VISION Northwest 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 instruction for students from all walks of life. Our college fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student success. We strive for continuous 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. Engagement takes place in all communities that the college serves.
VALUES
Accountability Integrity Excellence Respect Service Sustainability Accessibility Creativity Leadership
President’s Report | Northwest Now
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president's reflections
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ear Northwest Family, In this Northwest Now President’s Report Edition, I’m excited to share with you important updates about the great work that our faculty, staff, and administration are accomplishing and have accomplished this past year. We recently started the Fall 2023 Semester where we’ve had in that semester—and in the 5 semesters before it—positive and significant enrollment growth. This is where the College has increased, semester over semester, in student enrollment growth based on our student enrollment. To be specific, Northwest has had more headcount enrollment growth in the past two fall semesters than any other community college in our state. This type of enrollment growth is still pretty rare in the State of Mississippi and even more rare in the nation where some colleges are still having enrollment declines. We at Northwest have had increases, and we’re thankful to be at an institution where this phenomenon is taking place. In addition to great enrollment successes, some other successes from the past year were: • We completed the following construction projects: Softball/Soccer Facility, Ranger Nutrition in the Student Union, the Center for the Performing Arts, Chick-fil-A, HVAC upgrade projects at DeSoto, Oxford, and Senatobia, and a One-Stop Enrollment Center was constructed at Yalobusha Hall on the Senatobia Campus; • We had a groundbreaking for The Ranger Center at the DeSoto Center Campus which will house an ADN program expansion, allow for CTE growth, and feature a regional testing center; • We began the construction of the new Men’s Residence Hall and an MDOT TAP grant project. • Technology improvements and upgrades have taken place as we’ve continued work on our new ERP, Oracle. • Financial successes like employee pay raises, updating and making more competitive the faculty hiring scales, securing yet again another unqualified audit; • Implementation of a new Amazon Career Choice Partnership; • Millions of external funds coming by the way of new grants and awards; • Completion of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan; • 1,778 Graduates for 2022-2023; • Cheer – 2nd in nationals this past year; • Dance – 2nd in nationals in their first-ever competition appearance; • Successful completion of the SACSCOC Fifth-year accreditation report; • Men’s and Women’s Tennis started back last year, was nationally ranked, and went to the national tournament; • First cohort of faculty was fully credentialed in ACUE professional development training; • In Communications, 467 press releases were generated, 164 media outlets were reached, and 3,270 zip codes were covered across 16 states; • In social media we had a 78% increase in impressions on LinkedIn, 158% increase on Instagram, YouTube had a 121% increase, and Facebook nearly doubled with a 94% increase; • The Capital Campaign goal of $4.56M was met; • We had our first-ever large scale fundraiser, the Soiree, which generated over $100,000 for the Foundation’s unrestricted fund; • New programs were started at DeSoto like cyber security, and the coding program in Water Valley became a credit program through the College; • A 24% enrollment increase took place in CTE programs college-wide; • Adult Ed student growth grew from 632 students in FY19 to 1,003 students in FY23; • A Successful Summer Camp for Kids took place called START – science, technology, art, recreation, and tools; • A fun Employee Appreciation Day took place on May 5 where our college employees got the chance to engage in friendly competition, or sing karaoke, or get to know one another more, or eat some good food; • An Employee of the Month program began where we were able to celebrate and honor some of our great employees; • We had a record number of NJCAA All-Academic recipients (80), and we had the most student athletes to earn this designation in the Conference; • A new marketing campaign “Find Your Path” launched; This Fall, we’re excited to have more programs start at The Concourse in Batesville like the Business and Marketing Management Technology, Commercial Truck Driving, and Industrial Automation and Controls Engineering Technology programs. We’re expanding existing programs like the Diesel Technology program in Batesville and the Ag Tech program in Senatobia. We’ll be making renovations on the Library as well. We’ve got great momentum taking place. Northwest is a special place, and the College’s best days are still ahead. Thank you for your continued friendship and support. Go Rangers!
Dr. Michael J. Heindl
President, Northwest Mississippi Community College
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Leadership
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Dwayne Casey
Dr. Andrew Dale
Kristin Davis
Dr. Matthew Domas
Associate Vice President of Workforce Solutions & Career Technical Education
Associate Vice President of Community Relations
Associate Vice President of Academic Instruction
Vice President of Instruction
Patti Gordon
Jeff Horton
Dr. Don Jones
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
Vice President of Administration and Finance
Dean of Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center
Angel Nickens
Dr. Keith Reed
Dr. Tonyalle Rush
Dean of eLearning
Dean of DeSoto Center
Associate Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management
President’s Report | Northwest Now
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Leadership
2022-2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President
Dr. Michael J. Heindl
Board Attorney
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Jerry Barrett
Aleé Dixon
DeSoto County
Tate County
Tate County
Jamie Anderson
Dr. Rachell Anderson
William H. Austin Jr.
Tallahatchie County
Tunica County
DeSoto County
Steve Bostick
Jean Ann Casey
Angie Crawford
Steve Cummings
Benton County
Calhoun County
Quitman County
Yalobusha County
John T. Lamar Jr. Tate County
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Chairman
Cory Uselton
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Leadership
2022-2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bill Dawson
Jay Foster
Diana Grist
Sylvia Hickey
Marshall County
Lafayette County
Benton County
Tallahatchie County
Sammy Higdon
Jamie Howell
Dr. Lisa Langford
Beatrice Pryor
Yalobusha County
Panola County
Calhoun County
Quitman County
Dr. Carrie Skelton
Steve White
Dorothy Wilbourn
Marshall County
Lafayette County
Panola County
President’s Report | Northwest Now
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INSTRUCTIONAL The business of the college is quality instruction and student learning across multiple delivery platforms. Excellence in instruction increases the potential for student success.
