leadership opportunities, and student support that are normally found only for on-campus students.”

In recent years, the college’s course schedule has been transformed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning two years ago to a four-day course week, with all Friday classes having an online element.

“The online element allowed the college to continue education services despite the trials of the pandemic,” Nickens said. “Online education is not just an emergency reaction of the institution;

because of our COVID response, all of our instructors have become comfortable with online instruction.”

Northwest has experienced continued growth in online course delivery and online program options since the inception of the eLearning program. Athletes, members of performance groups and others who require a more flexible schedule have benefitted from the online course delivery format.

“Technology has gotten so good with 3-D mapping and simulations that medical doctors use it more in their studies,” Nickens said. “Nothing replicates the clinical or human aspect of the learning experience, but there are many applications for tech to help teach; some of that is connected to online education.”

A unique opportunity the college has recently piloted is offering synchronistic classes at each of its campuses, meaning that courses can meet at each campus simultaneously with a single instructor rotating through all locations.

“We are actively reviewing the services we provide to online students,” Nickens said. “Our goal is to help make online students more involved in our campus life. Technology has always been important to the school and the learning process, but it is fundamental now. I am excited to lead the eLearning campus and look forward to new things and challenges on the horizon at Northwest.”

Ainsworths plan estate gift for continued college growth

Story By LaJuan Tallo

Northwest alumna Sarah Garner Ainsworth and her husband, Jim Ainsworth have planned an estate gift to Northwest Mississippi Community College.

The Ainsworth family has a rich history with Northwest. Sarah Garner Ainsworth attended Northwest from 1961 to 1963. She was the yearbook editor, president of the Wesley Foundation, on the Student Council and a member of the Northwest Singers.

After graduating from Northwest, she went on to the University of Mississippi and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in education. While at Ole Miss she met her husband Jim, a pharmacy student. He went on to become CEO of Baptist Memorial Hospital and vice president of Operations for Baptist hospitals in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.

She taught science courses for many years around north Mississippi including at Oxford High School, Hernando High School and the Baptist College of Health Sciences, now known as Baptist Health Sciences University. Jim and Sarah established the Sarah Garner Ainsworth Endowed Scholarship in 2013.

Their eldest daughter, Rebecca Ainsworth Landman studied at Northwest for two years before transferring to the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy and younger daughter, Deb Ainsworth Ottens took summer school classes at Northwest. Two of the Ainsworths' grandsons, Hunter and Chase McGee studied at Northwest. Hunter graduated from the nursing school, and Chase graduated in May 2022 and transferred to Mississippi State University.

She and Jim, who live in Hernando, are active in their church and other community activities. As a volunteer at the Orpheum in

“We feel like Northwest provides a great foundation for students, and we feel very fortunate to have a school of this caliber in our area. I feel there is a lot to be gained from attending a smaller school. The connections you make there are invaluable. Northwest just continues to grow and improve”

Memphis, Sarah is particularly excited about the new Center for the Performing Arts at Northwest.

“We feel like Northwest provides a great foundation for students, and we feel very fortunate to have a school of this caliber in our area. I feel there is a lot to be gained from attending a smaller school. The connections you make there are invaluable. Northwest just continues to grow and improve,” Sarah said.

Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement, comments, “I have enjoyed so much getting to know Jim and Sarah. They are true philanthropists and seek to help others and better their community. The generations of the Ainsworth family who have attended Northwest is inspiring. Their desire to include Northwest in their estate plans is so appreciated and is encouraging to the college. Estate gifts ensure that the future of Northwest will remain strong and able to continue the standard of excellence that the college has established.”

Former students, faculty join community in planned giving.

ESTATE GIFTS IMPACT TOMORROW Leaving a LEGACY

RUSSELL PAULK, JR.

“

I started Northwest in 1968 as a college student and continued to return to take additional classes throughout my life. Each time I returned to further my education, I had a great experience. I desire for students to have the same experience I had as a young student and a life learner. Realizing the opportunity Northwest gives to students, it attracted me to be a financial supporter of Northwest. I know that Northwest provides a great opportunity for students in our community and the eleven-county district we serve. I have seen the growth and the potential the college has to offer stellar programs, so deciding to include Northwest in my estate plans was an easy decision.”

DR. KENNETH L. AND MARY SIPLEY

“Northwest was not only the last stop on my teaching journey, it was also the culmination of my career. I believe I learned at least as much as my students. One thing I learned was how much those students needed support in order to succeed. Scholarships for those students seemed like a good place to contribute some of my estate.”

HELEN GRAEBER OVERSTREET

“I would like to thank the Northwest community in a manner that will benefit our area and state in years to come. My father’s office was across from the campus for many years, and I watched my parents not only endow Northwest, but cheer for them and help with tuition for many students, employees and employees’ children. It’s my turn to cheer for education and all that Northwest does to inspire students and nurture their professionalism. It is with great pleasure that I have committed time, funds, scholarships, and capital, along with a future gift in my estate.”

As part of the Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow campaign, the Foundation Office will be contacting individuals concerning estate gifts. Supporters of Northwest can choose to leave specific assets, a stated amount or a certain percentage of their estate to Northwest. Estate gifts help build financial support for future student scholarships, academic programs or capital initiatives. Life insurance policies can also be a gift by listing the Northwest Foundation as the beneficiary. The Foundation has established The Northwest Legacy Society, which recognizes individuals who have made commitments to Northwest through planned gifts. If we have written documentation of your planned gift, your name is included in our Legacy Society.

3 BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING FOR DONORS

1

. Donors can create a legacy for themselves or their families.

2. Planned gifts may offer tax savings for donors or their heirs.

3 Planned giving donors can determine how their gifts are spent.

3 BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING FOR NORTHWEST

1. Planned gifts secure Northwest’s future by providing a promise of future funding.

2. Leaving a legacy gift can inspire others to do the same, ensuring Northwest’s future growth and success.

3 A legacy gift allows your philanthropic generosity to continue for perpetuity, benefiting future generations of Northwest students.

Longtime Foundation board member

Roberta Wilson Mayfield, who passed away in May 2022, was a staunch supporter of all things Northwest. She loved attending everything from football games to Fine Arts events.

Her sister, Marianne Wilson Veazey, has made a donation to the Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow Capital Campaign, so that her memory can be preserved in a special way. The Green Room at Northwest’s new Center for the Performing Arts will be named the Roberta Wilson Mayfield Green Room.

“Roberta loved the college and the Foundation,” Veazey said. “I wanted to do something a little different to highlight her interest in the arts. She loved all music, especially listening to our mother play organ and piano. She was a true lover of the arts.”

In addition to her Foundation board work, Mayfield was instrumental in the development of the Thomas P. and Virginia Moore Wilson Endowment, named in memory of her parents, who donated the land for the Baptist Student Union at Northwest. The scholarships are for Fine Arts students.

She also spearheaded the initiation of her family’s gift of 32 acres of land to the Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc./ Coldwater River Nature Conservancy for the Virginia Trails at Hunter’s Creek on Wilson Drive, near the campus. It will become a nature walk and preserved area

New performing arts center’s green room to be named for longtime board member

Story By LaJuan Tallo

for Senatobia and Tate County and will be a wonderful resource for both Northwest students and faculty.

Mayfield graduated from Senatobia High School and the University of Mississippi, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and where she earned a degree in education. She was crowned the Senatobia Centennial Queen in 1960, during the city’s 100th anniversary celebrations. Mayfield also loved to travel and took trips to Europe.

She taught school for several years, ran a shop in downtown Senatobia and worked in the real estate industry in Houston, Texas and in Senatobia and Tate County. She led her family’s company, Senatobia Investment, LLC for over 20 years.

She was a member of Sycamore Arts and the Magnolia Garden Club. She was a founding member and past president of the Tate County Economic Development Foundation, working on downtown development committees and was dedicated to the growth of Senatobia. Mayfield was named Tate County’s “Citizen of the Year” in 2012, which she called one of her most rewarding moments.

Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement, reflects and comments on the memory of Roberta: “Roberta was faithful in attendance to not only Foundation board meetings, but all events hosted by the Foundation. Her unwavering loyalty to Northwest always

“Roberta was faithful in attendance to not only Foundation board meetings, but all events hosted by the Foundation. Her unwavering loyalty to Northwest always shined through, invariably sporting her red and blue attire,”

– Patti Gordon

shined through, invariably sporting her red and blue attire. I feel privileged to have known Roberta Wilson Mayfield. She had such a sweet disposition and had a way of making you feel special. We are truly grateful to Mrs. Veazey for her generous gift to the capital campaign, which supports the performing arts center project. We are delighted to have a permanent place in the Northwest Center for the Performing Arts named in Roberta’s memory.”

Veazey feels like naming the Green Room for her sister is a fitting tribute as the land where the Center for the Performing Arts sits once belonged to the Wilson family. “I think she would love this. It feels very appropriate given Roberta’s love for Northwest, the arts, and Senatobia. It seems like the perfect thing to do,” Veazey said.

