Northwest Mississippi CoMMuNity College
One Hundred Fourteenth
CoMMeNCeMeN t
Friday, the tweN ty-eighth oF July two thousaNd tweN ty-three
Northwest Mississippi CoMMuNity College
One Hundred Fourteenth
CoMMeNCeMeN t
Friday, the tweN ty-eighth oF July two thousaNd tweN ty-three
NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Howard Coliseum
Senatobia, Mississippi
Friday, July 28, 2023
School of Health Sciences: 8 a.m.
Academic Instruction, Workforce Solutions & Career-Technical Education: 10 a.m.
Mace Bearer: Dr. Tonyalle Rush, Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management
Gonfalon Carriers (in order of procession):
DeSoto Center: Dr. Keith Reed, Dean of DeSoto Center
eLearning: Mrs. Angel Nickens, Dean of eLearning
Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center: Dr. Don Jones, Dean of Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center
Senatobia Campus: Dr. Matthew Domas, Vice President for Instruction
Platform Dignitaries
Dr. Michael J. Heindl, President
Mr. Bryan McCachren, District Dean of Student Services
Mrs. Patti Gordon, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
Dr. Don Jones, Dean of Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center
Dr. Keith Reed, Dean of DeSoto Center
Dr. Tonyalle Rush, Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management
Dr. Andrew Dale, Associate Vice President for Community Relations
Mr. Jeff Horton, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Ms. Teresa Hubbard, Member, Board of Trustees, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (Commencement Speaker—8 a.m. & 10 a.m.)
Dr. Matthew Domas, Vice President for Instruction
Mr. Dwayne Casey, Associate Vice President for Workforce Solutions and Career-Technical Education
Mrs. Angel Nickens, Dean of eLearning
Mr. Jamie Anderson, Tallahatchie
Dr. Rachell Anderson, Tunica
Mr. William H. Austin, Jr., DeSoto
Mr. Jerry Barrett, Vice Chairman, Tate
Mr. Steve Bostick, Benton
Mrs. Jean Ann Casey, Calhoun
Mrs. Angie Crawford, Quitman
Mr. Steve Cummings, Yalobusha
Mr. Bill Dawson, Marshall
Mrs. Alee Dixon, Secretary, Tate
Mr. Jay Foster, Lafayette
Ms. Diana Grist, Benton
Mrs. Sylvia Hickey, Tallahatchie
Mr. Sammy Higdon, Yalobusha
Mr. Jamie Howell, Panola
Dr. Lisa Langford, Calhoun
Ms. Brenda Hopson, Quitman
Dr. Carrie Skelton, Marshall
Mr. Cory Uselton, Chairman, DeSoto
Mr. Steve White, Lafayette
Ms. Dorothy K. Wilbourn, Panola
Mr. John T. Lamar, Jr., Board Attorney
The Northwest Mississippi Community College mace stands as a symbol of educational leadership. The origins of the mace can be traced to medieval times when knights carried them as weapons during processions with their kings. As the tradition grew, the mace became a symbol of authority and was often decorated with elaborate embellishments and gems. Today, a college mace represents the authority invested in the president by a school’s governing body. The mace is used only on formal occasions, including commencement exercises and presidential inaugurations, when participants are often in full regalia and the president is in attendance.
The Northwest mace, crafted by minting company Medalcraft Mint, Inc., is the first in the College’s history. The mace was designed by a committee composed of Julie Bauer, former director of Communications; Sybil Canon, former associate vice president for Development and Special Projects; Jennifer Corbin, graphic designer; and Dan Smith, former Chief of Staff and vice president for Student Services.
Carved from natural walnut and accented with brass, the mace stands 42 inches tall. Topping the mace is the Northwest Mississippi Community College seal, sculpted in brass with an antiqued finish and a walnut surround. The seal depicts the name and initials of the College, an outline of the State of Mississippi, and carries the year of the College’s founding, 1927. The seal and surround sit atop a brass platform that reads “Northwest Mississippi Community College.” Below the platform is a brass banner commemorating Tate County Agricultural High School, first organized in 1915 and the parent institution of Northwest. On the staff of the mace are eleven smaller brass banners further commemorating the sponsoring counties of Northwest—Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha. At the bottom of the mace is a 7.25” brass foot.
The base of natural walnut was crafted by Stanley Isom, a member of the College’s Physical Plant staff. The front of the base features an antique brass College seal to match the mace.