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“With the addition of three new programs, Industrial Automation and Controls Engineering Technology, Business and Marketing Management Technology, and Commercial Truck Driving, The Concourse continues to grow. The College as a whole is also experiencing growth in academic instruction.” – Dr. Matthew Domas
Instructional
NORTHWEST CELEBRATES 13 INSTRUCTORS COMPLETING THEIR ACUE CERTIFICATION Story by Sarah Smith
Northwest Faculty receiving their ACUE Certification April 26 at the Haraway Center are (L-R) Carrie Wigley, Chris Tingle, Stacy Taylor, Audrie McCann, Carla Townsend, Dr. Jay Sarver, Beth Adams, Mary Katherine Jones, and Dr. Carol Cleveland. They are congratulated by Dr. Michael Heindl and Dr. Matthew Domas. Photo By Matthew Mixson
Northwest faculty from various campuses have completed their first full certification cohort from American College and University Educators (ACUE). ACUEʼs mission is student success through exceptional teaching. All 13 educators at Northwest who completed their full ACUE certification were honored April 26. Northwest is the first Mississippi community college to offer ACUE certifications to its faculty. The honorees from the Senatobia campus are Beth Adams and Dr. Jay Sarver who teach English, Chris Tingle who teaches history, Mary Katherine Jones who teaches business, and Stacy Taylor who teaches nursing. The honorees from DeSoto Center are Dr. Piyatilake Adris and Dr. Darrell Barnes who teach biology, Rebecca Allen who teaches psychology, Carla Townsend who teaches history, Carrie Wigley who teaches business, and Audrie McCann
who teaches Business and Marketing Management Technology. The Oxford Center honoree is Dr. Carol Cleveland who teaches biology. Online adjunct honoree is Shay Carter who teaches chemistry. The 13 honorees at the afternoon event represented all three instructional divisions (Career-Technical Education, Health Sciences, and Academic) and campuses at Northwest in this cohort. When Northwest first implemented this program, there were 25 to 30 faculty who signed up, and the maximum group was 33 faculty per module, so Dr. Carolyn Wiley, associate vice president of Academic Instruction and Institutional Effectiveness, stated that this is a fantastic success. Afterward, they maintained 10 to 12 on the waiting list for courses to start the classes. “They love it,” Dr. Wiley said. Dr. Wiley explained that the courses
offered have spread to being completely full to wait-listed due to the word of mouth about the teaching method's impact. This teaching method employs what is called the “Effective Practice Framework,”which is learn, refine, reflect, collaborate, and implement. ACUE defines this as the “underpinning of our entire approach is a deep commitment to efficacy, pedagogical best practice, and a research-backed methodology.” ACUE lists its impact as stronger outcomes from students, better learning experiences, greater equity and belonging, and improved faculty engagement and well-being. ACUE is funded by Northwest, but is a transferrable certification credential, so anywhere faculty may go after Northwest these methods and their certification will go with them. This is a great investment into Northwest faculty.
President’s Report | Northwest Now
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Instructional
Dollar General’s Literacy Foundation Awards $10,000 to Northwest Adult Education Program Story by Sarah Smith Northwest received a check for a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation May 24. This grant is awarded to help strengthen literacy initiatives, enhance programs, and make tomorrow better through education. “We are proud to support your organization and wish you every success in the coming year,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. At Northwest, this grant is going toward the Adult Education Program to continue educating its 11 service counties. Northwest’s mission for Adult Education is to improve literacy skills, earn workforce credentials, and obtain a high school equivalency diploma. This grant specifically will be used to purchase school supplies and instructional materials, according to Jennifer Williams,
director of Adult Education. It will also be used to purchase testing vouchers for tests such as GED and HiSet for students who are ready to test but might be unable financially to pay test fees. The Adult Education staff actively works with students on developing academic and literacy skills. These programs also assist in helping students on their pathway to college or entering the workforce. This program also allows for “Start Smart” instruction, which can help students obtain a “Start Smart Certificate” or Credential, or Integrated Education Training such as forklift, NorthStar, and more. Northwest’s Adult Education Program is open to any Mississippi resident with a valid photo ID. There are seven locations for adult education, including Batesville, Bruce, Byhalia, Hernando, Oxford, Senatobia, and Southaven.
Celebrating a $10,000 grant award from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation are Northwest administration and Adult Eduation staff (L-R) Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon, Adult Education Lead Instructor Lauren Carlini, MIBEST Navigator Elizabeth Kairit, Director of Adult Education Jennifer Williams, Northwest President Dr. Michael Heindl, Vice President of Instruction Dr. Matthew Domas, Associate Vice President for Workforce Solutions and Career-Technical Education Dwayne Casey, Data Intake Manager Brittany Simmerman, and College and Career Navigator Ashton Smith. Photo by Alyssa Pirani
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ACCELERATEMS INVESTS IN NORTHWEST Story by Sarah Smith
Northwest’s Concourse Workforce Training Center in Batesville hosted Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves on Wednesday, May 17. Gov. Reeves and other state officials presented a $3.5 million check to fund the expansion of educational resources at the Concourse for technical job training that will help produce a more employable and educated workforce for Mississippi for years to come. Funding was provided through AccelerateMS, the state's first-ever workforce development office formed in 2021 and tasked with developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, highpaying careers. Gov. Reeves and other state officials toured the facility and talked with Northwest instructors about what students are learning in the classroom. Gov. Reeves had the chance to meet some of these current students and see the progress that Northwest is making. “It’s about laying the foundation and building the infrastructure for what we know is going to be continued movement into this community and continued movement into north Mississippi,” Gov. Reeves said. “These things donʼt happen overnight. We know that this started five years ago, and today we're sitting here and celebrating where we find ourselves.”