CELEBRATING Giving

Dear Friends of Northwest,

At Northwest Mississippi Community College, we are committed to helping students achieve their individual goals for higher education attainment and career success. In everything we do, from academics, arts, career-technical training, and athletics, our aim is to help positively transform student lives, enrich all of the communities we serve in northwest Mississippi, and strive for excellence in every program and service. Our values provide guidance in our work, and we ascribe to the values of accountability, integrity, excellence, respect, service, sustainability, accessibility, creativity, and leadership.

As the holiday season is upon us, I am reminded of all that I am thankful for. I am thankful to those who invested in me, early in life and then throughout my entire life, so that I might be able to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I am thankful for the gift of education I received many years ago as a community college student. I grew up in a single parent household. I have a twin sister and a younger brother who is eighteen months younger than my sister and me, and as you might imagine, we were in college at the same time. Were it not for the foundation scholarship I received as a community college student, I would not have been able to complete my education. It is because of our donors, those who give sacrificially, that many of our students at Northwest are able to attend and successfully complete college. Our students then are able to move forward to successful careers and fruitful lives in order to make positive differences.

In the recent scholarship recognition ceremonies on campus, we heard from students who mustered up the courage to tell their powerful stories. Through the scholarships that are provided to students, and the other ways that our donors help students through the Foundation—through textbook assistance and through emergency help in crisis situations—that provided the means that truly make a life changing differences in these students lives.

For these reasons, and as the year comes to a close, I ask you to please consider providing a gift of any denomination to the Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation. Your gift goes very far and is life-changing to our students. I can assure you that your support goes directly to the people most impacted—our students. Thank you in advance for considering this request. My family and I would like to extend to you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Go Rangers!

Sincerely,

Michael J. Heindl, PhD, JD President

To make your tax-deductible gift, please make your check payable to NWCC Foundation and mail to: NWCC Foundation, 4975 Hwy. 51 N., Senatobia, MS 38668. Or you may go to www.northwestms.edu/foundation to make an online contribution.

TVEPA MAKES GENEROUS DONATION TO CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Story By Julie Bauer

Officials at Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association (TVEPA) have pledged the company’s support for the college’s Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow capital campaign by making a $100,000 donation toward the $4.5 million campaign goal during a presentation Aug. 18 at the Concourse in Batesville. TVEPA has been a long-time supporters of Northwest, providing funds for an endowed scholarship through the Northwest Foundation for their customers.

“TVEPA’s commitment is vital to the success of Northwest’s capital campaign and to the future of the college,” said Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement. “It is gratifying to know that they are among the many businesses, families, and friends who are willing to share in Northwest’s quest for academic excellence and for the success of the Concourse project in Batesville.”

TVEPA has helped develop resources that will enable Northwest to enhance its mission, which is to transform students’ lives, enrich communities, and strive for excellence in educational programs and services. It is evident that TVEPA believes in the mission and vision of the college and is willing to make a financial commitment to it, said Gordon.

“Northwest is particularly grateful for TVEPA’s decision to participate in Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow, making a difference both now and for generations to come,” said Gordon. “It is helping us not only meet a special need for those

students who now receive its services, but is also an important community asset as well. TVEPA and the college make the entire area more attractive to industry and to those interested in quality education in a safe environment.”

Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (left) accepts a $100,000 pledge of support from Brad Robison, CEO of Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association and TVIfiber, Aug. 18 at the Concourse in Batesville. Also on hand for the presentation was Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement.

NORTHWEST, OLE MISS GOLF FUNDRAISER BRINGS IN $29K

Story By Natalie T. Ehrhardt | Photos by Jennifer Griffith

The 18th Annual 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament, presented by BancorpSouth and Northcentral Electric Cooperative, raised just shy of $30K to benefit students at Northwest and the University of Mississippi at the DeSoto Campus.

“I want to thank all of our dedicated golfers who have consistently supported this tournament,” said Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement. “It is so enjoyable to see familiar faces year after year, and I appreciate the many relationships made over the years. The participation from all made this tournament the best yet!”

The 2022 tournament, held on Sept. 15, took place at Cherokee Valley Golf Club in Olive Branch. This year’s trophies were crafted by students in Northwest’s Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology program.

The team comprised of Art Lacy, Ethan Lacy, Chuck Melton, and Scott Sanko took home first place. Second place winners were Dr. Ed Field, Tim Mullins, Walker Swaney, and Benton Smith. Third place winners were Bryant Cashion, J.D. Sanders, Dave Maness, and Rusty Stegal.

Closest-to-the-pin winners were Lloyd Hood and Rusty Stegal. The player with the longest drive was Dan White. Putting contest winners were J.D. Sanders and Lance Hardison.

Money raised at the tournament will support the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative that benefits both colleges.

Tournament winners received a special trophy crafted by students in the Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology program.

Second place winners (from left): (University Sports) Ed Field, Tim Mullins, Walker Swaney, and Benton Smith

Third place winners (from left): (Bank Plus) Bryant Cashion, J.D. Sanders, Dave Maness, and Rusty Stegal

First place winners (from left): Art Lacy, Ethan Lacy, Chuck Melton, and Scott Sanko

RANGERS GIVING WEEK

Story By Julie Bauer

Homecoming festivities at the college included an additional slate of events this year as the Northwest Foundation hosted Rangers Giving Week Oct. 17-20. According to Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement, a total of $14,754 was raised with funds from 122 donors through a variety of daily events that included students, staff, alumni, the community, and area businesses.

“We were excited to expand Rangers Giving Day to Rangers Giving Week during the week of Homecoming!” said Gordon. “We feel it adds even more enthusiasm to the week and allows additional ways of participation from all different types of groups.”

The week began with a family-friendly Ranger Run on Monday at Bobby Franklin Field followed by Teas for Tuesday, an event hosted by Tate Nutrition and Ranger Nutrition offering $6 tea vouchers in the Haraway Center. Wednesday was Community Cares Day when area businesses including Broken Cup Café, Ranger Roast, Beans and Leaves DeSoto Campus, Penny’s Pantry and Domino’s Pizza Senatobia donated a portion of their proceeds to the Foundation.

Giving Thursday was held on Homecoming Day and saw numerous donations made to the Foundation by the entire Northwest community. T-shirts were sold for the Homecoming game along with special packages that included a shirt, Dollars for Denim, and the Ranger Run.

Funds raised included $1,586 from Homecoming T-shirt sales and the Ranger Run, $7,165 in Giving Week donations, $1,003 from local businesses on Community Cares Day, and $5,000 in matching funds made possible by Dr. Jason Parolli.

“Donations made during Giving Week can help students, faculty, staff, and alumni in so many different ways,” said Gordon. “We are building a fund that will allow for travel and learning opportunities for students, help with conference travel for faculty, supplement department budgets, and enable us to plan enjoyable events for alumni and friends. We appreciate all who participated in the different events during Giving Week and every donor who contributed to support 2022 Rangers Giving Day!”

The Northwest Foundation Team accepts a generous donation from Dr. Jason Parolli of Hernando to be used as matching funds in support of Rangers Giving Day. Dr. Parolli practices dentistry at DeSoto Family Dental Care and enjoys being involved, along with his wife, Cindy, in many local char ities and events. Pictured (L-R): Patti Gordon, Leeann Elrod, Hannah Dickerson, Dr. Parolli, and Anna Grace (Gracie) Perry

ATHLETIC REUNION HOSTED FOR ALUMNI FROM THE 1970S

Story By Jennifer Griffith

“These connections aren’t going to be around forever,” shared Vick Nickels, “and we needed this [reunion] as much as we needed those two years at Northwest.” Nickels was inspired to gather a group together to host a Sports Alumni Reunion at Northwest after attending a similar event at Mississippi State University. “I thought ‘By George! If Mississippi State can do this, so can Northwest!’”

From there, Nickels turned to Gary Oakley in getting this started.

“I got a call from Vick about getting together. He said, ‘Since you’re in Senatobia, you’re gonna run point,” shared Oakley. “From there, I met with the Northwest Foundation and Alumni Office to use their list of alumni across football, baseball, and basketball1970-1974.” Nickels and Oakley started contacting alumni via social media and word of mouth and with support from the Alumni Office, they were able to circulate an invitation to the Fall event. “It really snowballed from there,” shared Oakley. “There’s a comradery in athletics that helped develop those friendships, and that’s why we started seeking reconnection to celebrate the solidarity of our experience here at Northwest.”

Nickels shared what was most memorable during planning and executing this reunion was “how Patti Gordon and her team in the Foundation Office helped us share the personal element of why this was important. It is our hope that more alumni will hear about it and want to participate in the future.” Oakley echoed that sentiment by sharing that, “In the future, I hope this grows. Not only does it get information to the Alumni Association, events like this one help everyone reconnect and see for themselves how they can better support Northwest and the updates happening here on campus.”

Vick Nickels attended Northwest from 1970 to 1972 and obtained his associate degree in Business. While here he played a football as defensive back and kicker along with a baseball as a catcher. Nickels currently lives in Starkville.

