student snapshot Lloyd Newson
Southaven • Sophomore Pathway: Psychology Scholarship: Billie Bob Gray Endowment Why did you choose Northwest? I chose Northwest because it was honestly the best option at the time. I could get all of my basics out of the way at an affordable price. Northwest is 10 minutes away from my house, so I was able to save money and stay at home. Along with that, I could actually enjoy home-cooked meals in college. What does it mean for you to receive this Foundation scholarship? This scholarship means a lot to me. With it I did not have to worry about books because I knew that this scholarship would cover them. That alone made this year go by smoothly because I knew that the Billie Bob Gray scholarship had my back. Words can’t express how thankful I am for that. You are currently working in the Recruiting Office as a Student Recruiter and serve as a representative of the college at various recruiting events. What do you think is most important for potential students to know about Northwest? I would want students to know that Northwest is a perfect college. Our campus strives to be the best in both academics and athletics. Once you step foot on campus, you are family. We have tutors, support centers, and various entertainment activities here. You can’t go wrong being a Ranger! Are there any instructors or people who have been particularly helpful to you during your time at Northwest? My family at home and my Recruiting family have been extremely helpful. Also, my teachers have played a role in my success at Northwest. Anytime I needed to talk about a test or homework they were always willing to sit and talk. Thanks to all these wonderful people, I have enjoyed every single semester here at Northwest.
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Your current pathway is psychology. What are your plans for the future, and where do you see yourself in five years? I plan on attending the University of Memphis next fall, and, after I graduate I want to become a certified sports counselor. In five years, I see myself being a counselor for a college or high school. My ultimate dream is to be a part of a professional sports organization. If I put my mind to it, I know I can achieve anything I want. Nothing comes easy, so I’m ready to put in the work.
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president's reflections As the 2019 calendar year comes to a close, I am so very thankful for each and every Northwest family member and for all of the accomplishments we have been able to achieve together in this past year. There were scores of accomplishments, but I will mention just a few of the highlights. In instruction, we were able to grow our early college programs, primarily our dual enrollment program, from 1,424 students in Fall 2018 to 1,671 in Fall 2019. We began our first early college high school program with the Oxford School District, named the Northwest Mississippi Community College Scholastic Institute. This program will allow high-achieving, motivated high school students to receive their high school diplomas and associate degrees at the same time at the end of their senior year. We have seen growth in enrollment in academic and career-technical courses, particularly online courses. We applied for, and were awarded to be the first of two community college host sites in Mississippi for a traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit entitled, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” which will be on display in 2020. In career-technical education, we grew in enrollment in almost every program. We were able to provide on-site training for businesses and industries in every county we serve, and we were able to have more offerings of workforce training and adult education training opportunities for citizens than ever before. To top it off, we broke ground on a new campus in Batesville, which will be opening next year. In student services, our recruiters were able to make more visits to area businesses and high schools. We had a very successful “We Are Northwest” student recruiting program at the Senatobia Campus where we hosted over 1,200 students to help them become more familiar with the college, to learn about the admissions and financial aid processes, and to take campus tours. Additionally, we were able to invest more in communicating to students through the purchase of a new enrollment management platform technology solution. Also, the college’s social media presence continued to grow. In business services, we were able to move forward with investing in a new student information system, Oracle. This solution will revolutionize how we serve students in the future. The college received an unmodified audit for the past year, and we saw revenue growth through new contracts, decreases in expenditures overall, and continued savings on energy efficiency projects college-wide. We were able to move forward with a new residence hall at the Senatobia Campus set to be constructed next year. Also, the NWCC Board approved a new facility master plan to aid in capital planning for many years to come. One of the more exciting projects to reach completion in 2019 was the launch of “Achieving Success: Northwest Mississippi Community College’s 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.” This plan will guide all institutional efforts in the coming years and was a plan created through collaborative input from the NWCC Board, community members, business and industry partners, government leaders, students, faculty, staff, and administration. The plan encompasses a revised mission statement, a new vision statement, and new institutional values. In addition, the plan includes strategic commitments, goals, and objectives. Four commitments are emphasized in the plan: 1) Instructional Success, supported by, 2) Institutional Success, so that our students can achieve, 3) Personal Success, which brings about, 4) Community Success. I am excited about our new plan as we will be able to continue, in new and innovative ways, our mission of excellence in education. It’s been a great 2019…ever onward toward an even greater 2020! Go Rangers!
Dr. Michael Heindl
alumni president's notes Mike Boren As I sit down to write my final article as the president of the NWCC Alumni Association, I find myself with a sense of pride in our Alumni Board. We have grown to be a very active group participating in different community fairs, the Ranger Bluegrass Festival, Alumni Reception at Homecoming, and tailgating at home football games. There is a representative from each of the 11 counties that Northwest serves on our board. We have improved the benefits of our Lifetime Alumni Membership, and more alumni seem to be interested in the Alumni Association and what is going on at Northwest. This is so encouraging! I want to thank Dolores Wooten for laying the groundwork of our Alumni Association, as we served many years together for the benefit of this group. I served as alumni president under Dr. Gary Lee Spears and appreciate his leadership. Thank you also to Patti Gordon, Stephanie Cook, Jenny Hurt, and Marla Kennedy for all the work you do to make an even better Northwest. I am proud to have maybe played a very small part in the growth of our Alumni Association. I love Northwest and will always support this great college! I know Jackie Myrick from DeSoto County will do an outstanding job as the Association’s next president. GO RANGERS!
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around campus Northwest alumnus plans $150,000 estate gift to continue legacy Kathy Calvin, president and CEO of the United Nations Foundation once said, “Giving is not just about making a donation, it's about making a difference.” If you get to know Northwest alumnus and scholarship donor Norris Faust, you will see that Calvin’s philosophy is right in line with his own. The Sledge native attended Northwest from 19691971 on a football scholarship, and Northwest has remained a vital part of his own story. “I may be a bit biased, but I think we may have one of the best colleges in the country,” Faust says, smiling. “It is not just what it has done for me, it is the trickle-down effect it has on others, on the community and on our state.” Faust and his two siblings were the children of Norris Faust, Sr., a hard-working farmer and his wife Mary Katherine Aldison Faust. Faust, his sister Polly Ann Faust Borland, who now lives in the Dallas area and his brother Terry, of Cartersville, Georgia all attended Northwest and Delta State University. Faust graduated from Sledge High School with a graduating class of 15 students. He wanted to attend Delta State University and was recruited by both Northwest and Mississippi State University. “Northwest came calling and it was the best thing I have ever done. I got established here to prepare me for the next step in life,” Faust said. “I think back and realize that if I had not gone to Northwest, I would probably not have been prepared to go to Ole Miss or Delta State. Here the instructors were one-on-one with the students. It was a small school, and they took time with their students.” At Northwest he played halfback for Coach Billy Joe “Bear” Cox. He lived in the old Panola dorm with the other football players and remembers fondly President Reese McLendon, Dr. Jack Butts and Howard Carpenter. “Mr. Carpenter was partial to those of us who played sports. He had a prison ministry in Quitman County, and he let me be his driver,” Faust said. “Bobby King was a fun teacher and Mrs. Tipton was a really tough biology teacher. In the summers I helped pull the wires with Rupert Houston when they built Northwest’s radio station,” Faust remembered. Faust was also a member of the Northwest track team during his time at the school. Faust said he hears people talk about the Northwest family, but he knows it first-hand. “I made lifelong friends at Northwest. I sat on the back of the football bus with Darrell Logan and we are friends to this day. I am still friends with my fellow players Pete Nelson, Jerry Barrett and Jerry Holt. The relationships we made there have continued throughout the years,” Faust said. After leaving Northwest, he went on to Delta State earning a Bachelor of Science in education with a minor in history. He had always wanted to be a football coach, and he took a job coaching football and track and teaching at Quitman County High School. “I was there for one year, and my father asked me to come and work with him on the farm,” Faust said. His father was expanding the small family farm, which would eventually end up being 8,000 acres. He farmed alongside his father from 1974 until his father passed away in 2007. They initially grew cotton, soybeans and wheat and later switched to all grains, growing soybeans and rice, Faust said. During these years, he served for 10 years as a Quitman County supervisor. In the middle of his third term, he resigned and took a