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It’s about laying the foundation and building the infrastructure for what we know is going to be continued movement into this community and continued movement into north Mississippi”
Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (center), accepts a $3.5 million check from Ryan Miller (left), executive director of AccelerateMS and Gov. Tate Reeves (right) at the college’s Concourse in Batesville. Photo By Sarah Smith
This funding will help advance programs such as robotics, automation and control engineering, mechatronics, and industrial maintenance. The Concourse is striving to help create sustainable job growth, explained Associate Vice President for Workforce Solutions and CareerTechnical Education, Dwayne Casey. “Three new programs are coming in the fall (to the Concourse); we’ve got commercial truck driving, which we already offer at Olive Branch so it’s just an expansion,” Casey said. “Weʼve got Business and Marketing Management Technology, which we currently offer in Southaven, we’re bringing it here. Industrial Automation and Controls Engineering Technology is a new program coming to the Concourse for the fall, and then we anticipate a doubling of our Diesel Technology enrollment for the fall.” Northwest’s President, Dr. Michael Heindl, explained the Commercial Truck Driving program, which is currently and will continue to operate in Olive Branch, is expanding to Batesville. Before the Olive Branch location opened, many students who wanted to train in a similar program would have to drive as far as Nashville to receive this kind of training. This training is targeted toward Northwest’s service counties, but anyone is
welcome to apply. “Each time I come back, I’m always excited because I see more progress and more growth,” said Executive Director of AccelerateMS, Ryan Miller. “I think I said it earlier today, what I’m most excited about is that Northwest understands that we have to continue to figure out ways to help existing industry fill the roles that they have currently available that we know are high-paying, high-yield jobs with great wages and great salaries.” These programs are dedicated to preparing the future workforce of Mississippi and bringing more profitable jobs to the state. “When I come through here, and I see this technology, I get excited, because I know right down the hall, you have diesel technology, diesel tech, and diesel tech education,” Miller said. “It’s cuttingedge technology, but it’s also trying to meet that immediate need. And you’ve got technology right next to me here with some of their EV and advanced manufacturing, robotics, advanced electronic technology education, that we know that type of industry sector is on its way. So being prepared for what’s coming, as well as continuing to meet the needs of what’s already here. Northwest has always done a great job of that.” President’s Report | Northwest Now
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Instructional
FIRST PHYSICAL THERAPIST GROUP GRADUATED SUMMER 2023 Story by Sarah Smith Northwest had its first class of students from the Physical Therapy Assistant program graduate at the college’s 114th Commencement on July 28. After a multi-year development phase that began in the summer of 2018, the PTA program accepted its first class of students in the fall 2021 semester. These 15 students completed the academic core requirements before beginning PTA courses and clinical rotations in May of 2022. Dr. Barton Allen of Senatobia, PTA program director, said this class has experienced tremendous growth. The graduation rate for this opening class was 100 percent. The students who make up this group are from a variety of backgrounds ranging from first-time college students to nontraditional students. The following students were in this first cohort: James Barrett of Horn Lake, Matthew Butcher of Senatobia, Rachel Carter of Walls, Dustin Darby of Southaven, Mary Dukes of Southaven, Katelynn Gonzalez of Batesville, Trae Justice of Olive Branch, Steven Long of Sarah, Nick Nesmith of Tupelo, Madison Nickens of Sarah, Ty Varner of Water Valley, Alissa Weets of Senatobia, Keythric Merriweather of Hernando,
Fifteen Physical Therapy Assistant students graduated from Northwest as the inaugural class in July. Photo by Sarah Smith
Hayley White of Southaven, and Joshua Birch of Olive Branch. Dr. Allen wanted people to know that “we are here to serve” as health care professionals. He said he’s excited to see what his students do in the future.
Heindl Center Fine Arts events Story by Julie Bauer The Heindl Center for the Performing Arts is not only a first-class venue for national performing acts, it also serves as the new home of the college’s instrumental and choral music pathways within the Department of Fine Arts. Students are given the opportunity to learn in the building’s classrooms and labs as well as perform on the Heindl Center stage as a part of various choral and music organizations. Last fall, the Northwest Choirs made their Heindl Center debut with a Dessert Cabaret in March, which featured the group performing to the audience, seated onstage for an intimate experience. Other choir performances during the year included their spring concert, “Love, Truth, War, Peace,” and “Sing Til the Spirit Moves in my Heart,” which featured performances by the Chamber Choir and special guests the Olive Branch High School Choir and Mississippi River 10
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Chorale. The music department began their run at the Heindl Center with a fall concert by the Jazz Band. The spring semester began with the Second Annual Northwest Jazz Festival, which featured a guest appearance by the Todd Hill Orchestra. The Northwest Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble held their spring concert in April. The concert featured the Men of the Northwest Chamber Choir on a special musical piece. The department rounded out the semester with the annual Day of Percussion.
Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble concert
Northwest Choirs concert
Instructional
NEW PROGRAMS FOR NORTHWEST Story by Sarah Smith | Photos by Jennifer Corbin
Commercial Truck Driving
Over the past two years, Northwest has offered an array of new programs at its campuses in an effort to provide training for in-demand jobs to the citizens of the college’s 11-county district. New programs focus on highly-skilled specialties in the transportation, industrial automation, marketing and medical fields. New programs offered at the Concourse in Batesville include Diesel Technology, Business and Marketing Management Technology, Commercial Truck Driving, and Industrial Automation and Controls Engineering Technology. Diesel Technology, which became available in Fall 2021 at the Concourse, trains new students on how to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment pieces including tractors, commercial trucks, and construction equipment growth, continued this Fall as the program added an instructor and doubled student enrollment. New this Fall, Business and Marketing
Business & Marketing Management Technology
Diesel Technology
Management Technology is a twoyear program that’s vested in helping students in their careers in marketing. The specialized training in this program focuses on Internet marketing, consumer behavior, entrepreneurship, management, advertising, selling, and retail management. Commercial Truck Driving prepares students to get their commercial truck driver's license (CDL) and consists of four categories: classroom, fieldwork, road driving, and city driving. This program emphasizes active practice in driving and understanding the laws associated with a CDL. Industrial Automation and Controls Engineering Technology (IACET) focuses on helping prepare students for careers installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing industrial electrical and electronic equipment and systems. This includes fundamentals such as electricity, electronics, digital techniques, motor skills, and automation systems. At DeSoto Center in Southaven, a new Surgical Technology program in 2021, helps students prepare for an in-demand career as a surgical technician in two years. It’s an instructional program that prepares individuals to become a member of the surgical team, helping to assist before, during, and after surgeries. Students in the Physical Therapy Assistant program on the main campus in Senatobia worked
through a two-phase process, first of academics then of clinical and hands-on work, to prepare them to be PTAs in the field. The program’s first cohort started the program in the Fall of 2021 and started their pathway coursework in May of 2022, graduating in the summer of 2023.
Industrial Automation and Controls Engineering Technology
Surgical Technology
President’s Report | Northwest Now
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INSTITUTIONAL A strong institution, in terms of its infrastructure, its people, its financial resources, its culture, and its reputation, provides the optimal environment for the success of our students.
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“Northwest provides an unmatched learning environment by investing in state of the art facilities, innovative instructional equipment, technology and our employees. We offer a safe and welcoming environment for students to learn and for our team to come to work, where we transform student’s lives.”
– Jeff Horton
Institutional
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
PHASE II
Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow A Campaign for Northwest Mississippi Community College
We are pleased to announce that we have successfully achieved our initial fund-raising goal of $4.56 million. However, there remain significant opportunities to support several vital projects that are either pending completion or recently conceived. Our overarching vision is to rally support for these initiatives, thereby affording others the chance to partake in the momentum we have generated. These Phase 2 projects include:
Thank you to our generous donors and our committed employees who have supported the campaign thus far. We will continue to remain within the scope of the Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow Capital Campaign to give opportunity for additional alumni, individuals, and entities to be a part of this positive progress. This campaign was initiated in November 2020, and we are presently three years into what was originally projected as a three-to-fiveyear endeavor. In due course, we will determine the most • The construction of an Indoor Athletic Training Facility opportune moment, before November 2025, to bring the • Enhancements to the Northwest Farm campaign to a triumphant conclusion and celebrate the • The erection of a Bell Tower on the Senatobia resounding success of the Investing Today, Impacting Campus Tomorrow Capital Campaign.
President’s Report | Northwest Now
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Institutional
NEW FACILITIES ENHANCE
COLLEGE’S MISSION Story by Julie Bauer | Photos by Julie Bauer and Matthew Mixson
Members of Northwest’s Executive Council prepare to break ground on the new men’s residence hall on the Senatobia campus.
NEW MEN’S RESIDENCE HALL TO ALLEVIATE STUDENT HOUSING WAIT LIST
Northwest Board of Trustees members and college administrators celebrated the groundbreaking for a new men's residence hall April 13 during the board’s monthly meeting. The new residence hall will be located on the west side of the main campus in Senatobia and is expected to open in the fall of 2024. Funded by the State of Mississippi, the $6 million project will house approximately 76 students, according to Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl. The college has for several years had a waitlist for both men and women requesting on-campus student housing. The most recently completed residence hall, Calhoun Hall for women, opened in 2021.
Dr. Heindl remarks to the crowd on the need for more student housing. The new residence hall, expected to open in the fall of 2024, will be located on the west side of campus.
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Institutional
DeSoto County representatives on the college’s Board of Trustees Cory Uselton (left) and William Austin (right) join Dr. Heindl at the groundbreaking for the new Ranger Center at the Southaven campus. Uselton, who serves as the board chairman, is also DeSoto County superintendent of education.
RANGER CENTER AT DESOTO CAMPUS TO SERVE WORKFORCE, CTE
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker joined college administrators and local government officials to break ground May 22 on the new Ranger Center, located on the DeSoto Center campus in Southaven. Northwest was awarded a historical $7 million dollar grant from the federal Economic Development Administration to go toward the construction of the 42,000-square-foot multi-purpose workforce and careertechnical education center. This project will cost close to $13 million, with the remaining amount funded by the State of Mississippi, the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors and Northwest institutional funds. Gov. Tate Reeves, who celebrated the event through video, said: “The Ranger Center is going to be a game changer for this community. It will help bolster our workforce, especially in the rapidly-growing fields of healthcare, logistics, technology and advanced manufacturing. Mississippi is incredibly fortunate to have such awesome community colleges like Northwest.” This center will be used for instructional programs focused on healthcare and workforce training, as well as a new training facility for standardized regional testing. The healthcare focus initially will be establishing the first Registered Nursing (RN) program in DeSoto County.
Dr. Heindl shows attendees a rendering of the Ranger Center, a 42,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a multipurpose workforce and career-technical education center.
President’s Report | Northwest Now
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Institutional
Ribbon Cuttings at Northwest WALK OF CHAMPIONS
In September of 2022, the Walk of Champions and the rededication of Bobby Franklin Field were celebrated before Ranger home games. The plaques along the walk honor many former Rangers who have played over the years. Bobby Franklin Field, named for the legendary Ranger head coach, was rededicated with an entrace plaque and ceremony attended by Franklin’s family, former coaches and players.
ALL-STEINWAY SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT
In 2023, the college was honored to become an All-Steinway School, and in the spring of 2023/Fall of 2022, the new achievement was recognized at the Heindl Center on the Senatobia campus, marking a new beginning for the music programs.
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
In January of 2023, Northwest celebrated the opening of the performing arts center. It was announced that day that the Board of Trustees had voted unanimously to name the facility after the current Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl.