Gary Oakley completed his degree in education at Northwest from 1971 to 1973. While at Northwest, he played basketball as point guard and baseball as shortstop. Oakley currently lives in Senatobia and has accepted the position to serve as Tate County representative to the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Football, Baseball and Basketball athletes from 1970-1974 were recognized at the Oct. 6 Ranger Football game.

SCHOLARSHIP SOCIAL

The Northwest Foundation, donors, and students always look forward to the annual Scholarship Social, which offers a chance for donors to meet and mingle with their scholarship recipients. It is also a time that the audience is able to hear from the students, who serve on a student panel, and share the importance of their scholarships. This year the event was spread over two days, September 27 and 28, with 131 scholarships represented, 180 donors, and 197 students in attendance at the Haraway Center.

DeSoto Civic Garden Club congratulates scholarship recipient Elora Jennings from Gore Springs, MS.

The Men of Northwest Entertainers provided the entertainment to close the event.

Students meet Meg Sinervo, Executive Director of the Ed And Becky Meek Foundation, meets students receiving the Meek Foundation scholarships.

Dr. Heindl visits with Mr. and Mrs. James Venable

Northwest Nursing Faculty and staff congratulate Nursing scholarship recipients.

Barry Bouchillion meets recipients of the A.W. and Lanelle S. Bouchillion Scholarship

Davis to helm NORTHWEST'S ARC

Story By Natalie T. Ehrhardt | Photo by Alyssa Pirani

Dr. Emily Davis has been announced as director of Northwest’s new Advising and Retention Center (ARC).

Davis comes to Northwest after 12 years at Itawamba Community College (ICC), where she most recently served as recruitment coordinator and advisor. Prior to ICC, Davis worked for the University of Mississippi as a regional admissions counselor.

“I am very excited to have Dr. Davis as our new director of the Advising and Retention Center,” said Dr. Tonyalle Rush, associate vice president of Student Services and Enrollment Management. “She has an extensive knowledge and background in advising, and I look forward to working with her on my team.”

The ARC will serve as a centralized location for academic student advising, complete with a staff of professional advisors. The office, located on the main campus in Senatobia, will focus heavily on student retention, which Davis said comes down to three elements: accessibility,

engagement and going the extra mile. “I’m looking forward to being able to help students holistically; helping them come up with a plan for their academic journey, semester by semester, and helping them reach their ultimate career, professional and personal goals,” she said.

Davis said she enjoys the smaller environment of a community college because of the ability to get to know students, engage with them and give them the resources to be successful.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Ole Miss, as well as a master’s degree in higher education/ student personnel and a doctorate in higher education.

Davis is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and serves as president

of the Tupelo chapter. She is also a Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy graduate, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Top 40 Under 40 finalist, ICC Leadership Development Institute graduate, and a Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute graduate.

Additionally, she is a member of the Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network (WHEMN) and the Mississippi Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO), for which she has served as regional vice president.

CHICK-FIL-A GROUND BREAKING

Northwest looks forward to providing hospitality and the high standard of excellence offered by Chick-fil-A to students and the community of Senatobia! On Sept. 26, Northwest broke ground on the new restaurant to be located within the McLendon Student Center. The grand opening will be in spring of 2023 and will be open to all members of the community.

Bill Sabbatini, Senior District Manager with Aladdin Food Management Services presents Dr. Heindl with a check to Northwest to help defray some of the renovation costs associated with bringing Chick-Fil-A to campus.

new vision

Soccer & Softball open new complexes with ribbon cutting

Northwest celebrated the opening of a new Softball and Soccer Complex on Aug. 11. This building is a shared space between the programs and features locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a weight room along with new restrooms and concession facilities for fans.

FOOTBALL

COMPLEX, FRANKLIN FIELD CELEBRATED

Story By Jennifer Griffith

Coach Benjy Parker and the Northwest football team joined the Executive Council Sept. 8 to open the Walk of Champions and to celebrate the completion of the Football Field Complex. Attendees were able to browse plaques outlining past National Championship teams, All-Americans, and other accomplishments of the Northwest Ranger football team. These are available to view upon arrival to Ranger Stadium in the walk to the grandstands.

The third and final phase of the football field renovations was celebrated with a rededication ceremony honoring legendary Head Coach Bobby Franklin Sept. 23. Family, friends, and former players turned out to celebrate the accomplishments of Coach Franklin and his service as head coach from 1982-2004. The commemorative plaque is available for viewing upon entrance to Ranger Stadium.

President Heindl, Coach Benjy Parker, and the Ranger Football team cut the ribbon to the Walk of Champions at Ranger Stadium.

Dr. Heindl, NWCC Executive Council, Athletic staff and members of the men’s soccer and Lady Ranger Softball teams celebrate the opening of the soccer softball complex with a ribbon cutting.

NORTHWEST UNVEILS INAUGURAL SEASON OF THE Center for the Performing Arts

Something’s coming… something good is coming to the Northwest Center for the Performing Arts. The inaugural 2023 season will bring a wide variety of perfor mances from award-winning performers and guest speakers to film series and local talent. Totaling 16 performances and a film series, the Center for the Performing Arts is bringing world-class entertainment not just to campus; but to the entire northwest Mississippi community.

Headlining this season is Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, Emmy Award winner Jay Leno, former presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, and Oscar Award winner Billy Bob Thornton and his band The Boxmasters. There will also be stunning performances from touring acts such as Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Pirates of Penzance, and Pinkalicious and so much more!

Season tickets and general admission tickets are now available at www.nwccpac.org. The Center for the Performing Arts is a 61,000-square-foot space which includes a 1,203 seat auditorium with three levels of seating, studio and performance spaces for Fine Arts students.

Alberson

By Jennifer Griffith h

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and Donna Bouchillon

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and Janet Gunter

Tom

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Marshall and Kim Hollis

and Dana Kieffner

and Terry McMinn Gary Oakley

Steve and Bethany Presley Walter Ruby Andre Thompson Richard and Marilyn Neyman Walker Sterling Withers

Alumni Association!

Caring teachers and lifelong friends highlight Northwest memories for

Fred Carlisle

Alumnus of the Year

Class of 1976 graduate Fred Carlisle, “No. 18 on the football field and No. 1 in our hearts,” is Northwest Mississippi Community College’s 2022 Alumnus of the Year.

Story By Natalie T. Ehrhardt | Photos by Alyssa Pirani

“Iwas shocked when I found out,” Carlisle said. “I thought Dr. Heindl was playing a joke on me when he called, but I’m really excited. It’s a big honor. When you look at the alumni at Northwest, and even just the people in my class, it’s just really exciting.”

Carlisle was born in Starkville but grew up in Holly Springs, where he and his wife Patti still live today. A secondgeneration grocer, he is the proud owner of the Carlisle’s Cash Saver grocery store in his hometown. He also gives his time to the Holly Springs Rotary and serves as president-elect of the Northwest Foundation Board of Directors.

Growing up in Holly Springs, Carlisle describes his family life with his parents, Dennis and Martha Carlisle, one brother, Dennis Jr., and two sisters, Marty and Mary Louise, as typical.

“We did what families do; we had fun together, and we didn’t get along together,” he said.

His father, who passed away in 2012, bought the Big Star in Holly Springs in 1963, and ran the business until his retirement in 2001.

“My father was a really good role model for me,” he said. “He was someone who gave me values and a work ethic, and taught me how to treat people. I learned a lot from my father.”

Carlisle attended Marshall Academy. He played every sport the high school had to offer, but jokes that studying was not high on his list of priorities. He met the woman who would become his wife in the 10th grade. The couple dated for eight years, throughout high school and college, before marrying. They have now been married for 42 years, and together a total of 50 years.

At Northwest, Carlisle chose to study business.

“I was pretty sure that I was going to go back to the family business, and the business classes I took at Northwest gave me a good foundation to really see how businesses are supposed to work and what the book end of a business is supposed to

look like,” he said.

With much fondness, he recalls his favorite teachers from that time as being English instructor Carson Holloman and business instructor Dr. Jack Butts. He also recalls being impacted by what he observed around him during his two years at the college.

“What I found out was that Northwest is here to help people,” he said. “I had lived a pretty sheltered life, and I saw people from all walks of life who were able to get an education at Northwest and fulfill their dreams.”

One such person was a friend of his who was able to come to school on a band scholarship. Because of the start he got at Northwest, his friend was able to go on to graduate from Ole Miss and earn a law degree from the school. Eventually, he was elected as the 62nd governor of Mississippi. That friend was Ronnie Musgrove.

“I think in today’s world, we need to educate and prepare those going into the workforce,” he said. “The opportunities are there, but we have to get these students ready, whether that’s a vocational field or anything else.”

As for Carlisle, he played quarterback for the Northwest Ranger football team. Because they were required to also play a spring sport, he played tennis too, though he still marvels that he managed to make the team. He also marvels at the current football program’s enormous success.

“It’s been a joy to see,” he said. “It’s exciting to watch them play. We were just ‘three yards and a cloud of dust’ when I played.”

Though he acknowledges that much has changed at Northwest since 1976, he believes the most important

things have stayed the same.