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job as the first director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Mississippi from 1993-1996. In this capacity, he was over agriculture for the whole state of Mississippi. “My father’s health began to fail, so I decided to come back to the farm full time to help him,” Faust said. “Neither of my parents were able to go to college, but they really wanted their children to be able to do so. They wanted to give us something they were not able to have,” Faust said. Because of his parent’s dedication to their education, he established the Faust Farms Endowment in 2010. “My dad was all about helping people, and that is what we are Norris Faust here for–to help others. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to give back because I have been blessed many times by the Lord. We are supposed to give back with what we are blessed with,” Faust said. Faust made the tough decision to sell the family farm and retire in 2012, after having heart surgery and cancer himself. He retired to Oxford and spends time in the summers helping his son-in-law farm and also works on some hunting land he still owns in Panola County. He is the father of two daughters, Jennifer Eddins and Erica Stevenson, who both attended Northwest. He has one grandson, Rob, who attends Magnolia Heights School. Faust is very moved by the letters he receives from his scholarship recipients. “What more could you ask for? You are honoring your parents and that legacy will go on honoring them after I leave this world,” Faust said. “This is the reason I established the scholarship, and it is the reason I continue to give to this day.” He has even set up an estate gift to ensure that the scholarship will continue to grow. “Mr. Faust is an alumnus whose genuine love for Northwest shines through in conversation. We are sincerely grateful for not only his generosity in this estate gift, but also his consistent and unselfish giving since 2010,” said Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement. He encourages anyone who has graduated from Northwest to look back and remember what it has meant to them and give back. “One of the best ways to give back is through an endowment. When you give back, you are rewarded many times over. Our recipients will affect others in their families, their careers and in their communities. It is really a domino effect,” Faust said. “In the end, Northwest has been a blessing to me. I had two wonderful parents, and their legacy and the legacy of Faust Farms lives on through our endowment,” Faust said. — LaJuan Tallo
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around campus College begins new year with convocations The college started off the new academic year by welcoming back faculty and staff during the annual convocations. Separate meetings were held for each group—the Staff Convocations were held on two days, Aug. 5-6, to accommodate employees, and the Faculty Convocation was held on Aug. 12, the first day back to work for faculty. During the meetings, faculty and staff were updated on college events by Northwest president, Dr. Michael Heindl. Dr. Heindl also gave an overview of the new five-year strategic plan, Achieving Success. Director of Research and Effectiveness Carolyn Wiley discussed data with “Strengths and Challenges: Northwest by the Numbers,” and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon gave information about the Northwest Foundation and ways to give. Faculty were greeted by Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Adam Pugh, and the annual Grisham, DeSoto, and Oxford Center Excellence In Teaching awards and President’s Awards were presented. New faculty were also introduced, as well as instructors who have earned Quality Matters certification for their online courses. The first-ever Student Convocation was held in Howard Coliseum Aug. 19. The convocation, entitled “Are You Ranger Ready?”, was held to help familiarize students with campus policies, student services and clubs and organizations. Student hosts Nelson Meredith and Brietta Goodman kept the crowd entertained, and the Ranger cheerleaders and Danger made the atmosphere fun. Presentations were given on student conduct and rules, campus life and housing, student services, safety, academics and classroom standards. Tables and booths were Danger and the Ranger drumline entertain the crowd at the also available for students to discover more about various services Faculty Convocation held Aug. 12 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. offered on campus as well as which clubs and organizations they may Photo by Julie Bauer be interested in joining.
During the Staff Convocations, held Aug. 5-6, audience members were encouraged to take selfies with their colleagues and post to social media. Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl shared a photo with DeSoto Center Administrative Assistant Pearl McGlothian, and members of the Physical Plant staff also got into the act. Photo by Julie Bauer
Nelson Meredith of Southaven and Brietta Goodman of Horn Lake served as student hosts of the college’s first-ever Student Convocation, “Are You Ranger Ready?”, held Aug. 19 in Howard Coliseum. Photo by Julie Bauer
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around campus Glynda Hall earns Sandy Grisham award
Northwest Computer Information Systems Instructor Glynda Hall of Senatobia (second from left) was awarded the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award during the 2019 Faculty Convocation Aug. 12. Congratulating Hall are (from left) Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl; retired Social Science instructor Sandy Grisham; Executive Director for Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon and Vice President for Academic Instruction and College Parallel Programs Dr. Matthew Domas. The 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, which represents earnings on the endowment established by faculty and staff. Photo by Julie Bauer
Shaw, Johnson win center excellence awards
DeSoto Center English Instructor Amy Shaw of Potts Camp (second from left) received the DeSoto Center Excellence in Teaching Award during the 2019 Faculty Convocation Aug. 12. Congratulating her are (from left) Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl; Executive Director for Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon and DeSoto Center Dean, Dr. Keith Reed. The award was established to recognize one DeSoto Center faculty member each year. The recipient receives a plaque and a cash award, which comes from Foundation funds by the DeSoto Center. Photo by Julie Bauer
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Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center History Instructor Matthew Johnson of Oxford (second from left) was recipient of the Oxford Center Excellence in Teaching Award during the 2019 Faculty Convocation Aug. 12. Congratulating him are (from left) Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl; Executive Director for Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon and LYTC Dean, Dr. Don Jones. The award was established to recognize one Oxford Center faculty member each year. The recipient receives a plaque and a cash award, which comes from Foundation funds established by the Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center. Photo by Julie Bauer
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around campus Hill, Berry receive President's Award
DeSoto Center Academic Counselor Elizabeth Hill of Olive Branch was honored with the President's Award for Exemplary Service by a staff member during the 2019 Faculty Convocation Aug. 12. Hill is being congratulated by (from left) Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl; Vice President for Student Services/Chief of Staff Dan Smith and DeSoto Center Dean, Dr. Keith Reed. The award is given each year to a staff member to recognize outstanding customer service above and beyond their normal duties. Photo by Julie Bauer
Northwest Digital Librarian Maya Berry of Southaven was honored with the President's Award for Exemplary Service by a faculty member during the 2019 Faculty Convocation Aug. 12. Berry is being congratulated by Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (left) and Vice President for Student Services/Chief of Staff Dan Smith. The award is given each year to a faculty member to recognize outstanding customer service above and beyond their normal duties. Photo by Julie Bauer
Board members attend two-day retreat in Oxford
Dr. Michael Heindl (second from left) welcomed members of the Board of Trustees to the Chancellor’s House in Oxford Oct. 30-31 for the board retreat, a two-day intensive on various aspects of the college. Board members heard presentations from each vice president on their respective divisions as well as reports from the center deans, analytical data and a report on the Northwest Foundation. Attending the retreat were (from left) Dorothy Wilbourn, Panola County; Heindl; Jerry Barrett, Tate County; Judy Bland, Quitman County; Dr. Lisa Langford, Calhoun County; Steve Cummings, Yalobusha County; Jean Ann Casey, Calhoun County; Dr. Rachell Anderson, Tunica County; Dr. Lela Hale, Marshall County; and William Austin, DeSoto County. Not pictured: Jamie Howell, Panola County and Dr. Evelyn Jossell, Quitman County. Photo by Julie Bauer
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around campus Elected officials visit Senatobia campus Rep. Trent Kelly (center) joined Dr. Heindl, team captains and officials in executing the coin toss at midfield before the Rangers’ Homecoming game against Coahoma Oct. 10. Photo by Julie Bauer
Mississippi Governor-Elect Tate Reeves (center left) was welcomed to the Senatobia campus Sept. 19 to meet with college officials and faculty and staff before taking a brief tour of the college’s Agricultural Technology/John Deere Tech facility. Accompanying Reeves on the tour were (from left) Vice President for Workforce Solutions and Career-Technical Education, Dr. David Campbell; Vice President for Administration and Finance Jeff Horton; Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl; Chief of Staff Dan Smith; and Associate Dean of Workforce Solutions and Manufacturing Programs Dwayne Casey. Photo by Julie Bauer
Dr. Heindl welcomed Sen. Roger Wicker (center) to the Senatobia campus Aug. 16 as special guest at the Senatobia Rotary Club’s weekly meeting. Also welcoming Wicker was Earle Moore, Rotary vice president. Photo by Julie Bauer
Board of trustees members recognized for service
Dr. Michael Heindl presented plaques of appreciation to board members Jamie Howell of Panola County (first photo), Dorothy Kerney-Wilbourn of Panola County (second photo) and Diana Grist of Benton County (third photo) for dedicated service to the Northwest Board of Trustees. Howell has served the board for 30 years, while Kerney-Wilbourn and Grist have each served 15 years. Congratulating them is Dr. Adam Pugh, board chairman (right). The Board of Trustees is the highest governing body of the college. Photo by Julie Bauer
2019 Foundation Scholarship Ceremony
Donors, students celebrate giving at annual ceremony
Day 1 of the scholarship ceremonies reunited some of Northwest’s former division directors, now retired. Attending were (l to r) former Director of Languages and Communications W. Jean Moore, former Director of Natural Sciences Dr. Jerry Hollis, former Academic Dean Dr. Marilyn Bateman, and former Director of Fine Arts Rosemary Simmons. Photo by Julie Bauer
This year's Annual Scholarship Ceremony recognized several new endowments honoring current and former faculty, alumni, and distinguished members of the community. The two-day event, held Nov. 5 and 6, has become much like a reunion, and this year's event attracted more than 600 scholarship sponsors and students. The current Northwest Foundation Endowment Fund is valued at approximately $11.8 million, and Northwest has awarded $5 million in scholarships since 1997. The Foundation awarded 549 scholarships for the 2019-20 academic year for a total of $490,000. All students, regardless of income, are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found at www.northwestms.edu under “Financial Aid” and are due April 1.