NEW CHEER AND TENNIS FACILITY
The Cheer and Tennis facility ribbon cuttings were early in the fall semester of 2023, marking a new era for the award-winning cheer team and the stellar tennis team. The facility features brand new lockers and a weight room for these athletes as well as several new tennis courts. 16
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Institutional
Budget for Current Operations $7,201,000 Local Appropriations $837,500 Other Sources $140,000 Private Grants & Contracts $2,845,000 State Grants and Contracts
$26,457,961 State Appropriations
TOTAL REVENUE
$62,304,683.70
$82,000 Investment Income $45,000 Federal Grants & Contracts
$24,696,222.70 Tuition & Fees
$12,673,489.71 Institutional Support
$10,907,924.66 Operation & Maintenance
$24,791,959.72 Instruction
TOTALEXPENDITURES EXPENDITURES TOTAL
$62,304,683.70 $51,388,167 $630,000 Uncollectable Charges $3,976,978.95 Student Aid
$1,397,767.82 Instructional Support $7,926,562.84 Student Services President’s Report | Northwest Now
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PERSONAL The main focus of the institution is students’ personal success, from entry to graduation to their next step beyond college.
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“We are committed to fostering an environment that is not only student-ready but goes above and beyond to be welcoming and supportive. Our goal is to create a community where every student feels valued, inspired, and equipped to excel. We understand that education is not limited to the classroom, which is why we are dedicated to providing innovative, outstanding student services and an array of student clubs and organizations as well as activities. We focus on serving our students holistically and supporting our vision of transforming students’ lives.” – Dr. Tonyalle Rush
Personal
SIX NORTHWEST STUDENTS
ATTEND ALL-MISSISSIPPI ACADEMIC TEAM LUNCHEON HOSTED BY PTK AND MACC Story by Sarah Smith
Northwest PTK students named to the All-Mississippi Academic Team joined faculty and staff from each Northwest campus to attend the PTK All-Mississippi Academic Team Luncheon at Hinds Community College. Pictured are (front row L to R) Conner Diamond, Michael Harvey, Brenna Becker, Addison Pilant, Kaitlyn Hadley, and Matusala Yohannes; (second row) Kristin Davis, Victoria Penny, Dr. Don Jones, Matt Johnson, Denise Willis, Dr. Michael Heindl, Dr. Tonyalle Rush, and Dr. Blake Bostick. Photo by Andrew Dale
Six Northwest students attended the 2023 Phi Theta Kappa All-Mississippi Academic Team Luncheon April 11 at the Muse Center of Hinds Community College at their Rankin campus in Pearl. At this event, participating students received a medallion and certificate in recognition of their selection to the team. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC) worked together to host the All-Mississippi Academic Team Recognition Program. The event celebrated the stateʼs highest achieving community college students who are members of PTK. Mississippi is one of 38 states with All-State Academic Team programs.
This opportunity allows for students to be nominated to the All-USA Academic Team National Program to be considered for more than $41 million in scholarship opportunities. Participants arenʼt only recognized at the local level, but also across the United States, explained Kristin Davis, district director of Social Science Instruction at Northwest. “Being a part of Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunities for students furthering their educational journey, enhancing leadership skills, and providing a service to campus and community,” Davis said. Two students from each Northwest campus were invited. Senatobia campus
students include Addison Pilant of Southaven and Brenna Becker of Olive Branch; Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center students are Michael Harvey of Oxford and Conner Diamond of Wesson; and DeSoto Center students include Matusala Yohannes of Southaven and Kaitlyn Hadley of Olive Branch. The luncheon not only hosted the students honored, but also presidents and administrators from the stateʼs community colleges as well as members of the state legislature and corporate leaders. Phi Theta Kappa is a national community college honor society for students achieving a 3.5 cumulative GPA after completing 12 hours of coursework toward their associate or bachelor's degree. President’s Report | Northwest Now
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Personal
A CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP The college’s Leadership Forum held their annual leadership retreat in August 2023 at The Graduate Hotel in Oxford. During the retreat, the group discussed the mission, vision and values of the college and prepared success strategies for the upcoming year. The Leadership Forum was established in 2019 by Dr. Heindl and the executive team and consists of a wide range of individuals from all areas of the college who serve in leadership roles. The group meets on a monthly basis to learn and improve leadership skills, maintain communication with the Executive Council, and discuss college issues.
2023-2024 Northwest Leadership Forum
Photo by Sarah Smith
Snow Cones with the President Dr. Michael Heindl and Northwest custodial and grounds staff came together to cool off from the summer heat with some snow cones and ice cream in August of 2023 on all three campuses. This was an opportunity to appreciate our custodial and grounds staff who work extremely hard to keep our campuses beautiful.
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Photos by Matthew Mixson
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RANGERS EARN TITLE RINGS
CHEER
FOOTBALL
In 2021 and 2022, the Ranger cheerleaders took home the UCA National Cheer Competition title all the way from Orlando, Florida, where they competed at Disney World.
In 2021, the Northwest football team earned the MACCC Championship title at Northwest against Hinds.
SOFTBALL
In 2022, Northwest softball won the Region 23 Championship against LSU Eunice in Wesson.