“I still have that same feeling that Northwest gives an opportunity to people that maybe wouldn’t get a chance,” he said. “I’m very partial to Northwest because of my history here, but I think that the teachers here really care about these students, and will go the extra mile to help them.”

Fred enjoys spending time with his granddaughters, Caroline and Mary Miller.

Fred with his wife Patti

Fred and his son Coleman spend some time together at the LSU/Ole Miss football game last year.

He has been very proud to see the college offer new programs and, in particular, expand its career-technical education options.

“I think in today’s world, we need to educate and prepare those going into the workforce,” he said. “The opportunities are there, but we have to get these students ready, whether that’s a vocational field or anything else.”

“I’m proud to be a Northwest alumnus,” he said. “I like to tell people about it. It was a great two years that helped me prepare myself, and I’m thankful for it,”

Carlisle stays in touch with his friends from the old days, and said he recently reconnected with some other members of Northwest’s alumni that he had not been in touch with for some time.

Besides attending football games and serving on the college’s Foundation Board, Carlisle was involved in the effort by the Holly Springs Rotary to start an ACT prep class, taught by Northwest instructors, to help students raise their ACT scores. He credits Northwest icon Sybil Canon for helping the group get teachers for the class.

After graduating from the college, Carlisle went on to earn a business degree from Ole Miss. He then got married, and went to work for his father at Carlisle’s Big Star. The business retained that name until 2016, when Carlisle re-formatted and renamed the business. The change came after a violent EF-4 tornado tore through north Mississippi and devastated Holly Springs in December of 2015. Carlisle eagerly participated in recovery efforts, and ultimately decided to change his business to make buying groceries more affordable for his hurting community.

With 44 years in the grocery business under his belt, Carlisle said he still enjoys getting up in the morning and going to work.

“It’s hard work and long hours, but I have a lot of good customers,” he said. “I enjoy the relationship that we have with our customers. I also have a great group of people that I work with. That’s how you become successful; you surround yourself with good people.”

Carlisle and his wife have three sons, Coleman, Thomas (Meade) and Banks, and two grandchildren, Caroline and Mary Miller. Besides his other involvements, Carlisle has also recently joined in on efforts to assist displaced Ukrainians through World/Ukraine Missions. The effort is led by Jerry and Wendy Moore, with Carlisle contributing his former store location as a warehouse for storing goods to be shipped.

Unsurprisingly, Carlisle also makes it his business to strongly encourage any high school seniors he encounters to consider Northwest.

“I’m proud to be a Northwest alumnus,” he said. “I like to tell people about it. It was a great two years that helped me prepare myself, and I’m thankful for it.”

The Carlisle family proudly attended son Banks' white coat ceremony at the University of Missis sippi Medical School.  Attending were (from left) son Coleman, wife Patti, son Banks, Fred and son Thomas.

Fred lets his oldest granddaughter, Caroline take the golf cart for a spin.

Scan to view Fred Carlisle's Interview

Northwest Alumnus awarded

PRESTIGIOUS LYCEUM SCHOLARSHIP

Story By Natalie T. Ehrhardt

Northwest is proud to announce that recent graduate Matthew Locke of Oxford has been awarded the prestigious Lyceum Scholarship at the University of Mississippi. Locke transferred to Ole Miss for the fall semester in August.

“I was told that over 350 students applied, and only 15 scholarships are awarded,” Locke said. “Obviously, I may have been number 15 on the list, but I’m on it. It means all the hard work is starting to pay off, in and out of the classroom. It means I have more academic, social and leadership ability than I once gave myself credit for. It also means people believe in that ability enough to help make my academic dreams a reality.”

Locke, a home-schooled student from Oxford, graduated from Northwest in the spring of 2022 with an associate degree in business administration. He attended the Oxford campus and was a recipient of the Students Honoring Bobby King Endowed Scholarship. A member of Gamma Beta Phi and president of Phi Theta Kappa Beta Eta Theta chapter during his time as a student, he was also named to the PTK AllMississippi Academic Team. He graduated from the college with a 3.949 GPA.

He intends to continue pursuing leadership roles at Ole Miss, expressing interest in the university’s Student Real Estate Society, as well as potentially serving as an orientation leader and a Student Leadership and Engagement Ambassador to help other students find clubs and organizations that interest them.

In addition to receiving the Lyceum Scholarship, he has also been awarded the Chancellor’s Leadership Class Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship 2, Phi Theta Kappa President Scholarship, and the Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Locke plans to double major in finance and real estate at Ole Miss, and said his goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how money works in relation to loans, stocks and the way in which money is distributed through companies. His 15-year goal is to become a residential real estate developer.

When asked what he would share with potential Northwest students, he said he would encourage them to enroll at the college to build confidence.

“For anyone who isn’t sure if they would like college, Northwest is a less risky way of testing the waters,” said Locke. “I was able to excel at Northwest because I gained the confidence needed to overcome my test anxiety. Something about the smaller class sizes kept me calm during test time, which really helped me stay focused.”

Locke credits his American history instructor and advisor Matt Johnson for making sure he stayed on the right academic path to Ole Miss. Johnson said he was excited to see Locke’s well-deserved success.

“We could not be more pleased by and thrilled for Matthew,” Johnson said. “He excelled both in and outside the classroom with Phi Theta Kappa and various community endeavors. Ole Miss clearly sees the potential in him, as his scholarship awards speak to his remarkable grades, passionate leadership and unimpeachable moral character. We always appreciate those who shine in the classroom, but those who also serve the community exemplify the mission of Northwest. He has been a true asset to the college.”

Northwest graduate Matthew Locke of Oxford has been awarded the prestigious Lyceum Scholarship at the University of Mississippi. Locke (center) is pictured in April with Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl (left) and Board of Trustees Chairman Cory Uselton when he was honored for his selection for the Phi Theta Kappa All-Mississippi Academic Team.

“Usually when people are met with accolades, they will say something along the lines of, ‘This honor humbled me,’ but I’m proud of my achievements at Northwest,” Locke said. “They gave me the confidence to try anything that piques my interest.”

Homecoming 2022

Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl crowns 2022 Homecoming Queen Chanelle Oletubo during halftime festivities Homecoming Day, Oct. 20 at Bobby Franklin Field. Oletubo is a sophomore studying nursing who attends the Senatobia campus.

Homecoming Queen Chanelle Oletubo poses with President Dr. Michael Heindl after receiving her crown and bouquet..

The 2022 Homecoming Court is (L-R) Kiara Jones (Oxford campus), Queen Chanelle Oletubo (Senatobia campus), Lauren Eldred (DeSoto campus), Michelle Vaughn-Mortensen (Oxford campus), Gracie Mettetal (Senatobia campus), Amya Harris (DeSoto campus), Dixee Drewery (Oxford campus), Emily McDonald (DeSoto campus), Ella Soldano (Senatobia campus), Brianna Gills (Oxford campus), Daisy Aguilar (Senatobia campus), and Taylor Threatt (Senatobia campus)

Lauren

THE NORTHWEST ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IS TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2023 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

Northwest classes of 1964-69 met together for a reunion on May 7 at Sardis Dam, with approximately 70 in attendance. Among the group was Charles Barton, who has recently been selected to be inducted into the 2022 Northwest Sports Hall of Fame.

Individuals may also submit candidates for the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame. A list of sports that the nominee participated in and any honors received while involved in intercollegiate athletics is required. A list of accomplishments after leaving intercollegiate athletics should also be included.

Senatobia Students enjoy the fall festival during homecoming week.

Oxford campus students enjoy cookout for homecoming festivities.

Eldred (Freshman Maid, DeSoto)  and Amya Harris (Sophomore Maid DeSoto) pose for a pic during the homecoming parade. Photo by Logan Orman

Alumni Happenings

On the day of Homecoming, the college held an alumni reception to honor Sports Hall of Fame inductees, Alumnus of the Year, and alumni celebrating 50+ years of being at Northwest.

Sports Hall of Fame Class

Northwest enshrined five additional members to the 2022 Northwest Sports Hall of Fame class on Thursday, Oct. 20, as part of the college's Homecoming ceremonies.

This year's inductees included former football standout Charles Barton (1964-65), baseball star Paul Bakke (1984-86), legendary men's and women's soccer coach Peter Jarjoura (2002-12), former women's basketball All-American Sara Lytle (2014-16) and all-time leading women's soccer scorer Jessica Yelvington Old (2004-05).

Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (far left) and Athletic Director Jake Gordon (far right) congratulate the new members of the college’s Sports Hall of Fame.  Inducted during the Homecoming Day ceremony were (from left) Charles Barton, Jessica Yelvington Old, Sara Lytle, and Paul Bakke. Not pictured is former men’s and women’s soccer coach Peter Jarjoura, who was unable to attend the event.