Ka’Nyetria Tellis, recipient of the Reverend Upton Reynolds Scholarship, was one of the panel participants on the second day of the ceremonies. Photo by Julie Bauer Mother-daughter nursing students and scholarship recipients Seanna (right) and Samantha Kinkade tell their inspirational story to the crowd. Photo by Julie Bauer
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Foundation board member Gale Cushman (left) visits with her scholarship recipient, Emily Harris, who received the J.P. (Blue) and Virginia Varner Phillips Endowed Scholarship. Photo by Julie Bauer
The Northwest Singers entertained the crowd with “The Road Home” during both ceremonies. Photo by Julie Bauer
Kayla Rosales (center) meets family members of the namesake of her scholarship, the Diane Biffle Endowment, a newly-endowed scholarship this year. Attending the ceremony to receive a plaque commemorating the new scholarship were Biffle’s husband David and her daughter, Melani Baird. Photo by Julie Bauer
Student panelists on the first day included (l to r) Christa Munguia, Mary Margaret Thompson, Michael Campbell, Lloyd Newson and Aaron McIngvale. Photo by Julie Bauer
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2019 Foundation Scholarship Ceremony
LaJuan and Richard Tallo greet the recipients of the scholarship endowed in their daughter Lauren’s memory, Kylynne Mockridge (second from left) and Kaylee Spencer. Photos by Julie Bauer
New Endowments The Charlotte Alexander Tate County Endowment The Wayne Ferguson Endowment The Linda Lewis Hogan Harris Endowment The Marcia Louise Kreunen Endowment The Kimberly Webb Hollis “New Beginning” Endowment The Joan Harris Pierce Endowment The Jane Waldrop Williamson Endowment The Charles Richard Winters, Sr. Endowment Shoot for the Heart Endowment The Diane Biffle Endowment The Dr. Denise Bynum Endowment The Charisse Hastings Reed Endowment The Rebecca Dianne Scott Endowment After the ceremonies, guests were treated to a delicious reception of hors d'oeuvres, including a chocolate fountain. Photos by Julie Bauer
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The Butler and Daliah McLeod Endowment
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cover story
Clanton named 2019 Alumnus of the Year By LaJuan Tallo
Long-time Tate Countian Don Clanton has been named Northwest Alumnus of the Year for 2019. Northwest held its 2019 Homecoming festivities on Thursday, Oct. 10 on the Senatobia campus. Clanton was honored during the Alumni Celebration in the Haraway Center. Clanton attended Northwest from 1961-1963. Throughout the years, Clanton has been a vital part of the Northwest community serving as secretary of the Board of Trustees, as a member of the Northwest Foundation and as part-time manager of the Northwest Farm. These days, Clanton conducts informational seminars both on the campus and throughout Mississippi to help Mississippi educators and staff members who are retiring or have already retired. Clanton, one of four children of John and Blanche Clanton, grew up in the Independence area. He graduated from Independence High School as valedictorian of the class of 1961. Clanton said that during his time at Northwest, he basically went to class from 8 a.m. to noon and then off to his other jobs on Mr. Brandon’s farm
and as Independence Junior High School’s head football coach. “I got up at four in the morning to milk those cows, and then came on to class at eight o’clock. I took 65 hours at Northwest and I transferred 65 hours to Ole Miss. That is one thing I want students to remember—how important it is to make sure your classes will transfer,” he said. Clanton said he came to all of the games, but he was basically just a busy student taking general education classes and working his way through school. His favorite teachers were Mrs. Pauline Holladay, who taught English and Mr. Howard Carpenter, who taught social science. “I remember my English teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Chase was a tough one,” Clanton said. After Northwest he attended the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a minor in history. He worked as a teacher and coach at Coldwater High School and attended Ole Miss part time until he received his master’s degree in school administration in 1971. During that time, Coldwater won the Chickasaw Conference triple crown
in basketball, football and baseball, and were state champions in baseball. Clanton coached and served as athletic director at Southaven High School and principal of Walnut High School before returning to Senatobia as drug education specialist for Senatobia City Schools. He was elected as superintendent of Tate County Schools and served from 1976-1987 and again from 1995-2000. He also served as the Woodmen of the World representative and assistant administrator of Senatobia Hospital and one term as mayor of Senatobia (1989-1993) and two terms as alderman at-large (2009-2017). Throughout the years, Clanton has served as a member of the Senatobia Civitan Club, the Tate County Fair Board, the North Oaks Regional Medical Center and several educational boards, including the North Mississippi Education Consortium, where he represented Northwest. Today, Clanton is an active member of the Senatobia Optimist Club and president of the local lodge of the Woodmen of the World. He is an assistant commissioner of the Tate continued on next page
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Previous Page: Family members gather around Don Clanton and his wife, Shirley (center) after the Alumnus of the Year recognition ceremony. Each family member has ties to the college, either as a student or employee. Pictured are (l-r) Hunter Saunders, Olivia Jones, Brian Jones, Cindy Jones, Annette Carson, Audra Henson, Terry Henson, Lauren Carlini, Ridley Ann Carlini, and Domenick Carlini. Not pictured: grandchildren - Brick Waldrop, Tyler Waldrop, Cody Carson and Leeah Henson King. Photo by Jennifer Corbin
County Soil and Water Commission and a member of the Mississippi 2019 Sports Hall of Fame inductee Cecil Williams (left) congratulates Clanton State Council on Aging, the Tate County on his selection as Alumnus of the Year during the alumni reception before the chapter of Mississippi Retired Educaceremony. Photo by Jennifer Corbin tional Personnel, the AARP Advocacy Board for Mississippi and the Tate County 4-H Board. Senatobia Arms Apartments, Providence Care Community Clanton is a member of First Baptist Church in Senato- and Senatobia Healthcare and Rehab. He is part of the bia and volunteers his time working with the elderly at the Tate County Jail ministry and has played Santa Claus at schools, churches and in homes for 35 years. One of the things that is dear to his heart is the Northwest Foundation. He started as a member of the Foundation board in 1976. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Tate County Fair Board and Senatobia Optimist Club scholarships among others and has contributed to over 40 scholarships he said. “I think the Foundation is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened at Northwest because so many kids could not have come to Northwest without that help. I get letters from students later on in life thanking us for their Northwest scholarships,” Clanton said. “I have just wanted to make a way for students to attend school.” Clanton is married to the former Shirley Nazary of Jackson. He has three daughters, Audra Henson, Annette Carson and Cindy Jones; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. “All of my immediate family members attended Northwest except two, and they worked here. We are a Northwest family,” Clanton said. Having served as a coach, teacher, principal, superintendent, city mayor and alderman has made Clanton aware of the community’s need for Northwest and also his own desire to continue to encourage students to attend college. “From the mayor’s point of view, this is Tate County’s largest employer, and it contributes not only to education, but also economically. I am so proud to have Northwest as a part of our community, but we are really Clanton is always willing to help when needed—he has served the past two years as the volunteer responsible for parking at a family,” Clanton said. “I love Northwest. It is my secthe Ranger Bluegrass Festival. Photo by Julie Bauer ond home.” 12
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Officials break ground on Concourse State and local officials gathered Oct. 4 to break ground and celebrate the start of renovations at the former Batesville Outlet Mall, which will become known as The Concourse and will house a new Northwest campus. The campus will be the home for workforce training in the Panola County area and will house new programs including diesel technology, construction trades, robotic welding, and others. Programs were developed based on local industry needs. Construction on phase 1 of the project will begin in the spring with the renovation of the exterior and limited interior renovation of the building. Panola County, the city of Batesville, and other agencies such as Panola Partnership were able to secure funding from federal, regional, state and private sources to purchase the property and complete both phases. Speaking at the ceremony were representatives from Panola Partnership, local industry, the city of Batesville, and Delta Regional Authority. Featured speaker was then-Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, and Northwest President Dr. Michael Heindl spoke on behalf of the college.