The chain of office, which is worn by the president on ceremonial occasions, is the visible symbol of the office and authority of the president of the College. The current chain of office was commissioned by the College’s eighth president, Dr. Gary Lee Spears, and was first used at the 2006 commencement ceremonies. The chain of office consists of an ornamental chain bearing brass banners upon which are inscribed the names and years of service of the presidents of Northwest.
The chain terminates in a banner inscribed with the title of the office—“President”—from which hangs the seal of Northwest Mississippi Community College in brass.
The College’s gonfalons are a set of pageantry banners used during formal ceremonies to represent the institution and campus locations. Included in the set are four 3-by-5-foot fishtail-style gonfalons, each one featuring the logo of the Senatobia campus, DeSoto Center, Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center, and eLearning on a field of blue with a red stripe in the College’s official colors. The institution as a whole is represented by a 4-by-6-foot fishtail-style gonfalon featuring the College name and seal in the College’s official colors on a blue field with a red stripe. The smaller gonfalons are used in the Processional, while the larger gonfalon remains stationary on the stage.
Ms. Teresa Hubbard was appointed to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board of Trustees by Gov. Tate Reeves in May 2021. She represents the Third (Northern) Supreme Court District. One of the state’s top female business leaders, Ms. Hubbard founded an armored truck manufacturing company in 2002 and serves as President and CEO of CITE Armored, which operates out of Holly Springs and Ms. Hubbard’s hometown, Batesville.
As a leader in her industry, Ms. Hubbard was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Independent Armored Car Operators Association and is an active member of the Secure Cash Transport Association. She was named 2018 Business Woman of the Year and one of Mississippi’s Top CEOs in 2019 by Mississippi Business Journal. As a passionate supporter of Mississippi’s young professionals, she has served as a judge at the International Business Model Competition at the University of Mississippi and for the Mississippi State University Entrepreneurship Center’s Start Up Summit and was selected as a keynote speaker at the Delta State University International Business Symposium.
After Ms. Hubbard received her high school education at South Panola High School in Batesville, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Delta State University with a double major in accounting and computer information systems. As a certified public accountant (CPA), Ms. Hubbard worked primarily in public accounting for 17 years before delving into the manufacturing arena.
Ms. Hubbard resides in Oxford with her children, Ben and Elizabeth.
Pomp and Circumstance
Processional .................................................................................................................................... Issac/Elgar
Invocation ............................................................................................................................. Miss Jarica Sloan
Graduate, Class of 2023
The Star-Spangled Banner ..................................................................................
Soloist: Miss Lacey Halley
Words: Francis Scott Key
Music: John Stafford Smith
Welcome and Remarks ................................................................................................. Dr. Michael J. Heindl President, Northwest Mississippi Community College
Introduction ................................................................................................................. Dr. Michael J. Heindl
Address .............................................................................................................................
Ms. Teresa Hubbard
Member, Board of Trustees Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
Student Address ........................................................................................................... Miss Madison Nickens Class of 2023
Awarding of Diplomas and Certificates .................................................................. Dr. Michael J. Heindl
Presentation of Diplomas and Certificates ............................................................... Dr. Matthew Domas
Vice President for Instruction
Mr. Jeff Horton
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Mrs. Angela Dortch Registrar
Pinning & Pledges .....................................................................................................................
Mrs. Betty Ginn
Director, Practical Nursing Program
Mr. James Duke
Director, Emergency Medical Technology Program
continued on next page
Mrs. Cathy Wilburn Director, Surgical Technology Program
Mr. Troy Day Director, Cardiovascular Technology Program
Mrs. EbonĒ Dukes Director, Funeral Service Technology Program
Dr. Barton Allen Director, Physical Therapist Assistant Program Alma
Soloist: Miss Lacey Halley
The School of Health Sciences would like to express its gratitude to Gideons International for their contribution in giving Bibles to all of our graduates.
Respect for our degree candidates and dignity for the commencement exercise are important. Please honor each graduate by reserving all individual celebrations until the end of the exercise. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Please stand during the Processional and Recessional.
Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in all its programs and activities. Northwest Mississippi Community College prohibits sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence, regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Disability Support Services Coordinator, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7046, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3309, e-mail address mkelsay@ northwestms.edu; Title II of the Age Discrimination Act: Vice President for Finance and Administration, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3216, e-mail address jhorton@northwestms.edu; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972/Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: (For student-related matters) Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3409, e-mail address trush@northwestms.edu or (for employment-related matters) Director of Human Resources, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7038, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 560-5216, email estanford@northwestms.edu.