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball defeated Pearl River October 29, 2022, in Senatobia. This win earned them the Region 23 Championship in volleyball. President’s Report | Northwest Now
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NORTHWEST
ATHLETIC SUCCESS STORIES Story by Brian Lentz
NEW TENNIS HEAD COACH
Northwest has chosen Andy Wolf as the new head coach of the Ranger men’s and women’s tennis programs. “I am excited to be a part of the Ranger family,” Wolf said. “We are going to build a tennis program that the Head Tennis Coach Andy Wolf Northwest community will be proud of. I would like to thank Dr. Michael Heindl and [Northwest athletic director] Jake Gordon for this opportunity.” Wolf comes to Northwest from DeSoto Central High School, where he has served as the Jaguars’ tennis coach for the past two seasons. While there, he helped DCHS to back-to-back Class 6A, Region II district championships in 2022-23, with multiple players qualifying for individual state championship tournaments. Wolf began at DeSoto Central teaching middle school World Geography and U.S. History since 2016, while also assisting with the Jags’ middle school football program. Prior to his tenure at DeSoto Central, he was an insurance producer for Southaven-based State Farm agent Eric Irmscher from 2014-16 and served as an operations manager at FedEx from 1997-2013. “Andy was able to rise to the top of the interview process, due to his knowledge of tennis and his experience as a head coach,” Gordon said. “He is already familiar with tennis athletes in this area and that will help him in recruiting to Northwest. We are excited to have Coach Wolf jump in and take over our program.” Wolf obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Crichton College in 1999 and received his master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University.
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NORTHWEST REINSTATES GOLF; NAMES RYAN BRICKLEY AS HEAD COACH
For the first time since 2017, men’s golf will return to Northwest in time for the 202425 academic year. Additionally, Northwest will also introduce women’s golf for the first Head Golf Coach Ryan Brickley time in the institution’s history, becoming the first MACCC program to add the sport. The addition of women’s golf will coincide with the return of men’s golf. Overseeing both programs will be Ryan Brickley, a certified member and instructor of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA of America). “We are thrilled to bring back men’s golf at Northwest,” Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl said. “In addition to that, we have added women’s golf, which will add even more athletic opportunities for female sports at the college. We are continuing to build upon the great tradition of athletic excellence at Northwest, and I am very excited about Coach Brickley and the great student-athletes who will now represent Northwest in both programs.” “I am excited to have someone like Ryan (Brickley) come and revive golf at Northwest,” athletic director Jake Gordon said. “He is someone who can come in and hit the ground recruiting and build a team for next school year.” Brickley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Miami University, which he earned in 1992. While at Miami, he completed the university’s international study program in Luxembourg. Northwest will begin play during the Fall 2024 semester. Additional information on the men’s and women’s golf programs can be found in the coming weeks and months on nwccrangers.com, with social media pages coming soon.
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Northwest baseball team members pose with Coach Mark Carson to mark the occasion of his 500th win at Northwest as head coach.
MARK CARSON WINS
Northwest baseball coach Mark Carson can now add 500 wins to his already-impressive résumé, as the Rangers swept Coahoma 20-4 and 3-2 in April. It marked yet another notable achievement for Carson, a former Northwest baseball student-athlete who joined Donny Castle’s staff as an assistant coach in 1998. Carson, a graduate of Independence High School and a former Southern Miss baseball standout, took over the head coaching reins in 2006 and is currently the secondwinningest coach in program history, trailing only Jim Miles’ 556 career wins. Carson’s 500th win was also notable in the fact that it marked the Rangers’ first 20-run game since March 4, 2020, when Northwest recorded a whopping 24-1 at Columbia State. With the Game 2 win as well, Northwest improved to 22-12 overall and 10-4 in the MACCC, marking the third consecutive sweep and the sixth straight win. Prior to the 2023 season, Carson had guided Northwest to 12 straight postseason appearances, not counting a shortened COVID-19 season in 2020. Since taking over in 2006, Carson has guided the Rangers to eight 30-win seasons and 15 consecutive winning seasons, spanning from 2007-22. Carson and his staff have also been instrumental in developing players and helping them get to the next level, both collegiately and professionally, with 120 moving onto four-year schools and 12 being drafted by Major League Baseball during his tenure. Northwest had a record four players drafted in 2013, including All-American LHP Cody Reed by the Kansas City Royals at 46th overall, the highest selection in program history.
Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl presents Head Coach Mark Carson with a commemorative plaque following the Rangers’ Game 1 win against Coahoma. Carson is only the second Northwest baseball coach to reach the 500-win milestone, joining Jim Miles (556).
Coach Carson celebrates his 500th win with a surprise cooler bath from his team.
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TRUSTEES HONOR PRESIDENT WITH NAMING OF HEINDL CENTER Story by Julie Bauer | Photo By Carly Fox
The standing-room-only crowd who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Northwest’s new performing arts center Jan. 12 received a huge surprise from Board of Trustees Chairman Cory Uselton when he announced the board had earlier in the day voted to name the center in honor of Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl. “This is such an exciting day on campus as we have our ribbon cutting ceremony for our new performing arts center,” said Uselton. “At today’s board meeting, our board voted unanimously to name the performing arts center after Dr. Michael Heindl.” The announcement was met with a room of smiles, accolades, and applause from guests, and heartfelt gratitude from Dr. Heindl. “I was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude when our Board of Trustees announced the name change of the center,” said Dr. Heindl. “It is an honor of a lifetime, and I am so very excited for all of the students who will receive training in the center and for our 24
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community who will have the opportunity to experience the very best cultural and entertainment experiences there are.” The center, now known as the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, is a 61,000-square-foot facility that features a 1,203-seat performance space plus studio and educational spaces for Fine Arts faculty and students. From concept to construction and completion, the fouryear effort to bring the new center to the Senatobia campus was spearheaded and supported by Dr. Heindl. “Dr. Heindl had the vision and foresight for the performing arts center in 2018 and
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I was overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude when our Board of Trustees announced the name change of the center,”
has led the effort to bring it to life today,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance Jeff Horton. “It’s only fitting that the building is named after him. He saw a need for improved instructional space and for a theater that will enrich the community.” According to Uselton, the board recognized Dr. Heindl’s long-standing commitment to having Northwest be a catalyst for bringing quality fine arts education as well as top-tier entertainment experiences to the community. His leadership in these areas, which carry out the college’s vision of ʻtransforming our students’ lives, enriching our communities and striving for excellence in our educational programs and services,’ made the decision to rename the center in his honor an easy one. “On behalf of our Board of Trustees, we are appreciative of all the hard work done by Dr. Heindl,” said Uselton. “When a faculty member recommended the naming of the Center for the Performing Arts, we brought the recommendation to the Board of Trustees for consideration. Dr. Heindl has been a champion for the performing arts during his time on campus, and the board members voted unanimously in favor of naming the center in his honor. This designation is a fitting tribute due to Dr. Heindl’s personal and professional commitment to Northwest.” The naming not only highlights Dr. Heindl’s commitment to the performing arts as a college president, it also reflects his own personal connection as a performing artist himself. He began his educational journey as a 1994 Hinds Community College graduate with an Associate of Arts in general studies/music, and was a member of the symphonic band, marching band, concert band, chamber choir, jazz ensemble, madrigal singing group, show choir, and jazz band. In addition, Dr. Heindl has been involved in community choirs, bands, and church choirs and ensembles for many years.