Dignitaries performed a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the new Concourse, located at the current outlet mall in Batesville. Photo by Julie Bauer
Then-Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann stated that only 25 to 30 percent of Mississippians earn a college degree. “The other 70 percent need a skill, and they are coming here. With education will come prosperity,” he said. Photo by KayLeigh Mitchell
Joe Azar from Panola Partnership welcomed the crowd to the groundbreaking. He stated in his remarks that phase 1 of the project was the largest ever undertaken by the organization. “The benefit of this facility is endless,” he said. “It would not be possible without our federal, state and local partnerships.” Photo by Julie Bauer
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Michael Robinson, plant leader at GE Aviation, Batesville Composites Operation, spoke on behalf of local industry. “Once I heard about the Concourse, I was immediately locked in,” he said. Robinson hopes that graduates of the Concourse programs can be one day employed locally at GE. Photo by KayLeigh Mitchell
Members of the college’s Executive Council were present at the ceremony, including (l to r) Dr. Don Jones, dean of Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center; Dr. Keith Reed, dean of DeSoto Center; Dr. David Campbell, vice president of Workforce Solutions and Career-Technical Education; Dr. Heindl; Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement; Dan Smith, Chief of Staff; and Dr. Matthew Domas, vice president of Academic Instruction and College Parallel Programs. Photo by Julie Bauer
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BancorpSouth/Northcentral EPA 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament winners announced
Tournament sponsors from BancorpSouth and Northcentral Mississippi Electric Power Association were welcomed by tournament officials. Pictured are (l to r) Dr. Rick Gregory, director of University of Mississippi-DeSoto; Kevin Doddridge, CEO, Northcentral EPA; Debra Herrington, tournament co-founder; Dr. Michael Heindl, Northwest president; Mike Herrington, tournament co-founder; Sunny Stuckey and Ritchie Hampton, BancorpSouth and Dr. Keith Reed, dean of Northwest DeSoto Center.
Taking first place were (l to r) Jimmy Hill of Hernando, Gary Oakley and Mark Rowan, both of Senatobia and Greg Courts of Memphis.
Second place winners were (l to r) Allen Palmer, Mike Herrington, Gil Earhart and Sid Garwood, all of Olive Branch. Photos by Jennifer Corbin
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Winners have been determined for the 15th annual BancorpSouth/Northcentral Electric Power Association (NCEPA) 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament, benefitting students from Northwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center. The event was held on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Cherokee Valley Golf Club in Olive Branch. A total of 35 teams competed, and over $27,000 was raised. Taking first place in the contest were Jimmy Hill of Hernando, Gary Oakley and Mark Rowan, both of Senatobia and Greg Courts of Memphis. Second place winners were Allen Palmer, Mike Herrington, Gil Earhart and Sid Garwood, all of Olive Branch. The third place winners were Michael Parker of Hernando, Trey Howell of Cleveland, Brian Ledford and John Michael, both of Hernando. Closest to the pin in the morning flight were Tray Spann of Jackson, Tennessee and Will Sisk of Senatobia. Closest to the pin in the afternoon flight were Kevin Bland of Oxford and Dedric Mitchell of Senatobia. They each received a free round of golf at Cherokee Valley Golf Club. Winner of the longest drive for the morning flight was Willie McDowell and winner of the longest drive for the afternoon flight was Robert Johnson. Both also received a free round of golf at Cherokee Valley. The money raised from the tournament will go to the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative for scholarships to both colleges. Since 2004, the tournament has raised $271,152 toward scholarships. For more information, visit northwestms.edu/desoto. — Julie Bauer
Dr. Stephen Joe of Olive Branch receives $100 from Northwest Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon for winning the putting contest. Photo by Jenny Hurt
Third place winners were (l to r) Michael Parker of Hernando, Trey Howell of Cleveland, Brian Ledford and John Michael, both of Hernando.
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eve their students achi g in lp he to ademics, mmitted we do, from ac ge, we are co ng lle hi Co yt er ity ev un In m m rich all of ccess. Mississippi Co t and career su student lives, en en rm m fo in ns ta at tra At Northwest n y io el ucat positiv d service. Our s for higher ed r aim is to help ery program an ou ev s, in ic e et hl nc individual goal at lle d ce , excellence, e for ex nical training, an tability, integrity ssippi, and striv si un is co M ac st arts, career-tech of we es rth valu we serve in no ascribe to the the communities r work, and we ou ership. ad in le ce d an an , id gu , creativity ty ili ib o ss values provide ce ac y, ul to those wh sustainabilit for. I am thankf ul kf e an respect, service, tiv th si po am a I e to mak of all that I might be able I am reminded ity , at un us th m on so m up co e, lif a is as tire season many years ago roughout my en As the holiday ation I received life and then th brother who is uc r in ed ge rly of un ea ft yo gi e, a e m d th r an fo er ul st kf si invested in an in th a tw the same ople’s lives. I am usehold. I have re in college at ho we nt we re e, pa in le ag difference in pe ng a si ight im I would not t. I grew up in e, and as you m llege student, m co d ity an un er m st college studen si m y co m cially, that our ed as a s younger than who give sacrifi larship I receiv e ho os sc th n , eighteen month rs tio no da are able to our do not for the foun r students then It is because of Ou . n. io ge at lle uc time. Were it co ed e y et m compl to complete rences. d successfully have been able ake positive diffe le to attend an m ab to e r ar de st or we in th lives students at Nor d up ers and fruitful ts who mustere successful care to d ar rw fo e d from studen ar are mov he o we wh s, er ht pu s on cam r and daug ie he on ot m m re a ce of on e iti be able to r was on holarship recogn uld simply not ory in particula st wo e ey On th s. d ie In the recent sc an or l st usehold, rships, and tell their powerfu h these schola ildren in the ho ug ch l ro ra Th . ve ps se hi e the courage to rs ar e and through n schola be nurses. Ther r their foundatio book assistance xt fo t te h no it ug ro re both studying to th we y udent’s lives. dation— llege in this wa nce in these st rough the Foun re th ffe ts di en ng ud gi participate in co st an lp ch he life that our donors at truly make a the other ways ns—are ways th io at tu si the Northwest is is cr in nomination to de y n an emergency help of ft gi ing a r studentship ca consider provid changing to ou se elif ea e pl is nc d to va an u ad r yo fa in es very ank you ons, I ask tion. Your gift go our students. Th For these reas d da — an un ed as Fo ct pa tm ge ris im lle t erry Ch le mos munity Co d yours a very M ctly to the peop re an Mississippi Com di u yo es to go t nd or te ex your supp d I would like to assure you that t. My family an es qu re is th g in for consider ! Happy New Year orthwest,
N Dear Friends of
Go Rangers!
Sincerely,
dl, PhD, JD Michael J. Hein President ail to: NWCC undation and m Fo CC W N to e u/alumni and payabl ake your check .northwestms.ed w m w w se to ea pl go ft, ay gi you m x-deductible MS 38668. Or To make your ta N., Senatobia, 51 y. Hw n. io 75 ut Foundation, 49 an online contrib onate” to make D n/ Fall 2019 www.northwestms.edu oi “J on k ic cl
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The Legacy Continues
Legacy
the
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
continues
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.