Pomp and Circumstance
Processional .................................................................................................................................... Issac/Elgar
Invocation ..................................................................................................................... Miss Molly Anderson
Graduate, Class of 2023
The Star-Spangled Banner ..................................................................................
Soloist: Miss Lacey Halley
Words: Francis Scott Key
Music: John Stafford Smith
Welcome and Remarks ................................................................................................. Dr. Michael J. Heindl President, Northwest Mississippi Community College
Introduction ................................................................................................................. Dr. Michael J. Heindl
Address .............................................................................................................................
Ms. Teresa Hubbard
Member, Board of Trustees Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
Awarding of Diplomas and Certificates .................................................................. Dr. Michael J. Heindl
Presentation of Diplomas and Certificates ............................................................... Dr. Matthew Domas
Vice President for Instruction
Mr. Jeff Horton
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Mrs. Angela Dortch Registrar
Alma Mater.......................................................................................................................... Triplett/Johnson arr. Todd E. Hill
Soloist: Miss Lacey Halley
Recessional ...................................................................................................................................... Issac/Elgar
Pomp and Circumstance
Respect for our degree candidates and dignity for the commencement exercise are important. Please honor each graduate by reserving all individual celebrations until the end of the exercise. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Please stand during the Processional and Recessional.
Associate of Arts
Hunter Lane Agner
Sidny Yetlanetzy Barreto
Brenna Ramsey Becker **
Ryan Chase Belew **
Graham Alan Bixler
Madelyn Grace Brassfield
Ebony S. Brown
Nathaniel Thomas Buchanan
Chanicyah Ayashanah Burden
Justin Matthias Burns
Luke Andrew Cardin
Rebecca D. Cartwright
Marlon Kewon Collins *
Kennidi Lashae Dean *
Olivia Lakinya Faith Edgeston
Kayla Aniya Gale
Brodie Wayne Gilbert
Paige Marie Glasco
Jordan Goins, IV
Jarelly Janetth Gonzalez
Kenneth Ray Grissom, Jr. *
Amya Grace Harris
McKenzie Lashae’ Henderson
Cristy Rochelle Hill
Patrick Demond Hoyle
Alea Dominique Hunley
Davis Coleman Jackson
Kaitlin Areiale Johnson
Alexis Desiree Johnson
Nazzrie Jones
Jermal Kearney
Dominic Christopher Leftwich
Melonie Keyon Little
Delta Nicole Love
Kamrin Janelle Mayse
Sharika W. McNeal
Elijah Javon Minter
Christopher Randall Mize *
Andrew Kyle Moorhead
Dayana Belen Moreno Ryser *
Randyl C. Neal
Cedric Parker
Myles Fletcher Patch **
Elizabeth Blair Phillips
Alyssa Monet Porter
Kylee Elaine Schrecengost ***
Lauren Kimberly Smith *
Tierra Mackenzie Walker
Lottie Washington
Sequoia Deazhiana White
Tykira Wilkins
Jada Vantrice Williams
Teyla Monisha Wilson *
Associate of Applied Science
Amanda Lynn Alberson *
Yolanda Michelle Alford
Kayla Allen
Nadia Annallise Ashford *
Alice C. Baker **
Keith Adam Barclay
James Willis Barrett *
Joshua James Birch *
Skylar Nicole Bundrum
Matthew Reid Butcher
Rachel Shea Carter **
Dustin Wade Darby **
Alnayiah Montia Dean **
Jeri Jordan Demo
Mary Michelle Dukes *
Marcella Denise Flores *
Holle Lynn Ford **
Michelle Jean Fulgham
Valeria T.M. Gladney
Katelyn Erin Gonzalez
Ann Marie Graham
Andrew Rush Harmon **
Jamal Lashun Jackson
Trae Berkeley Justice *
Latunja Demetric Leflore-Davis *
Brianna Elizabeth Leverett
Steven Hunter Long
Christal Lillie Catherine Love
Robin Anise Mathews
Adison Lauren McCurdy
Katelyn Anne Mitchell *
William Nicholas Nesmith *