Scan to hear the inductees’ stories

Alumnus of the Year Golden Circle

Pictured above are Northwest alumni who are Golden Circle members, as it has been 50+ years since they attended Northwest. Pictured (L-R): Victor Wyatt (1964-1965) , Charles Barton (1964-1965), Robert Salmon (1963 -1965), Jim Miles (1961-1963), Don Randolph (1959-61), Jerry Lightsey (19661968), Billy Stribling (1964-1966), and Cecil Williams (1966-1968)

Honorees from the Class of 1972 received Golden Circle recognition for 50 years since attending Northwest. Golden Circle honorees received a brass medallion featuring elements of the college seal on the face. The medallion is attached to a blue and red ribbon, representing the official school colors.

Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (left) and Patti Gordon (right) executive director of institutional advancement present Fred Carlisle with the traditional Alumnus of the year plaque.

Helen McKinney Pratcher, Carl Wilson, John Reed, Carol Lammey Boren,and Randy Boren. Dr. Michael Heindl congratulates (from left).

THE Legacy CONTINUES

It is, indeed, both a pleasure and an honor to announce new scholarship endowments, the beginning of a new legacy for those being honored by these scholarships and for the students who will be assisted for generations to come. The beauty of an endowment is that it will continue to help students for as long as this

college exists. It is also wonderful to think of how these students will use their education to make better lives for themselves, for their families and for the communities in which they will live. Thus, it is appropriate to name these pages, “The Legacy Continues,” because the effects of these extraordinary acts of generosity will last forever.

Through the generosity of so many, the endowment continues to grow. As it grows, so does the realization of the hopes and dreams of our students as well as the legacy of the special people who are honored by these endowments.

—Patti Gordon

The

Bishop Elvage M. Fondren, Sr. Endowed Scholarship

In August 2022, the Panola County Habitat for Humanity established The Bishop Elvage M. Fondren, Sr. Endowed Scholarship at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Fondren, who passed away in August 2021 at the age of 98, was one of the founding members of the Panola County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which has now closed.

One of 11 children of William Clinton and Gussie Land Booker Fondren, he was born on May 23, 1923, and reared on a farm in the Batesville area. As a child, he attended New Enon School, a one- room school built from a log cabin. His daughter Mary Murphy recalled him telling her that he preached his first sermon at five years old to a “molasses bucket” not realizing that one day he would become a minister. Fondren completed up to seventh grade at Morrison School.

As a young man, he worked for William Faulkner, taking care of his horses and keeping his house clean. Fondren was given a house on William Faulkner’s estate to live in. The house was later rented to a cousin, Lorene Langhorn, and ultimately burned down.

Fondren was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Blackstone, Virginia. He took correspondence courses to complete his education and left the military in 1944. During that time, he began preaching and obtained his first title of bishop in Virginia at age 18.

He continued his education at R.R.

Wright School of Religion. He received a diploma and an award for excellence there. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the African Methodist Episcopal School of Theology in 1945. In 1947 he was ordained to preach, receiving his license from B.S. Lyles of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in north Mississippi. His license was signed by COGIC founder Bishop Charles Harrison Mason.

Fondren married Earnia Lois Jones in 1944 in Sardis. They were the parents of five children--Mary, Deloris, Elvage, Benjamin and Keith. After Earnia died, Fondren raised his children alone. He additionally had two children, Chauncey and Minetta. He and Earnia had 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He later married his second wife, Dorothy Sheldon Fondren.

Fondren was employed at National Rose

Furniture in Memphis for 27 years and was a member of the United Furniture Workers Union, Local 282. He also went to barber school and became licensed in barbering and cosmetology, keeping his license current for most of his life. He worked as a barber for 30 years at a shop on Park and Airways in Memphis, next to the old Handy Theatre.

During his whole life, Fondren preached the word continually in churches, on street corners, in tent revivals and in numerous cities throughout the Southeast. He was the founder and pastor of Deliverance Tabernacle Pentecostal Church and East Batesville Church of God in Christ. With the help of the late State Rep. Leonard Morris, he was instrumental in purchasing land to build the church.

In addition to being a founding member of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, he was a member of TRIAD, a senior citizen community group.

Murphy describes her father as having a heart for others who was always willing to give of himself and to serve wherever he could, visiting the sick and the elderly. She said a lot of his good works were done in secret.

“He was always aware of the need to help his fellow man. His love for God was very present in his everyday life. I learned a lot by watching him. I realized how much he loved the Lord and the people,” Murphy said.

Murphy said endowing the scholarship at Northwest would have been something her father would have liked. “He encouraged young people to get an education,” she said.

The scholarship will be awarded to a student from Panola County who exhibits

Bishop Elvage M. Fondren, Sr.

a financial need and who is pursuing a career in a construction trade. With the recent opening of the Concourse in Panola County, this scholarship will help Panola County students who are training to become a part of the skilled workforce.

The Richard Honeycutt Memorial Art Endowed Scholarship

When longtime Northwest Inventory Control Specialist Richard Honeycutt passed away in July 2021, the Northwest community lost a wonderful employee, alumnus and friend.

Honeycutt, who died at age 43, was the husband of Stacy Wilbanks Honeycutt, Institutional Research coordinator at Northwest. He and Stacy are the parents of Barrett (23), Jilian (21) and Rosemary (17). He graduated from Northwest in 1999 and began his career there in 2004.

Honeycutt graduated from Hernando High School in 1995 and met his wife in 1997 when he was a student at Northwest. The two were married in June 1998 and had just celebrated their 23rd anniversary at the time of his death.

Family was extremely important to Honeycutt. Their family loved to travel, taking long adventurous trips together, had family game nights, and enjoyed movie marathons watching their favorites and just being together as a family.

“Being a father was one of Richard’s greatest joys. It was important to us that our children understood no matter what, we would always be there for them, and as a family we would always stand for each other. He instilled core values in his children to help them become the best they could be and to always keep an open mind and look at the whole picture,” Stacy said. She said he wanted his children to go out and see the world and most especially to be happy.

Gloria Morrow, office manager at Northwest’s Physical Plant worked with Honeycutt for a long time and spoke on behalf of his coworkers. “Richard had a monstrous intellect and a personality with more facets than a gemstone. He had an insatiable appetite for exotic culinary tastes and flavors. No spice was too incendiary

for his palate, and he would share it with us, often with little warning other than a coy smirk as we experienced his ‘inferno of the tongue.’ He loved to travel, not as a tourist but as an explorer. He would seek out the extraordinary hidden amongst the ordinary sites along the road traveled and, on his return, shared his spoils of discovery with all of us who would listen. However, we believe that his best facet was that if Richard was your friend, he was your true friend. We all miss our ‘gem’ of a friend,” Morrow said.

To describe Honeycutt as a “Renaissance man” would be an understatement if you were privileged to know him. According to his wife, he had a deep love and passion for art.

“Art, in all its variety of forms was a great joy in Richard’s life. The art of the written word, the melody or lyrics of a song, movies that transformed you to another place, creating a culinary masterpiece or just the joy of creating art in any media. It seemed like the more difficult and detailed it was, the more he loved it. Amazingly, Richard was completely self-taught. If something caught his interest, he would teach himself how to do it,” Stacy said. She added that his love of art was something he shared with his children, and it became a major influence in their lives.

“Richard’s ability to find beauty and joy in so many ways was mesmerizing. While I don’t think Richard even realized it, his impact on others was huge. This scholarship is a way to share a part of Richard, through the connection of art, with others,” Stacy said.

The Richard Honeycutt Memorial Art Endowed Scholarship was established by fellow employees, family and friends. The scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing an art pathway and who maintains a 2.0 GPA.

The Clen D. and W. Jean Moore Endowed Scholarship

Recently, retired Northwest Director of Languages and Communications W. Jean Moore made the decision to add her late

Richard Honeycutt

Clen D. and W. Jean Moore

husband’s name to her existing scholarship in order to pay tribute to both his memory and his contributions to education in Tate County and Mississippi.

The W. Jean Moore Scholarship was originally established in 2001 by Clen D. Moore in honor of his wife’s long tenure and retirement from Northwest. The scholarship will now be known as the Clen D. and W. Jean Moore Endowed Scholarship.

Clen Dempsey Moore, Jr. passed away in 2015 at the age of 78. A native of Marshall County, he was the second-born of seven children. He joined the Walker Chapel CME Church at a young age, and he and his siblings were known for their beautiful singing at church and in special programs.

Moore received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Mississippi Industrial College in 1956 and his master’s degree in physics from Fisk University in 1963. He also earned a specialist degree from The University of Mississippi in 1974.

He began his long career in education in the Tate County School District in 1956. During his career, he was a mathematics and science teacher, boys baseball coach, boys and girls basketball coach, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.

Moore served as the field director for ICS Head Start before retiring in 2013. The Tate County Head Start Center, located in Coldwater was named in his honor and is now called the Clen D. Moore Head Start Center.

Over the years, Moore received numerous awards including the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies Award, the Mississippi Head Start Association Leadership Award and the North Mississippi Universal NTA-NEA Outstanding Leadership Award. Moore served as the president of the Tate County Teachers Association, as a delegate to the National Education Association, and was a member of the NAACP.