The value of the endowment is $11.8 million. 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
wife of David. Baird remembers her mother’s compasThe Diane Biffle sionate heart. “We spent Endowment is estabmy early years living in a lished with funds trailer park and, like most of from the Shoot for the other families, we were the Heart fundraiser very poor,” she said. “There and approved by the were children who were left faculty of the Departalone much of the time, and ment of Nursing my mother brought these under the leadership children into our home and of Dr. Denise Bynum, treated them as if they were director, with funds her own children. To this from the Student day, these children, who are Nurses Association, now adults, talk about my and with contribumother as if she were their tions from nursing mother as well.” faculty and other Another favorite memory friends and family. of Baird was her mother’s Diane Biffle A 2013 graduate love for the celebration of of the Associate Degree Nursing program, Halloween, which was not only her birthday, but also her wedding anniversary and Diane Biffle died in 2016 at the age of 47 the date she received her diploma from the due to complications following surgery. University of Phoenix. Biffle was a native of DeSoto County. David Biffle was the first member of the Her daughter, Melani Baird, said that her family to start nursing school at Northwest. mother took great pride in being a graduate of Horn Lake High School. There she A Marine veteran, he enjoyed the challenge was an active student who took classes of the program and was glad to receive in Advanced English and participated in help in his studies from Baird, who was drama productions. Baird remembers that in high school at the time. Diane followed her mother had been offered a scholarin her husband’s footsteps, and when ship to attend Northwest right after high Baird graduated from high school, she school to sing with the Northwest Singers. also entered the program. There was one She was also a prolific writer of poetry and year when Diane and her daughter were short stories who aspired to write a book in nursing school together. At the time of someday. Diane’s death, all three – husband, wife, While Biffle’s decision to attend Northand daughter – worked at Baptist-DeSoto west came later in life, she did receive a Hospital. bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Baird emphatically states, “The Northwest Nursing Program changed the course University of Phoenix. of my family’s life. We literally went from Biffle is the mother of three children— rags to riches.” Keith, Melani, and MacKenzie, and the
In paying tribute to their former student, several Northwest instructors wrote the following about Diane: Many words can be used to describe Diane Biffle: selfless, compassionate, giving, caring, loving, and trustworthy. However, those words alone can’t fully describe how wonderful a person she truly was. Diane was the best listener, not only to her family and friends, but to her patients. She had an incredible way of relating to people, and she made you feel like you were important. She accepted everyone for who they were, no matter their beliefs, background, choices, or lifestyle. She saw the good in everyone. Diane also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed laughing, singing, and joking around. She had unconditional love for her husband and children. She loved her family and friends and would do anything to lend a helping hand. She was the kind of friend everyone hopes for and she was the kind of nurse everyone prays to get when you go into the hospital. Diane excelled as a nurse and had dreams of pursuing her career further. She was considering going into psychiatric nursing and also wanted to write nursing articles. She was working on several and had an amazing gift of writing. Diane was truly one of a kind. She remains dearly missed by all who knew her and to know her was to love her. She had a passion for nursing and although her dreams were cut short, she would be thrilled to know she was helping someone to achieve their nursing dream. The scholarship will be awarded to non-traditional students who are enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program.
The Diane Biffle Endowment
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The Dr. Denise Bynum Endowment Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement, is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dr. Denise Bynum Scholarship Endowment. The Nursing faculty voted unanimously to establish the Dr. Denise Bynum Endowment with funds from Shoot for the Heart, an annual fundraising event founded by Keith Wilson of AFS Recycling with partnership from The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and the NWCC Nursing Department. Bynum is currently the director of Nursing Instruction, a position she has held since 2014. A native of Water Valley, Bynum graduated high school a year early and was only 17 when she applied to live in the Benton dorm on the Northwest campus. At that time, to be able to live in the dorm, the student had to be 18. Thus, in order to meet the regulation, her mother, Lucille Tidwell Hollister, also registered as a student and both of them lived in the dorm. Hollister had received her Practical Nursing degree from Northwest in 1974. In addition to the Associate Degree Nursing degree from Northwest, Bynum has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Memphis, a Master of Science in Community Health and Family Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, and, finally, a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The title of her dissertation was “The Development and Testing of the Codependency-Overeating Model in Undergraduate Social Science Students in a Mississippi College.” The dissertation involved four years of research and has been presented at the Southern Nurses Research Society and the Mississippi Nurses Association
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for the past 23 years. She has helped to endow several scholarships. In addition, she personally participates in the Shoot for the Heart fundraiser at her own expense. She has a huge heart of compassion, not only for her nursing students, but for all of the students at Northwest.” The scholarship will be awarded to students who have been admitted to the nursing program and who have a demonstrated financial need.
The Carson Hughes, Jr. and Morella Kuykendall Hughes Endowment The Carson Hughes, Jr. and Morella Kuykendall Hughes Endowment has been established at Northwest by family and friends, according to Patti Gordon. The scholarship is established in memory of Carson and Morella and in appreciation for their contribution to their community. Carson, son of the late Oakland Postmaster Carson Hughes, Sr. and Olive Hughes, was a native of Oakland where he attended high school and was a leader in school activities. After high school, he enrolled at what was then Northwest Mississippi Junior College and quickly became involved in the activities on campus. His fellow students elected him as “Mr. Northwest”, and he was Head Cheerleader. Northwest always held a special place in Carson’s heart, and he was a loyal supporter of the college and its students throughout his life. He graduated during the World War II years, and he immediately entered the U.S.
The Legacy Continues
Dr. Denise Bynum
Annual Convention. Bynum’s research on other topics has also been published in “Primary Care: A Collaborative Practice,” “American Journal of Nursing,” and “Journal for the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists.” Bynum began teaching at Northwest in 1992. She has also taught as a summer adjunct faculty member at the University of Memphis and Union University. In addition, she has almost 25 years of clinical experience in area hospitals. She laughingly recalls that there were times she was working beside students that she had taught at Northwest. She remembers one telling her, “You failed me on my first catheter.” However, she said that it was very rewarding to see her students as charge nurses, as “PICC-line nurses,” and to have them say to her, “You encouraged me when I was a student at Northwest.” Bynum assumed the leadership role of the Northwest nursing department in 2014. Currently, the nursing department consists of 20 full-time faculty members and anywhere from two to 10 part time. She recently led the department in a re-accreditation process, which resulted in the department being fully accredited for another eight years. Bynum and four instructors were asked to make two presentations about new initiatives highlighted during the accreditation process at the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Conference in Atlanta this past July. Dr. Michael Heindl, president of Northwest, has the highest praise for Bynum; “While I have been at Northwest for only a year, I have been a part of the Mississippi community college system for my entire adult career. It is known throughout the state that the Northwest nursing program is a shining light and a model program in nursing education. Dr. Bynum is a stellar leader, always anticipating what the next generation of nurses will need in order to be successful and working with her team to implement new programs to meet those needs. She is most deserving of this honor.” Bynum has been integrally involved with the Northwest Foundation. She has encouraged nursing instructors to give to the Foundation, and she has been supportive of the Lucille Tidwell Hollister Endowment, established by her mother. Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement, reports that “Dr. Bynum has made a contribution to the Foundation every single month
Carson Hughes, Jr. and Morella Kuykendall Hughes
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Air Force, serving as a B-17 pilot. His aircraft was shot down in the European theater, and he was a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany. On the joyous occasion when Carson and his fellow prisoners watched General George Patton and his troops appear on the horizon, they received the orders “to go home.” Following those orders, these brave soldiers made their way to the place where they were last stationed. It was an arduous journey home, mostly by ship. Carson declared that his last duty station was Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg and that is where he finally arrived. Not too long after returning to Mississippi, he married Morella Kuykendall, daughter of Judge John M. and Morella Watson Kuykendall of Charleston. Before returning to Oakland, Carson and Morella moved to Alabama where Carson served as an instructor/trainer of pilots for the Air Force. Recognizing the leadership in their native son, the residents of Oakland elected Carson as a member of the Oakland Board of Aldermen. Later, Carson and Morella would move to Charleston where they spent the remainder of their married lives. Carson was then elected as a city board member in Charleston, a point of interest to the citizens of Oakland and Charleston that he held this position in both communities. Upon returning to Mississippi, Carson flew as a crop duster, which he declared to be the most dangerous flying he had ever done. After working at Wood’s Drug Store and a few other places, Carson joined the Lamar Life Insurance Company where he enjoyed considerable success and was, among other honors, their first Million Dollar producer. Morella served, both in Charleston and in Washington, D.C., on the staff of U.S. Congressman Jamie Whitten of Charleston. Congressman Whitten served from 1941 to 1995, one of the longest-serving congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives. After her service with Congressman Whitten, Morella worked as part of the Law Offices of the late Mississippi State Representative George P. Cossar. Both Carson and Morella were very active in First Presbyterian Church of Charleston. Carson served as a teacher, Deacon, and Elder at various times. Morella was active as a teacher in the youth department and in women’s ministries. Their union resulted in a son, Carson M. Hughes, now of Castlewood in Rankin County, and a daughter, Morella Jane Hughes Vedder, now of Milledgeville, Georgia. Mr. Hughes believes that his parents would be pleased
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Northwest Now
with this scholarship, “Both of my parents loved seeing the contributions of many of the young people in their community of Charleston, especially, in their later years. They would be proud of what Northwest is doing for such young people.” Dr. Michael Heindl, is deeply grateful to those establishing this scholarship. “Both Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were members of the ‘greatest generation,’ and Northwest is extremely honored to have a scholarship that bears the distinctive names of Carson and Morella Hughes,” he said.