Madison Ona Nickens *
Steward Antonio Perry
Kourtnei Mae Resmini
Anterria Latrice Rogers
Latoya Jean Shumpert
Christopher L. Sims
Danielle Nicole Talley *
Lakennia T. Terry
Madelynn Brooke Thornton *
Carneshia Jamesa Tillman
Zikiria Ariana Traylor
Tyler Brooks Varner
Alissa M. Weets **
Hayley Jo White **
Carrie Anna Wilson
Dyi’mund Nai’Jah Woodard
Kaylee Nicole Wright
Olivia Anne Young
JoyAnn Alderson
Molly Kate Anderson
Aleigha Michelle Angeles
Brittany Marie Austin
Betsy Rose Baker
Toykeyah Sierra Barton
Chasity Renae Beasley
Taylor Dawn Benns
Demiah Ariance Bradley
Keely-Shay Nicole Buckley
Lauren Taylor G. Busby
Briana Jamette Carson
Jenna Leighann Carson
Alexa Grace Childress
Kelvisha Desha Conner
Brandi Cooper
Beonica Chantel Cox
Cal Crawford
Malyn Brooke Davis
Jakayla Denise Duncan
Maggie McKenzie Farrow
Samantha Claire Finney
Angel J’Kyla Flowers
Lauren Ann Floyd
Camren Dean Fortner
Caylee Elizabeth Franks
Mariana Garcia
Timesha LaShell Gaston
Vereca Janae Gayden
Zaria O’shauna Gomillia
Brooke Allyn Hafler
Leslie Danielle Hall
Kamya Brion Harp
Abreonna Isabella Harris
Dashia Jean Harris
Jacqueline Madyson Harris
Katie Grace Haynie
Jenna Grace Hopkins
Riley Grace Houston
Naomi Jade Huacal
Jasmine Erielle Hughes
Tashunna Denise Isom
Breonna Jennings
Abbigail Grace Johnson
Shaquanda Shavelle Johnson
Deandra Alesha Jones
E’lexis Mercades Jones
Mary Neely Jones
Kloie Layne Jumper
Arazia Breunie Kimble
Alexis Grace King
Grace Ann Lane
Erica Joelle Lehman
Hanna Marie Lindley
Teneka Tocarra Little
Madison Grace Long
Akita Breanna Lowe
Anna Kate Maxwell
Jannell Shante Mays
Hannah Nichole Meeks
Hannah Grace Melton
Shanna Nicole Melton
Erice Trenyce Messenger
Tamara Nicole Miller
Aniya Monea Mitchell
Kenesha Chaumaine Mullins
Nykiaya Dequashaye Nixon
Takijah Tiara Pace
Dyamond Charree Perry
Tatianna Kierra Pettis
Jamie Leann Petty
Daneisha Dywanna Phillips
Amanda Nicole Pickens
Rachel Denise Porter
Emma Claire Richardson
Juana Elizabeth Rodriguez
Karlie Rae Rogers
Madison Elizabeth Rutledge
Wilbert Cornelius Sawyer
Anna Grace Scott
Quandesha Meeshell Slaughter
Jarica Quiteia Sloan
Ashley Lashay Smith
Kaliya Janae Smith
Kara Dawn Smith
Kayla Marie Smith
Phusante Jaqueese Stevens
Emerald Ebonique Strong
Madeline Grace Sykes
Asani Delenea Taylor
Julie Ann Taylor
Brianna Lashae Thomas
Kody Deyshun Townsend
Kenzie Carolyn Turner
Keswick Dwane Turner
Michelle Ann Vaughn-Mortensen
Leigha Hughes Watson
McKenzie Taylor Wells
Chandler Howard Wells
Tamya Joine Wheeler
Allison Hurt White
Robi Tiare White
Ashley Nicole Williams
Cara Samantha Williams
McKenzie Cleyonce Williams
Kurstyn Shylana Wilson
Nakendrick Tyshun Young
Technical Certificate
Jordan Thomas Biffle
Tori Lee Booth
Coletyn Wyatt Brownlee
McKenzie Brooke Bryant
Christian Marie Dingeldein
Dixee Cole Drewery
Rebecca Lynn Eddy
Jamielynn Deanna Edwards
Brianna Hellen Gills
Sydnee Mariselle Gold
Kayla Paige Hughes
Shahale Brianna Hunt
Deontez Deangelo Keith
Emma Elizabeth Kilgore
Chelsey Leblanc
Tamara Nicole Love
Natalee Jane Martinez
Emily Lauran McDonald
Iorvineisha Lasha McKinney
Soraya Jumoke Oletubo
John Ethan Pettigrew
Terrianndra Leshae Plummer
Kaylie Renea Ragon
Virginia Abigail Raiford
Erica Savannah Rowe
Cecilia Ruiz
Janel Jordan Silva
Billy Wayne Stout
Brooklyn Leann Whitehead
Asterisks beside the graduate’s name denote the following:
* Cum Laude (3.50-3.79)
** Magna Cum Laude (3.80-3.99)
*** Summa Cum Laude (4.00)
+ Scholastic Institute
++ Honors Institute
Honors based on Northwest hours only
Does not include current semester
Academic Honor Societies
Regalia cords and tassels worn by graduates denote the following:
Gold stole & tassel Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Purple & white cord National Technical Honor with white tassel Society
Peach double cord Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society
Black & gold cord Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
Red cord TRIO Scholars
Before God and those assembled here, I solemnly pledge:
To adhere to the code of ethics of the nursing profession.