Moore and his wife were married in October 1957 and were the parents of two sons, Dr. C. Damon Moore and Robert Irving Moore. They made Coldwater their home for over 40 years and finally settled in Waterford, Mississippi on land they had purchased from Moore’s family. They attended Bates Chapel Church for many years where Moore served on the steward, lay and trustee boards and played a major role in helping to remodel the kitchen of the church. They purchased the windows and marquee for the church, and his name appears on the church’s cornerstone. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Anderson Chapel CME Church, which is located in Holly Springs.

“I have been considering how to best honor Clen’s memory and decided that this was the best way to do it. We spent so many years working in Tate County and he did so much for education there, I felt it was what was needed. We were always a team and were big proponents for education,” Jean Moore said.

The Clen D. and W. Jean Moore Endowed Scholarship is awarded to

a Tate or Marshall County student who maintains a 3.0 GPA out of high school and must maintain a 2.5 GPA at Northwest.

The Barry Lee Meier Endowed Scholarship

The Barry Lee Meier Endowed Scholarship was established with an estate gift left by Meier upon his death in June 2021.

Meier was born in North Carolina on March 9, 1961. After living in North Carolina for most of his life, Meier relocated to Memphis and finally settled in the Greenleaf Community in Tate County. Meier was employed as a car salesman for 12 years at All-Star Chevrolet in Olive Branch.

Those who knew Meier described him as a simple man who liked to fish and hunt and who loved NASCAR. He established many friendships, especially in the Greenleaf Community.

Drew DePriest, owner of All-Star Chevrolet described Meier as a great car salesman and someone people were naturally drawn to. “Barry was a model individual who exemplified taking care of his customers, who became his friends and felt like family to him,” DePriest said.

Meier is survived by his father, Kenneth Meier of Kentucky, his son Adam, sisters Lisa Butler and Nata Lescalleet and brothers Nick and Kenneth, all of North Carolina.

The scholarship is awarded to students in Career-Technical Education. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Barry Lee Meier

NORTHWEST

MARCH 25, 2023

The Alumni Professional Achievement Award: Ann Hannaford Lamar

The formal, ticketed event will highlight a performance by Mississippi native, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Marty Stuart, Northwest Fine Arts students, as well as honor new community award recipients who have contributed to the legacy of excellence at Northwest. Visit nwccpac.org to purchase your tickets!

The following special awards will be recognized:

The Young Alumni Professional Achievement Award: Kent Hawkins

Outstanding Corporation Award: Northcentral Electric Cooperative

The Spirit of Northwest Award: Larry Hall

RANGERS WIN NORTH DIVISION TITLE; clinch ninth straight playoff berth

Story By Brian Lentz

This year’s Homecoming win was just a little more special than usual for the Northwest football team.

With a 41-14 triumph against Holmes on Oct. 20, the third-ranked Rangers improved to 8-0 on the season and remained unbeaten in the MACCC North Division at 5-0. More importantly, however, the Rangers clinched their 19th division championship and earned their ninth straight postseason berth, a streak that dates back to 2014.

Holmes got the ball to start the contest, but the Rangers’ defense set the tone early, forcing a three-and-out. On the ensuing punt, Sheffield got his team on the board with just his second career punt return touchdown, pushing Northwest to an early 7-0 lead.

After Holmes fell victim to another empty-handed possession, the Rangers got the ball back and marched downfield on a 17-play, 73-yard drive that burned nearly seven minutes off the clock. Cayden Betts capped off the slow march with a short two-yard run, extending the lead to 13-0 late in the quarter.

For as hot as the Rangers started, Holmes soon showed off what they could do as well. Three plays into their next possession, the Bulldogs used some trickery as Dekari Johnson hit A.J. Davis on a 28-yard touchdown pass, slicing the deficit to 13-7 with less than five minutes to go in the opening quarter.

Northwest burned the clock on another slow drive to wind down the first quarter, as the Rangers went 71 yards in 10 plays. This time, recent MACCC, JUCOWeekly and NJCAA Offensive Player of the Week selection Ren Hefley kept it himself for a three-yard score, widening the Holmes’ gap to 20-7.

Defense became the story in the second quarter, as both offenses were iced off the scoreboard. The Rangers’ best chance to score came off a drive that ended with a missed field goal attempt from Eli

Hamlin early in the second, while Holmes failed to cross midfield again until after halftime.

However, the Rangers picked up right where they left off in the second half, scoring 21 more points to pull away from the Bulldogs. After the Rangers coughed the ball up at the Holmes’ 42-yard line, the Bulldogs would give the ball right back three plays later, as B.J. Washington scoped out Philip Short’s pass attempt for a 36-yard interception return. Washington's interception set Northwest up inside the red zone and two plays later, Betts scored his second rushing touchdown of the night, stretching the Rangers' lead to 27-7 with 10:20 left to go. Holmes would counter with a 51-yard drive, but the defense stifled the Bulldogs' journey to the end zone, as Short's fourth down

incompletion turned the ball back over to Northwest.

After another Bulldog possession came to a halt to open the fourth quarter, Northwest took over and scored two plays later off Kabe Barnett’s 69-yard pass to D.T. Sheffield, stretching the lead to 34-7. Holmes would go 75 yards on 11 plays to respond, scoring on third and goal from the 1-yard line, cutting the deficit to 34-14 with 11 minutes to go.

From there, the mission for Northwest became about running out the clock, and Xavier Davis would complete the task and then some. After getting the ball on four straight plays, the freshman tailback broke free for a 47-yard score that provided the game's final points.

Northwest totaled 472 yards of offense on the evening, led by 288 yards on the ground.

Northwest tailback Jamarien Bracey goes airborne over the defense and into the end zone during the Rangers' early-season victory at Pearl River. Northwest completed an undefeated regular season and played host to the 2022 MACCC Championship, rising to No. 2 in the NJCAA Division I Football rankings. Photo by Bobby McDuffie

Lady Rangers win region title; advance to national tourney

Story By Brian Lentz

History was made this season for the Northwest volleyball team

Not only did Northwest celebrate Sophomore Day on October 21 with a sweep against Itawamba and Henderson State JV, the Lady Rangers also captured the regular season No. 1 seed from Region 23 for the first time ever, earning hosting rights to the NJCAA Region 23 Play-In Tournament.

To make things even more exciting, the Lady Rangers defeated Pearl River 3-0 in the Region 23 title match, earning the program’s first-ever bid to the NJCAA Division II Gulf District Tournament in Palatka, Fla.

With a thrilling 3-2 victory against Itawamba, the Lady Rangers and head coach Allison Burchyett finished the regular season at 3-1 against Region 23 opponents ICC and Pearl River. Additionally, Northwest also closed out the season with a 15-14 overall record, the first winning record ever recorded by the Lady Rangers’ volleyball program.

In the championship match against Pearl River, both teams went back and forth throughout most of the opening set, with neither team able to pull away. However, Northwest finally gained some breathing room after a timeout, turning a 20-19 deficit into a 22-20 advantage. Pearl River managed to pull back within 23-22, but the Lady Rangers claimed the final two points to secure the set.

Northwest picked up right where they left off in the second

set, claiming the first three points and rolling to a 9-5 lead. The Lady Rangers eventually grew the lead to 20-13 and rolled to a 2-0 match lead with the 25-16 decision in the second set.

With its season on the line, Pearl River did not go away quietly. The Lady Wildcats came out with all the momentum to begin the third set, flipping the script on a 6-4 deficit and claiming a 17-12 lead late in the set.

Just when it seemed like Pearl River would force a fourth set, Northwest regrouped after a timeout and outscored the Lady Wildcats 13-5 down the stretch to clinch the match with a 25-22 third set victory.

Freshman duo Cristen Cleveland and Kennedy Smith led the charge for Northwest, earning 12 kills apiece. Cleveland, a Hernando native, also totaled three service aces, followed by two from Lia Ramos. Ramos, a sophomore, also came away with a team-high 21 assists, followed by 14 from Hailey Stephens.

Cleveland's performance also continued with 10 digs, trailing only Kayla Beal’s 12 digs for the team high. Ramos also accounted for nine digs of her own.

Though Northwest wasn’t as fortunate in its NJCAA Gulf District tournament match against host St. Johns River State College, the Lady Rangers still gave it a strong effort despite falling 3-0. In addition, Beal, Ramos and Smith were each named All-Region selections at the tournament banquet.

Micah Swift (center), Kailey Gooch, Lia Ramos, Kayla Beal and Kennedy Smith celebrate a winning point for Northwest volleyball. The Lady Rangers won the program's first Region 23 title, earning a spot in the Gulf South District Tournament in Palatka, Fla., ending the season with 15 wins.

Photo by Lee Adams

Lady Rangers RECORD ANOTHER HISTORICAL SEASON

Story By Brian Lentz

After a record-breaking 15-3-1 season in 2021, the Northwest women’s soccer team picked up right where they left off in 2022.

Under the direction of third-year head coach James Beattie, the Lady Rangers collected an 11-1-2 overall record at the end of the regular season, earning a 7-1-2 mark in conference play. The impressive record got the attention of the national voters as well, as Northwest was awarded the program’s first-ever national tournament bid in Tucson, Ariz.