Butler and Daliah McLeod Endowment Butler and Daliah McLeod have given a lifetime of dedicated service to the people of Water Valley and Yalobusha County. They have helped to educate and inspire thousands of students to have a better life and a brighter future. Their contributions are being remembered through the creation of a fully-endowed scholarship in their names at Northwest by Mississippi State Rep. Tommy Reynolds and his wife, Liz. A reception to celebrate their legacy will be held on Thursday, July 18 at Fountain Square, located at 218 Frostland Drive in Water Valley. The McLeods met at Mississippi Industrial College, a Christian college in Holly Springs. They married and had three children, Roderick McLeod, Detra Matthews, and Vietta Booker, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Their grandson, Rod, Jr. died in 2012. Butler McLeod was drafted into the U.S. Army soon after college, and subsequently
Butler and Daliah McLeod
lived in California. He returned to Mississippi to teach, with most of those years spent teaching in the Water Valley schools. Butler taught biology, chemistry, and science, and was a revered coach of basketball, football, track, and baseball, taking teams to the state championship playoffs. He coached for 31 years and whether it was a winning season or a losing season, he never regretted one year of it. His baseball team played Oak Grove for the 1979 state championship, which they lost. He will always remember when his team was loading the school bus for the long, hot trip to William Carey, a big, beautiful air conditioned bus pulled up for them. Northwest had sent this bus with a driver to take them to the state tournament. Coach McLeod still wants to thank his team for playing a great game despite the loss, as well as a special thanks to Northwest for making them already feel like state champions when that nice bus pulled up. During the time just prior to integration, Superintendent Clovis Steele spent months walking the halls of Davidson High School with Coach McLeod, discussing and planning a smooth transition of the schools. Finally Steele asked him how much pressure he could stand. He told him he could stand as much pressure until he burst. His girls’ basketball teams of 1966-70 had 92 wins and 34 losses. They played for the state championship in 1970 and lost to Baldwin. The team recently presented him with a plaque, which really made his day to know that former players and students still remember and care about him after all of these years. Daliah McLeod was a beloved teacher and later, the assistant principal at Davidson Elementary with a total of 37 years spent in the school. She provided her students with discipline and love—a perfect environment for learning and growth. She discreetly bought school supplies, seasonal clothing, and personal items for countless children in need. Her children say she donated a twin bed to the school and always kept fresh linens on it, awaiting the next sick child who needed a place to lie down. She kept the halls and the large picture window beautifully decorated for all seasons with the help of Diane Egerson and Lulu Hall. She felt the children deserved a cheerful, inviting environment when they arrived at school.
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The Charisse Hastings Reed Endowment Patti Gordon is pleased to announce that The Charisse Hastings Reed Endowment is yet another scholarship established with funds from the Shoot for the Heart fundraiser and approved by the faculty of the Department of Nursing under the leadership of Dr. Denise Bynum, director. A native of Hayti, Missouri, Reed is the daughter of James A. Hastings, Jr., and the late Mildred Hastings. Following graduation from high school, Reed enrolled in the Baptist School of Nursing. She sang with the Nightingales, a singing group made up of student nurses, and she was selected as a Beauty in her class. Reed financed her education by agreeing to work for 18 months at the Baptist Hospital following graduation. She remembers fondly that “she received three meals a day, a place to live, her uniforms, and her education to finance the entire cost of $1,200.” Following the 18 months working as a registered nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Reed worked for the Semmes Murphey Clinic in Memphis and then took time off to be a full-time wife and mother until she began working at Northwest. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Maryville College
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God called me to the nursing profession.” She is devoted to her two children, Paige and Blake, and her five grandchildren. Her husband, Bob, died in 2009. As Reed remembers, “I felt honored that my nursing profession enabled me to care for Bob at home during his last days. He was truly the love of my life.” Dr. Michael Heindl expresses thanks to Reed for her service to Northwest’s nursing students and to the nursing profession. “Ms. Reed has given her entire adult life to the nursing profession. We are grateful for every student that she has taught and encouraged and for every patient to whom she has given quality care. We are honored we are to have a scholarship that bears her name,” he said.
Charisse Hastings Reed in St. Louis and her master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her career at Northwest began as an instructor in a Practical Nursing program funded by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). In 1986, Northwest began a Practical Nursing program, and Reed transferred from JTPA to Northwest, assuming a leadership role in this program. Later, she began teaching in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Northwest. In all, she provided 30 years of teaching at Northwest and retired in 2018. Her other clinical experiences included being the evening nurse at the Baddour Center, working for Home Health, and joining Dr. Denise Bynum and Dr. Ellen Williams as legal nurse consultants. Reed was recognized as Educator of the Year by both the Mississippi Chapter of the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing and the National Chapter of this organization. In nominating Reed for this honor, retired Northwest Nursing Division Director Vicki Hale listed as Charisse’s three strong points --- “she loves students, loves nursing, and loves teaching.” Reed believes that God called her to be a nurse when she was eight years old. She swallowed a straight pin and had to stay in the hospital, and she said, “If I ever get out of here, I will be a sweet nurse” --- with an emphasis on the word “sweet.” In addition, she broke her arm eight times, and she had her tonsils removed. With that much exposure to the nursing profession, Reed remembers, “I was convinced that God wanted me to be a nurse. I have considered nursing to be my mission field, and I received much more from my patients and students than I gave.
The Rebecca Dianne Scott Endowment Patti Gordon is pleased to announce that the Rebecca Dianne Scott Endowment is established with funds from the Shoot for the Heart fundraiser and approved by the faculty of the Department of Nursing under the leadership of Dr. Denise Bynum, director. A native of Memphis, Scott earned an associate degree in nursing from Memphis State University and a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee. She began her nursing career at Baptist Central hospital where she was the charge nurse on the medical surgical floor and also became the supervisor of the nephrology unit. She worked there from 1972 to 1989. She began teaching at Northwest in 1989. As an instructor of the freshman I class, Scott says that she “loves to watch the
The Legacy Continues
When other teachers might be at their wit’s end with a disruptive child, that child would often be assigned to McLeod’s class. Her character and responsibility in the classroom landed her many unruly students. Principal Melvin Ford and McLeod had a particular student at the old Jeff Davis School that gave the school trouble from time to time. The student decided to run away from school and escaped on foot up Highway 7 heading north toward Holly Carburetor. McLeod took off running as fast as she could in her skirt and heels to catch the student. A good Samaritan driving by witnessed her struggle to keep up with the student, who already had a nice little gain on her. She gratefully accepted their offer to help her catch the runaway as she panted and gasped for air. Years later, in an effort to challenge the students to do their very best on their testing scores, she and Principal Sammy Higdon agreed to dress up and dance together on the stage at Davidson Elementary if the students did their part. The scores were met, and the dance was performed, much to the delight of the students! This scholarship is for students from Yalobusha County.
Rebecca Dianne Scott
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students develop and come alive with the clinical experience as they practice their skills with real patients.” She cites that our students participate in clinicals at Senatobia Healthcare and Rehab, Baptist Women’s Hospital and the Baptist Hospitals in Oxford and DeSoto, Methodist-South, Germantown, North, and University, Regional One Health, Parkwood, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Oxford Surgery Center, Panola Medical Center-Batesville and the Senatobia, Tate and DeSoto County school systems. Scott received the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award in 2010. In nominating her for this award, Dr. Ellen Williams, who was serving as dean of the Nursing Division at the time, commended Scott “for her professionalism and her intense passion for our nursing students, taking great care in preparing them for the very best patient care.” Married to Walter Scott, Sr., the Scotts have two children, Walter, Jr., and Kelli, both of whom have received nursing degrees from Northwest. In addition, her daughter-in-law, Tori, has also graduated from the nursing program at Northwest. Dr. Michael Heindl recognizes the contribution Scott has made in our nursing program. “With over 30 years at Northwest, Mrs. Scott has taught at least 2,500 students. It is important to note in how many hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, rehab centers, etc., her students have used the skills that they learned at Northwest. Mrs. Scott has been and continues to be such an important part of making an impact on health care in this entire region,” he said.