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Employee Appreciation Faculty and Staff were celebrated at the end of the academic year with the first-ever Employee Appreciation Day. The day was filled with competitive team activities, karaoke, food, and an over-the-top dodgeball contest. These photos capture just a few of our more than 500 full-time employees who make this college such an amazing place to live, work, and play. Photos by Alyssa Pirani & Sarah Smith
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COMMUNITY The college will be perceived as relevant when we work passionately as a team to produce quality outcomes that enrich our communities. Relationships are the catalyst for informing the college of educational content and skills needed within the region.
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“Northwest is providing a pathway for future community growth by taking intentional steps to meet current and future students’ needs with regard to program access and facility access with the help of local government and industry partners. The greatest value this institution can bring to our communities stems from the relationships that are developed among our business, industry and local government partners.” – Dr. Andrew Dale
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NORTHWEST SELECTED BY AMAZON AS AN EDUCATION PARTNER FOR CAREER CHOICE PROGRAM Story by Dr. Andrew Dale
Northwest announced it has been selected as an education partner for Amazonʼs Career Choice program, providing Amazonʼs hourly employees access to all of Northwestʼs academic programs and pathways. “Northwest is excited to partner with Amazon to provide flexible educational opportunities for their employees and the citizens of north Mississippi through this Career Choice program,” said Dr. Michael Heindl, president of Northwest. “We look forward to helping Amazon employees advance their career goals. This partnership is another way that Northwest is committed to partnering with local businesses and industry as we seek to grow the local economy and workforce.” Dr. Keith Reed, dean of the DeSoto Campus, is encouraged by the partnership. “Our campus in DeSoto County is centrally located for Amazonʼs
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Our campus in DeSoto County is centrally located for Amazon's local employees and a great asset with day, evening, online, and flexible course options for enrollment.”
local employees and a great asset with day, evening, online, and flexible course options for enrollment.” Northwestʼs vision is to transform students' lives, enrich our communities, and strive for excellence in our educational programs and services. As an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving 11 counties in northwest Mississippi, we offer nearly 80 academic programs and pathways to help students on their journey toward full-time employment. Amazonʼs Career Choice program is an education benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program meets individual learners on their education journey through various education and upskilling opportunities, including full college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas, and GEDs. In the U.S., the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higherpaying, in-demand jobs.
Amazonʼs Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party partner educators, choosing partners focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and overall offering education that leads to career success. “Weʼre looking forward to Northwest coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, global program lead of Amazonʼs Career Choice program. “We're committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether thatʼs with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience.Today, over 80,000 Amazon employees worldwide have participated in Career Choice, and weʼve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.”
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HEINDL CENTER EVENTS THE HEINDL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS INAUGURAL SEASON WAS A 5-STAR SUCCESS WITH ACTS SUCH AS KRISTIN CHENOWETH, JAY LENO, BEN CARSON AND MANY MORE. Photos by Jennifer Corbin, Brian Lentz, Matthew Mixson, Alyssa Pirani, Kevin Pitts, and Sarah Smith
Winnie the Pooh
Jay Leno & Henry Cho 28
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An Evening with Dr. Ben Carson
Kristin Chenoweth - For the Girls
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The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Present: The Pirates of Penzance Donny Edwards
Pinkalicious: The Musical
Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles
North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Presents: Guys and Dolls in Concert
Bobby Rush
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NW, Ole Miss leadership celebrate partnerships, discuss future projects Ole Miss Day brought University of Mississippi Chancellor, Dr. Glenn Boyce, and Ole Miss leadership to Northwest on April 3 to discuss the accomplishments of the two schools, the future of higher education, and their educational partnerships. Afterward, administrators had lunch with students and talked about encouraging their continuing education. The event kicked off with an introduction by Northwest's President, Dr. Michael Heindl and Chancellor Boyce. The meeting then broke down into small groups to discuss how to better work together on future projects. Afterward, a luncheon was held with Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) students who were transferring to Ole Miss in the fall. They had the chance to meet and mingle with Ole Miss faculty and staff. This event was about unifying these educational communities as they both continue to do their work in creating tomorrow's leaders. Current partnerships with Ole Miss include the 2+2 and Path 4 programs in DeSoto County at DeSoto Center in Southaven and the Redshirt Engineering program at Northwest's Oxford campus.