To cooperate faithfully with the other members of the nursing team and to carry out faithfully and to the best of my ability the instructions of the physician or nurse who may be assigned to supervise my work. I will not do anything evil or malicious and I will not knowingly give any harmful drug or assist in malpractice.
I will not reveal any confidential information that may come to my knowledge in the course of my work. And I pledge myself to do all in my power to raise the standards and the prestige of practical nursing. May my life be devoted to service, and to the highest ideals of the nursing profession.
As an Emergency Care Practitioner I will honor the physical and judicial laws of God and man. I will follow that regimen which, according to my ability and
judgement, I consider for the benefit of patients and abstain from whatever is mischievous.
Into whatever homes I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of only the sick and injured, never revealing what I see or hear in the lives of men unless required by law.
I shall also share my medical knowledge with those who may benefit from what I have learned. I will serve unselfishly and continuously in order to help make a better world for all mankind.
So help me God.
As a Surgical Technologist, I shall do all within my power to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care, to hold in confidence, with respect to the patient’s beliefs, all personal matters. I will respect and protect the patient’s legal and moral rights to quality patient care. I will not knowingly cause injury or any injustice to those entrusted to our care.
I will work with fellow technologists and other professional health groups to promote harmony and unity for better patient care. I will always follow the principles of asepsis, maintain a high degree of efficiency
through continuing education, and practice surgical technology willingly, with pride and dignity. I will report any unethical conduct or practice to the proper authority, and adhere to the Code of Ethics at all times with all members of the health care team.
As a Cardiovascular Technologist, I will place the safety, health and protection of the patient above all other interests.
I will demonstrate and maintain professional competence in all aspects of patient care and within the scope of practice as defined by my employer. I will represent the cardiovascular technology profession accurately, honestly, and without fraud or deception.
As a Cardiovascular professional I will uphold professional standards by adhering to defined technical protocols and diagnostic criteria.
I will represent my qualifications honestly and provide only those services for which I am qualified to perform. I will defend and protect the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality, unless required to disclose such information by law. I will voluntarily report any criminal behavior resulting in a conviction of a misdemeanor or felony.
As a Cardiovascular Technologist, I will consistently maintain and improve professional competence through regular assessment of skills, continuing education, experience and professional training. I will avoid deceptive acts which misrepresent my academic or professional qualifications. I will act in a manner free of bias with regard to religion, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, social or economic status.
I do solemnly swear by that which I hold most sacred; That I shall be loyal to the Funeral Service Profession, and just and generous to its members; That I shall not let the constant relationship and familiarity with death
give me cause to yield to carelessness or to violate my obligation to society or to the dignity of my profession.
That I shall obey the Civil Laws;
That I shall not divulge professional confidences;
And that I shall be faithful to those who have placed their trust in me.
While I continue to keep this oath inviolate, may it be granted to me to enjoy honor in my life and in my profession; and may I be respected by all people for all time.
As a physical therapist dedicated to providing the highest quality care and services, I solemnly pledge I will:
Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals who seek my services or with whom I work;
Act in a compassionate and trustworthy manner in all aspects of my services;
Exercise sound professional judgment while abiding by legal and ethical requirements;
Demonstrate integrity during interactions with colleagues, other health care providers, students, faculty, researchers, the public, and payers for the enhancement of patient care and the advancement of the profession;
Enhance my practice through life-long acquisition and application of knowledge, skills, and professional behavior;
Participate in efforts to meet physical therapy and health care needs of local, national, and global communities.
Thus, with this oath, I accept the duties and responsibilities that embody the physical therapy profession.
Lyrics: Carl Johnson, class of 1956
Music: Glenn Triplett, Jr., class of 1957