The Shoot for the Heart Endowment Patti Gordon is pleased to announce that “in order to assist nursing students with fees, the nursing faculty voted unanimously to use Shoot for the Heart funds to provide eight new scholarships, not only for the 2019-20 academic year, but for all school years to come.” She explains that the Shoot for the Heart Endowment is large enough to provide four scholarships, and the other four are honoring the memory of Diane Biffle who graduated from the Northwest nursing program; Director of Nursing Instruction, Dr. Denise Bynum; nursing instructor Dianne Scott, and retired nursing instructor, Charisse Hastings Reed. Shoot for the Heart is a sporting clay tournament that was started in 1999 by Keith Wilson who had major cardiac surgery at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Grateful for the care he received, he started this tournament. Over $3 million has been raised since the tournament began. In 2011, after Wilson’s move to Mississippi, he approached the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi to assist in continuing this successful fundraiser at the Sporting Clays Range in Tunica. He chose the Northwest Department of Nursing as the new recipient. As Wilson explains, “it was a perfect choice since the Northwest nursing students provide a ready and willing pool of volunteers, many of whom received extra scholarship money for their volunteer service.” Between 2011 and 2019, the Shoot for the Heart fundraiser has given $340,500 to the Department of Nursing at Northwest. This includes the scholarship funds that have
Shoot for the Heart
been given directly to the student volunteers. Over the years, these six scholarship endowments have been established: the Gail Wilborn Endowment, the Paper Packers Endowment, the Victoria Parker Hale Endowment, the Beverly Skipper Endowment, the Dr. Ellen P. Williams Endowment, and the Keith Wilson Endowment. Dr. Michael Heindl is both amazed and grateful that the Northwest Department of Nursing has been included as a beneficiary of this successful fundraising event. "Keith Wilson is one of those rare individuals who has paid it forward in an extraordinary way. We are now and forever grateful for the funds that have been used to provide scholarships, to give assistance to students in crisis situations, and to insure a permanent source of funding for special needs of the nursing program," he said.
The Susanne Spencer VanDyke Endowment An endowment in honor of Director of Choral Activities Susanne Spencer VanDyke has been established by the Bobby Dunlap family in appreciation for her years of dedicated service to Batesville Presbyterian Church. VanDyke was surprised by the scholarship announcement, which took place at the Singers Fall Concert Nov. 21. Susanne Spencer VanDyke’s first memory of singing in public was when she was in elementary school in Florida. “I sang ‘God Bless America.’ I had no fear. It seemed a perfectly natural thing for me to do,” VanDyke said. VanDyke’s path to her music career may have begun at Northwest as a student, but the seed of her love for music was planted early on in her home and in the church. VanDyke, who has served as director of Choral Activities at Northwest since Fall 1993 will retire in December 2019. Her father, Dr. Johnny Spencer was a Baptist preacher, and her mother, Nancy Spencer played piano and taught elementary school. She and her sister Gayle Spencer grew up in a house filled with music, and VanDyke started taking piano lessons at age nine. “There was a lot of music and singing in our house,” she said. Being the child of a preacher caused her family to move around in her early years. She was born in Memphis and lived in Florida, Tennessee and several towns in Mississippi before the family settled in Batesville when she was in junior high school. “I was very fortunate that the churches my dad served in had wonderful children’s choirs,” VanDyke said. When they came to Batesville, her father
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became the pastor of she called the next First Baptist Church. “That day, I let it go to the church had Richard Smith, answering machine. a great choir director with When I heard her a beautiful voice, classisay that she had cally trained musicians good news, I knew and there were wonderful I had the job,” VanDyke said. singers in that church. We She started in sang really great music, August 1993 directand it was there I learned ing the Singers and to blend and harmonize. Entertainers, and First Baptist of Batesville teaching music, had and still has a great theory, voice, music reputation for its music history and recital ministry today,” she said. classes. On Thanks“Richard Smith really set giving of that year, me on the path to music. Retiring Director of Choral Activities Susanne Spencer VanDyke (center) was He gave me the strong surprised following her final Singers concert Nov. 21 with the news of a scholarship she gave birth to foundation I needed.” endowment being given in her honor by the Dunlap family of Batesville. VanDyke her son, Spencer She graduated from was honored with the endowment for her dedicated service to Batesville Presbyte- and missed her first South Panola High School rian Church. Congratulating VanDyke are (first row, l to r) former Fine Arts Division concert, which was in 1976 and decided to Director Rosemary Simmons; VanDyke’s mother, Nancy Spencer; her father, Dr. scheduled the folattend Northwest. “Every- Johnny Spencer; her son, Spencer VanDyke; her sister, Gayle Spencer; (second row) lowing Thursday. body I knew was going to Director of Fine Arts Instruction John Mixon; Vice President of Academic Instruction She feels that Northwest, so I decided and College Parallel Programs, Dr. Matthew Domas; Buddy Gray, representing the she was very fortuto come here,” she said. Bobby Dunlap family; Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl and Executive Director nate to be able to Photo by Julie Bauer take post-graduate She started at Northwest of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon. courses in choral studying general college conducting with Dr. James Jordan at Westand one day she saw a poster for auditions piano there. Her father wanted her to find minster Choir College in Princeton, New Jerfor the Northwest Singers. “I knew I would a career and convinced her and her sister sey. She considers Jordan to be her mentor. love it, so I went and auditioned for Mary Lou Gayle to go into real estate. “We moved to In 2000, she suffered a stroke related to Lott. I got into the Singers and the EntertainPearl, and I was terrible at selling real estate. ers,” VanDyke said. Little did she know she a genetic condition, and decided that she Gayle was a lot better at it than I was,” VanDyke laughed. During that time, she decided would later become the director of both of needed to take something off her plate at to pursue her master’s in music at Missisthose groups. Northwest, so she gave up the Entertainers sippi College, where her father had taught She decided to major in music her sophgroup. She started a Chamber Choir and omore year at Northwest. She enjoyed the when she was a child. She earned her Master brings them and other small groups to community events as outreach. variety of the music she studied that included of Music in Vocal Performance in 1988. VanDyke credits her mother Nancy for classical, musical theatre, pop music and Unable to find a job in music, VanDyke giving her the ability to persevere in both her learning to dance for the Entertainers. She returned to Batesville and moved back career and in life. “It was her prayers, care and loved studying piano with Becky Triplett, and home. “My dad was always getting us into support that gave me the ability to persevere learning voice from Lott. things, and this time he helped us start our through the ups and downs of life. She was After graduating from Northwest in 1978, little business in Batesville called Spencer’s and is a big influence on my life, teaching she went to Delta State University (DSU) and Catalog Collection. It was a Speigel Outlet me by her example as an elementary school earned her bachelor’s degree in music with store. Again, I was terrible at retail, but Gayle teacher how to encourage my students and an emphasis in voice in 1982. “I wanted to was very good at it,” she said. bring out the best in them,” she said. be a musical performer. I loved the stage,” After a year, she found a job teaching Among her Northwest influences, she she said, adding that she had no desire to music at North Delta School. She was able to lists her directors Simmons, Dr. Ken Sipley teach at that time. She tried out for a Christeach piano and choir and did some musicals tian performance group called “Truth” but did and John Mixon. “They all have different with the students. She was in the play “Nunsense” and was standing outside the theater not make it. A friend of hers who had gone to styles, and I have learned so much from when a teacher from Northwest, Mary CathNorthwest after her was in charge of a group each of them. I also have to thank Dr. Marerine Koeppel (now McHenry) passed by. She ilyn Bateman for hiring me and being such that performed for the World’s Fair in Knoxville. She auditioned and was accepted. After told VanDyke that there was a job in the Fine a great support and Jo Ellen Logan, who traveling to Europe with Renaissance, DSU’s Arts Department at Northwest, and that she I enjoyed working with on the musicals. I vocal ensemble, she came back to perform should apply for it. learned so much from her,” VanDyke said. for six months at the World’s Fair. “I met and interviewed with Rosemary SimAside from Jordan, she also gives credit to mons, who was the director of the departShe returned home and found a part-time Gene Ayers at Delta State and Dr. Gerald ment. “I wanted the job so badly that when job as youth director at a church, playing Claxton at Mississippi College, who she says
The Legacy Continues