Dr. Michael Heindl, Northwest's president, and Dr. Glenn Boyce, Ole Miss chancellor, shake hands in the Northwest Board Room at the Haraway Center. Photo by Sarah Smith
NEW U OF M PARTNERSHIP TO HELP TRANSFER
STUDENTS GET ‘ONE STEP CLOSER’ Story by Staff Writer Northwest officials signed a new partnership with the University of Memphis last fall to help students get “One Step Closer” to their educational goals. The program, designed for Northwest students interested in transferring to the University of Memphis after graduation, gives current students access to University of Memphis resources like the university’s student ID card, a U of M email address, library access, academic counseling, athletic events, housing, and other benefits while they are enrolled at Northwest. “We really appreciate this opportunity to sign this One Step Closer agreement, and we’re excited about it because it gives our students greater opportunity for pre-advising before they come as full-time students to the university,” said Dr. Michael Heindl, president of Northwest. “We have a great relationship with the University of Memphis, and by signing this agreement, we strengthen that relationship.” University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave echoed those thoughts: “We want to make the University of Memphis the most transfer-friendly institution in the country. We want to remove every possible hurdle that there is for transfer students and make it as smooth a transition as possible. I am thankful for our relationship with Northwest, and this agreement takes it to the next level.” 30
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Dr. Heindl joins University of Memphis President, Dr. Bill Hardgrave in signing the “One Step Closer” partnership agreement Oct. 6. The new program will assist Northwest students in the transfer process by providing pre-advising opportunities and other U of M resources.
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PATHFINDERS LEAD EFFORTS TO
SUPPORT LOCAL CAUSES Story by Sarah Smith | Photos by Alyssa Pirani The Northwest Pathfinders led two fundraising efforts this past year to help children in need as well as a north Mississippi community rebuilding after a devastating tornado. The group is comprised of students from the Senatobia, DeSoto and Oxford campuses who serve as goodwill ambassadors for Northwest and are involved in recruiting and public relations activities including leading campus tours, visiting area high schools to recruit potential students, and participating in community outreach projects. The Pathfinders at DeSoto Center raised $1,500 in the fall of 2022 to purchase 15 red wagons for patients at St. Jude. According to Assistant Director of Recruiting Jenny Hurt, “The hospital uses these wagons to pull young patients around the hospital when they often times don’t
have the energy to lift their head. After chemotherapy and other treatments, IV poles are attached to the wagons and patients are able to roll around the hospital grounds and step away for a little while.” The second fundraiser was held this past spring after devastating tornadoes swept through the state. The Pathfinders collected donations from students and the community and delivered them to the Sharkey County Community Center to aid the citizens of Rolling Fork. “A CTE instructor on the Senatobia campus donated $1,000 for them to go shopping and purchase as well,” Hurt said. “On April 7, six Pathfinders as well as Pathfinder advisor Kelsey Baker and I drove the donations down and volunteered for the morning shift, sorting items and packing up care packages for the community to pick up as they drove through.”
Northwest Pathfinders working together at the Senatobia campus to bring supplies to Rolling Fork after the tornadoes.
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS ARE PART OF THE COLLEGE'S VISION TO ENRICH OUR COMMUNITIES. EVENTS SUCH AS THE OXFORD PRINCESS PARTY, SANTA VISITING, AND THE SPOOKTACULAR AMONG OTHERS ARE WAYS FOR US TO GIVE BACK. Photos by Julie Bauer, Jennifer Griffith, Alyssa Pirani, and Sarah Smith
SPOOKTACULAR
S.T.A.R.T CAMP
VISIT WITH SANTA
PRINCESS PARTY 32
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DANCE CAMP
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CHEER CAMP
FOOD TRUCK DAY
SENIOR CITIZEN
IMMERSION DAY
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LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS SENATOR ROGER WICKER
Sen. Wicker held his annual visit with the Tate County Council of Governments in August at the Northwest Mississippi Community College Board Room. This was the Senator’s 30th consecutive fall visit to Senatobia; he always makes this visit a priority.
GOVERNOR TATE REEVES
It was a privilege to host Gov. Reeves recently on campus as the Honorary Team Captain for the first home football game of the 2023 season. He helped the Rangers win the coin toss to start the game.
SENATOR CINDY HYDE-SMITH
Dr. Heindl and Dr. Dale were able to visit with the Senator in her Washington D.C. office during the annual AACC Legislative Summit. The Senator is always interested in how Northwest is investing in students and planning for new ways to meet student and industry needs in Northwest Mississippi.
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CONGRESSMAN TRENT KELLY
Dr. Heindl delivers a Northwest Rangers football helmet to U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly, to join the Mississippi helmet display in his Washington D.C. office. The Congressman is an ardent supporter of Northwest Mississippi Community College.
LT. GOV. DELBERT HOSEMANN
Dr. Heindl stands with Lt. Gov. Hosemann (center) during the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges legislative visit in the rotunda of the Mississippi State Capitol.
CONGRESSMAN BENNY THOMPSON
Dr. Heindl visits Congressman Thompson in Washington D.C. and delivers a Northwest Rangers football helmet that is now on display in the Congressman’s D.C. office.
CONGRESSMAN MIKE EZELL
Dr. Heindl and Dr. Dale visited with the freshman representative from South Mississippi just a few weeks after he began his term in 2023. The Congressman takes seriously his responsibility to represent all Mississippians in D.C., not just those who elected him.
CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL GUEST
Dr. Heindl and Dr. Dale visit with Congressman Guest in the Cannon House Office Building during a recent visit to Washington. President’s Report | Northwest Now
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INCREASES IN SOCIAL MEDIA SINCE AUGUST 2021 TOTAL AUDIENCE (FOLLOWERS)
82.1% INCREASE
TOTAL IMPRESSIONS (POST VIEWS)
67.9% INCREASE
TOTAL ENGAGEMENTS (INTERACTIONS)
40.3% INCREASE POST LINK CLICKS
140.7% INCREASE VIDEO VIEWS
211% INCREASE
GRAPHIC STANDARDS
Earlier this year, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted service mark status to several Northwest brand names, including the official college seal, Northwest logo, Ranger logo, and Northwest N logo, This official registration of these logos will allow the college to protect its brand identity for years to come.
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