Northwest recorded 10 shutout victories over the course of the regular season, including a whopping 13-goal performance in the Lady Rangers’ season-opener against National Park College. The Lady Rangers also outscored their opponents 63-4 through the regular season and never allowed more than one goal in their lone loss at Jones College and their two ties at Holmes and East Central, all nationally ranked at the time the matches were played.

Freshman Evie Crawford finished the regular season at the top of the scoring charts for Northwest, scoring 10 goals on the year. The forward from Tupelo collected half of her goals in a 9-0 rout of Hinds on September 27, tying a single-match record for goals scored by one player (Elyse Lovelace vs. Southwest Mississippi – 2006).

Sophomore Jennifer Enriquez once again guided Northwest in the assists category, netting nine through the end of the regular season. The Las Cruces, N.M. native already totaled 20 assists during her freshman season last year, shattering both the program’s single-season and career records in that category. Entering the postseason, Enriquez now owns 29 career assists.

Northwest also had one of its strongest defensive units to date, as the Lady Rangers locked down opposing offenses all season long. One major contributor of

Though the Lady Rangers dropped a

Northwest

still

an at-large

Tucson, Ariz., marking the program's first-ever trip to the

that defense was sophomore goalkeeper Addy McCann, who collected 10 wins between the posts and finished with 54 saves and only four goals allowed, good for a whopping .931 save percentage.

On the men’s side, the Rangers were in rebuilding mode under first-year Head Coach Michael Sullivan. Northwest only collected two victories all season, one of those being a 4-2 thriller against Meridian on Oct.18.

Perhaps the brightest spot for the men

came at goalkeeper, where freshman Connor Young made history. The Pascagoula native, who came into fall camp as a defender, started nearly every match at goalkeeper for Northwest, collecting 118 saves, shattering the previous record of 116 set by Carson Tackett in 2017.

For more information on the postseason journey for the Northwest Lady Rangers, visit nwccrangers.com.

Northwest celebrates after defeating Jones College in the Region 23 Semifinals in early November.

heartbreaking result to Holmes in the championship match,

was

awarded

bid to the NJCAA Division II Women's Soccer Championship in

national tournament.

Photo by Matthew Alford

RANGER ATHLETICS STAFF HIRES DIRECTOR, COACHES

Story By Brian Lentz

Jake Gordon

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Northwest announced the hiring of Jake Gordon as the college's new director of athletics in July.

Gordon arrived at Northwest from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where he spent the last three seasons as the assistant athletic director for the Buccaneers. While at Blinn, he was in charge of eligibility of all student-athletes, gameday operations and live streaming all home games on the college's YouTube channel.

Gordon brings eight years of experience at the NJCAA level, previously serving two seasons as the assistant athletic director at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. While there, he assisted with the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, eligibility and the Athletic and Fitness Center. Gordon was also in charge of athletic communications, administered the website, promoted the College's seven NJCAA Division II sports programs, administered an academic tracking system for student-athletes, oversaw the academic retention program for student athletes and held event management duties.

Prior to his tenure at Lakeland, Gordon also had an earlier stint at Blinn as the communication and sports information specialist for three seasons. Gordon was instrumental in providing coverage to the media on the Buccaneers' national championship volleyball program in 2014, four national titles in cheer and dance and three national tournament appearances for volleyball, softball and women's basketball.

Will Lummus

RODEO COACH

International steer wrestler Will Lummus was selected to lead the Rangers' rodeo program this past summer. Lummus joins Northwest with

a strong professional resume, highlighted by an average title in the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and a No. 2 world ranking in steer wrestling.

Lummus has competed around the world since joining the professional rodeo circuits in 2012, but his international status began to really take shape in 2016, when he won his first two steer wrestling events in West Monroe, La. and Dade City, Fla. The next year, he soared from 163rd to 20th in the world standings after winning several rodeos across the U.S.

In 2018, Lummus continued his meteoric rise by placing in seven rounds of his Wrangler National Finals Rodeo debut. He finished third in the Wrangler NFR average standings and third in the world standings, winning nine major U.S. rodeo events.

Lummus qualified for his second consecutive Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2019, and his victories at several national rodeos helped him earn an 11th place finish in the world standings.

In 2020, Lummus finally cracked the top 10 in the worldwide standings, earning a fifth place finish and qualifying once more for the Wrangler National Finals. Additionally, Lummus also won seven other events, including the Rodeo of the Mid-South in Southaven and the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Rodeo in Hattiesburg.

Last year brought a few career milestones for Lummus, as he finished second in the world standings and made his fourth appearance at the Wrangler National Finals. It was at the NFR where he won the average for the first time in his career, while also adding seven more rodeo wins to his resume.

Lummus has continued to tear up the professional circuit this year, earning four victories. His most notable win came last month at the world-famous Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada, where he turfed his steer in a speedy 3.6 seconds during a four-man championship round.

Prior to his emergence in the professional ranks, Lummus competed collegiately at East Mississippi from 201012 and UT Martin from 2012-14. His college career came with several honors as well, most notably helping UT Martin to a College National Finals Rodeo title in 2014. He also won three individual championships for steer wrestling and calf roping.

LaTaryl Williams

MEN'S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH

Former Northwest men's basketball standout LaTaryl Williams, a star for the Rangers in the late 1990s, was announced as the new women's basketball coach at Northwest. The Oxford native brings 14 years of coaching experience to the Lady Rangers' program, including two previous stops in the MACCC.

During his two seasons as a forward for the Rangers, Williams helped Northwest to a combined 57-11 overall record and an appearance in the 1998 NJCAA Final Four, while earning All-MACJC, AllRegion 23 and All-NJCAA Tournament accolades.

Williams arrives at Northwest from his most recent stint as head women's basketball coach at East Central Community College. He spent four seasons in Decatur, guiding the Lady Warriors to 43 victories and an 18-6 overall mark in 2018-19, the most wins by a first-year head coach in program history.

Williams' 2018-19 squad also cracked the NJCAA's Top 25 national rankings and he led ECCC to three NJCAA Region 23 postseason appearances, including a run to the semifinals during the 2020-21 season.

Prior to his stint at East Central, Williams served as an assistant women's basketball coach at Holmes Community College. He guided the Lady Bulldogs to four straight appearances in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament (2014-18) and

took the 2015-16 Holmes squad to the Region 23 Semifinals, defeating the No. 1 tournament seed in the first round.

Williams also gained a wealth of coaching and playing experience overseas, serving a one-year stint as an assistant coach in the United Kingdom for the Leicester Riders and operated a Basketball Academy at Burleigh Community College in Loughborough for nearly four years. For a decade, he also played professionally in South America and in Europe before a career-ending knee injury took him off the court.

Michael Sullivan

MEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH

Northwest hired Michael Sullivan as the Rangers' new men's soccer head coach in July.

Sullivan came to Northwest from Mississippi University for Women, where he served as the graduate assistant coach for the Owls' men's soccer program. Last season, Sullivan and the Owls finished with eight wins and a trip to the USCAA Championship in Virginia Beach.

Additionally, Sullivan began serving as the head coach of the Tupelo Futbol Club in 2017 and is vice president of the Starkville Soccer Association. He has overseen the merger between the two associations, a process that will turn the organization into the largest club in the state.

From 2018-20, Sullivan served as head coach of the junior varsity boys' soccer program at Starkville High School, creating a bridge of development to the varsity team. He also coordinated 3-on-3 teams for Impact Futbol Club in 2019. He holds National C and D coaching licenses, as certified by the United States Soccer Federation and an Advanced National Diploma from the United States Soccer Coaches Association.

Jamar McKnight MEN'S BASKETBALL ASSISTANT COACH

A former Northwest men's basketball standout has returned home, this time as an assistant coach. Jamar McKnight

was announced as the newest addition to Shane Oakley's coaching staff in July, marking a return to the Five Star City for the former Ranger and Clemson standout.

A native of Zachary, La., McKnight brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to Northwest, beginning with his two-year stint with the Rangers from 1998-2000. He played two seasons for former coach Don "Bubba" Skelton, leading the team in scoring with 18.5 points per game during his sophomore season. McKnight also earned AllMACCC honors and remains third in the career record books for free throw percentage (.793).

Following Northwest, McKnight continued his athletic career at Clemson University from 2000-02, earning 24 starts during his senior season with the Tigers. He averaged 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a senior, while also averaging 8.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game over the span of his two-year career.

McKnight then gained professional experience both domestically and overseas, beginning with a two-year stint with the Greenville Groove of the former National Basketball Development League (now known as the G-League). After being invited to the Boston Celtics' camp, McKnight turned his attention to Europe and Asia, playing for teams in Austria, Hungary, Iran and Spain from 2004-06.

He played with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBDL before heading back overseas in 2007 to continue his professional career in Portugal. He missed the 2008-09 season due to injury, but returned to the court in Istanbul, Turkey in 2010, before retiring to pursue a path in coaching.

McKnight began his coaching career in 2007, heading up the Zachary All-Stars' AAU program. In 2011, he was assistant coach for the men's basketball program at Baton Rouge Community College where he helped lead the Bears to their first conference title and an appearance in the NJCAA National Tournament.

From 2014-17, McKnight returned to his alma mater, Zachary High School, serving as an assistant coach for the varsity and junior varsity basketball

programs. In 2018, McKnight was named the head boys' basketball coach at Southern University A&M Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, a role he served in until this year.

Corey Irvine WOMEN'S SOCCER ASSISTANT COACH

Corey Irvine joined the Lady Rangers' soccer staff as a full-time assistant this season, becoming the program's first fulltime assistant coach and joining a robust unit of specialists and volunteer assistants.

Irvine comes to Northwest after a stint as a student assistant coach for the Georgia Southern University men's soccer program during the 2021 season, after playing with the Scottish-based Petershill Football Club in 2020. As a junior in 2019, the Glasgow, Scotland native made eight starts for Georgia Southern and played in 14 total matches, collecting two assists.

Prior to his time in Statesboro, Irvine played his freshman and sophomore seasons in the NJCAA ranks, first at Eastern Oklahoma State in 2017 and then at Northeast Texas Community College in 2018. During his time at NTCC, Irvine tallied eight goals and three assists, while totaling six goals and six assists at Eastern Oklahoma State.

Irvine's playing resume also includes a year and a half with Partick Thistle Football Club in Glasgow, where he played alongside Northwest women’s soccer head coach James Beattie. He holds an Associate of Science from Northeast Texas Community College and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Georgia Southern.

The Legacy of Memorial and Honorarium Gifts

A great many of the gifts that are received by the Northwest Foundation are given to pay tribute to those who have profoundly impacted the lives of others—parents, siblings, teachers, sons, daughters and friends. Some gifts are designated for permanently endowed scholarship funds, which means the gift “keeps on giving” forever. The memorial and honorarium gifts listed were given between May 1, 2022 and Oct 15, 2022 in appreciation both to those who gave the gifts and to those who have lived extraordinary and inspirational lives. If you wish to make a memorial or honorarium gift, please contact the Foundation Office at 662-560-1105.

MEMORIALS

DIANE BIFFLE by Ms. Toni Barden

JUDY BLAND by Mr. and Mrs. William H. Austin Jr. Clark Insurance Agency

Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Heindl Ms. Carol Knight Lamar & Hannaford, P. A.

CAMERON BLOUNT

by Dr. Matthew Domas Dr. Don Jones Mrs. Marla Y. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Greg Mote Mr. and Mrs. Bill Selby Mrs. Linda Webb

ROSS BOATRIGHT by Mrs. Sandra Roy

A. W. AND LANELLE BOUCHILLON by Mr. and Mrs. Barry Bouchillon

BETTY J. BYARS by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown Ms. Pamela Hall

HOWARD AND EDNA CARPENTER by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Coats

TOMMY CARPENTER by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Coats

BELA J. & RUBY BLACK CHAIN by Dr. and Mrs. Buddy Chain Jr.

DANNY RAY COLE by Mr. and Mrs. Dewayne Herrington Mrs. Linda Webb

VIRGINIA COX by Mr. and Mrs. John Ungurait

ALAN CROCKETT by Mr. and Mrs. Todd Latham

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Nickens Mr. Robin Robison

GALE P. CUSHMAN by Mr. and Mrs. James Allison Ms. Ellie Gillespie Mr. and Mrs. Richard Tallo Ms. Anne V. Winter

CARLTON DAVIS by Mrs. Ernestine A. Davis Ms. Judy C. Marshall

CLAY DAVIS by Mrs. Ernestine A. Davis Ms. Judy C. Marshall

THURMAN DAVIS by Mrs. Ernestine A. Davis Ms. Judy C. Marshall

KEITH DENNIS by Mr. and Mrs. Keith Godbold Mr. Richie E. Lawson

CARL DHORITY by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Jones

LARRY E. DHORITY by Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Dhority Mrs. Patricia B. Dhority

DOROTHY S. ELLIS by Mrs. Jean Beckum

WILLIAM & ANITA FORE by Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Davis

JERRIE FRAYSER by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Paul Wooten

PHILLIP GARDNER by Mr. and Mrs. William Correro

BILL GARRETT by Ms. Sylvia Hickey

ZULA GLENN by Mr. and Mrs. Dreher Harris

JESSICA GRESHAM by Ms. Linda S. Laine

A.L. HICKEY by Ms. Sylvia Hickey

WILLIAM O. HICKEY by Ms. Sylvia Hickey

DELORES HICKEY by Ms. Sylvia Hickey

TOMMY HOGAN by Mr. and Mrs. Ken Harris

RICHARD B. HONEYCUTT by Dr. Carolyn Wiley

BRENDA HOOD by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Allen Dr. and Mrs. Monty Monteith Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Nichols Mr. Bobby Payne

ROBERT A. HYDE by Ms. Effie J. Boothe

BERT JOHNSON by Ms. Trudy Hall

CHARLES R. JOHNSON by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Amorosi Ms. Trudy Hall

CHARLOTTE JOHNSTON by Mr. Marcus Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Greg Steinman

JASON JONES by Ms. Alyssa Algee Mrs. Lacey Gentry Ms. LeeLee Haraway

MILTON WALKER JONES JR. by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Jones

JOHN LAINE by Ms. Linda S. Laine

PAUL LAWRENCE by Mrs. Barbara Lawrence

NELDA LESIKAR by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Jones

PAT LEWIS by Dr. Patsy Sledge

WILLIE LOU KARR LOVELACE by Mr. Steve Cummings

BILLY MAGEE by Ms. Sylvia Hickey

ROBERTA MAYFIELD

by Dr. and Mrs. Max Juchheim Mr. Johnny Miller Dr. Patsy Sledge Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Warren

SANDRA KAY MERRILL by Mr. and Mrs. Dreher Harris

LOUISE MIDGETTE by Ms. Sylvia Hickey

MARY A. MONTEITH by Ms. Patricia Morgan

MARY ALICE MOORMAN by Mr. John David Randall

LEONARD MORRIS by Mrs. Lillian Morris Hilson

MELODY MUSGROVE by Cathy Johnson BILL NELMS by Mr. Zabe A. Davis IV

CALEB M. NUNNERY by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown Ms. Pamela Hall

VICKI PHILLIPS by Mrs. Marjorie Earl Ms. Melissa Evans

SCOTT POTTS by Mr. and Mrs. Ken Harris Mrs. Marla Y. Kennedy

GUY AND MARY PURDY by Ms. Beverly Mulloy

STEPHEN PURDY by Ms. Beverly Mulloy

LAURA REED by Mr. Clifton Reed Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Reed

WINFRED M. REID by Mr. Perrin Caldwell Jr.

GLADYS ROSS by Mr. and Ms. Heath Cannon

WALTER E. AND WANDA F. RUBY by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown Ms. Pamela Hall Mr. Walter Ruby

ROBERT SANDERS by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brown

TIM SHORTER by Mrs. Lisa Barber Ms. Kathy Buchanan Mr. Matthew Johnson

ASHLEE STURGEON by Mr. and Mrs. James Brett Curtis

JAMES L. (TREY) SYLVESTER by Dr. Darrell Barnes

LAUREN ELIZABETH TALLO by Mrs. Julie Bauer

AMY DEMPSEY TIDWELL by Mrs. Susan M. Dempsey Mr. and Mrs. Keith Williams

GLENN TRIPLETT by Mr. Jeff Triplett

ELISE VEAZEY by Mrs. Wrennie West

W. L. & LULA BROOKS WALLACE by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Starnes

JUDY WEEKS by Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Todd Latham

JAMES AND JEWEL WILBORN by Mrs. Kim Shaheen

REBA WILLIAMS by Mr. and Mrs. James Brett Curtis

TIM WILLIAMS by Ms. Debbie Perkins

WESLEY AND ALICE WILLIAMS by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wood

WESLEY WILLIAMSON by Mrs. Sadie Shannon

CALVIN GROVER YOUNGBLOOD by Dr. Ruth Williams Hooker

HONORARIUMS

CHARLOTTE ALEXANDER by Dr. Carolyn Wiley

JOHNNY BLAND by Lamar & Hannaford, P. A.

DR. MICHAEL BUTTS by Ms. Patsy Gardner Mr. Matthew Johnson

DR. AND MRS. DAVID HARAWAY by Dr. Neil Haraway

MARLENE HART by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown Ms. Pamela Hall

BRENDA G. HOLMES by Ms. Patsy Gardner

CATHRYN HYDE by Ms. Effie J. Boothe

JOE JOHNSON by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Amorosi Ms. Trudy Hall

PHYLLIS P. JOHNSON by Ms. Jenny Hurt

RICHIE E. LAWSON by Christ United Methodist Church

MEREDITH OWEN by Mrs. Pamela Cocke

SARAH PULLEN by Euphiazene Gray

MARGARET ROSS by Mrs. Jenny Hurt

RICHARD AND LAJUAN TALLO by Mrs. Julie Bauer