Annual Scholarship at Northwest. A $1,000 annual scholarship will be awarded to a DeSoto County student who attends the DeSoto Center and is pursuing the pre-dentistry pathway. The student will receive $500 per semester. Windstone Dental is located in Olive Branch and was voted as “DeSoDr. Dipen Kadaria (second from left), president of the Danfe to’s Best” dentist office Foundation, has established an annual scholarship on behalf in 2018 by readers of of the foundation to benefit Respiratory Therapy students at the DeSoto Times-TriDeSoto Center. Accepting the donation are (from left) DeSo- bune. Dr. Joe and Dr. to Center Dean, Dr. Keith Reed; Respiratory Therapy instructor Simmons have practiced Debra Lenox and Executive Director of Institutional Advancetogether for 15 years ment Patti Gordon. Photo by Pearl McGlothian and established Windat Northwest. Dr. Dipen Kadaria serves as stone Dental in September, 2012. Windmedical director and advisory board mem- stone Dental has been a faithful supporter ber of the Respiratory Therapy program at of the 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament for Northwest's DeSoto Center campus and many years. Dr. Joe currently serves on the currently works as a pulmonologist at Meth- Northwest Foundation Board of Directors. odist University Hospital in Memphis and is “We are so thankful for Windstone Dental currently the president of the foundation. and their continued support of Northwest,” The scholarship has been established to assist graduating students of the Respiratory Therapy program with expenses of the credentialing process through the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). Danfe Foundation will provide $2,500 annually for this purpose. Candidates will be selected based on financial need and must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. The Respiratory Therapy program is offered annually in August at the DeSoto Center and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (COARC). “The Danfe Foundation Respiratory Therapy Annual Scholarship will be a tremendous help in defraying the cost of credentialing expenses for our students,” said Dr. Keith Reed, Dr. Rhett Simmons (left) and Dr. Stephen Joe have donated funds to establish the WindDeSoto Center dean. "We appreciate stone Dental Annual Scholarship at Northwest. all the dedication and support that Accepting the donation is Patti Gordon (right). Dr. Kadaria has provided to North Photo by Nicole Warren west Respiratory Therapy students. Dr. Kadaria’s partnership with Northwest said Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement. "Dr. Joe is a valuable has been invaluable.” Danfe Foundation Respiratory asset to the Northwest Foundation board, Therapy Annual Scholarship The Windstone Dental and the establishment of this scholarship is Annual Scholarship Danfe Foundation, a private family foundagreatly appreciated and shows how committion has established the Danfe Foundation Dr. Stephen Joe and Dr. Rhett Simmons ted he and Dr. Simmons are in benefitting Respiratory Therapy Annual Scholarship have established the Windstone Dental our students and our community.” helped her develop her voice. One person who has had a profound effect on VanDyke is her friend Sybil Canon, retired associate vice president of Development and Special Projects at Northwest. “Sybil Canon has been such a tremendous source of strength for me. I have just felt nurtured and cared for and appreciated by her. She gave me a lot of confidence—more than she ever realized. She is the person who always knew I could do it, even if I didn’t believe it,” VanDyke said. VanDyke’s other musical and choral accomplishments include being featured in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” and serving as a contributor to the book “The Musician’s Spirit” by Dr. James Jordan. She is past president of the State Community College Choral Association as well as a member of American Choral Directors Association, where she serves as two-year college chair on the Mississippi ACDA state board as well as being an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Many of her voice students placed in the top three positions in state NATS competitions throughout the years. In 2013, VanDyke was awarded the prestigious Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award for her innovation, excellence and commitment in teaching music and in directing choral activities at Northwest. She is also currently director of Music Ministries at Batesville Presbyterian Church. In the past she also served as vocal director for Northwest musicals and in this position has directed “Cats”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Smoke on the Mountain,” “Sanders Family Christmas”, “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Man of La Mancha” and many others. She also served as vocal coach for the community theatre premiere of “Les Miserables” produced by Panola Playhouse. “I am so grateful and thankful that I got to be a part of Northwest. I have never felt infringed upon as a teacher or felt that my freedom of choice in a teaching technique or in music selection has been taken away. My students have been my greatest joy and have made me a much better teacher and person than when I started this journey,” VanDyke said.
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www.northwestms.edu
Centers Oxford Center gets much-needed upgrades Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center in Oxford has received a much-needed facelift this fall with the completion of recent upgrades of both the interior and exterior. The campus Bookstore has been expanded and renovated with new accents and signage (right photo), and new furniture and wall décor is located in the lobby (center photo). The upgrades also included new interior directional signage, new furniture in the student lounge, and the addition of wood accents in the hallways. Outdoor upgrades included a new plaza area with sidewalks, benches and plantings (left photo). Photos by Julie Bauer
UM, NW begin Path 4 Officials from Northwest and the University of Mississippi came together Aug. 22 at the DeSoto Center campus in Southaven to introduce the new Path 4 partnership that will further aid local students as they work toward their college degrees close to home. Path 4 will offer a seamless four-year college experience and an expanded list of services for students, including financial aid that can be taken advantage of at both institutions. Joining the special signing event were (l to r) Dr. Keith Reed, Northwest-DeSoto Center dean; Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl; Lee Caldwell, DeSoto County supervisor for district four; UM Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks and Dr. Rick Gregory, UM assistant provost for Regional Campuses and DeSoto Center director. Photo by Pam Starling/UM
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Scholastic Institute
College partners with Oxford School District
Students enrolled in the college’s first Scholastic Institute joined officials from Northwest and Oxford High School in an official Signing Ceremony Nov. 8 at Northwest’s Oxford campus. Scholastic Institute, which began offering courses this fall, allows high school juniors to dual enroll in coursework at Northwest, and upon graduation earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. Participating in the ceremony were (front, l to r) Dr. Jeremy Isome, dean of Early College Programs; Dr. Michael Heindl, Northwest president; Brian Harvey, superintendent of Oxford School District and Dr. Steve Hurdle, director of Career-Technical Education for Oxford School District. Photo by KayLeigh Mitchell
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Homecoming 2019
Alumni (from left) Johnny Still, Mike Flynn and Max Lee visit during the alumni reception in the Haraway Center. Photo by Jennifer Corbin
Former head baseball coach and athletic director Jim Miles and his sister, former Lady Ranger softball coach Brenda Gray, attended the Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Homecoming festivities. Gray was a member of the Golden Circle class of 1969, which received special recognition during the ceremony. Photo by Jennifer Corbin Members of the Hargett family (from left) Steve, Donna and Carol were present at the ceremony to show support for David Hargett, who was recognized as a member of the class of 1969 during the Golden Circle ceremony. David Hargett has served the college several years as a member of the Board of Trustees representing Tallahatchie County. Photo by Jennifer Corbin
Sterling Withers (Center) and his wife, Lilibeth (right) visit with friends during the reception. Photos by Julie Bauer
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2019 Alumnus of the Year Don Clanton (center) receives the traditional proclamation from Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (left) and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon during the Alumni Celebration on Homecoming day, Oct. 10. The ceremony was held in the Haraway Center on the Senatobia campus. Clanton, a member of the class of 1963, is a long-time Tate Countian who has been a vital part of the Northwest community, serving as an employee, board officer, Foundation Board member and volunteer through the years. Photo by Jennifer Corbin
Members of the class of 1969 were given special Golden Circle recognition by Dr. Heindl (far right) during the Alumni Celebration. Receiving medallions were (l to r) C. B. McClatchey, Hal Stroupe, Steve Box, Carol Mote, David Hargett, Sterling Withers, W. E. Meek, Gary Walker, Nancy Young, Cam Walker, Patsy Walker, Sandra Roy, Martha Sue Hendrix, Gerald Dye, Bonnie Burkes, Jackie Myrick, Earline Cocke, Brenda Gray, and Linda Maynor. Photo by Julie Bauer
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Homecoming 2019 the sporting life
Outgoing Alumni Association President Mike Boren (center) receives a plaque of recognition for his many years of service to the alumni board. Boren has served as president since 2006. Making the presentation are Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon and Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl. Photo by Jennifer Corbin
Danger and the Northwest cheerleaders join staff and students in “dancing in the street” during the annual Homecoming cookout at DeSoto Center Oct. 9. Photo by Jennifer Corbin
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Students at Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center enjoy a free lunch during the Oxford Center’s Homecoming luncheon Oct. 8. Students and faculty were also entertained by the Jazz Ensemble and Ranger cheerleaders underneath the center’s front portico. Photo by Julie Bauer
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Northwest 2019 Homecoming Court was presented during halftime festivities Oct. 10. Members of the court are (first row, l to r) escort Arquavious McKinney, Olive Branch; sophomore maids Hailey Wilson, Potts Camp and Emily Brown, Oxford, representing Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center; Victoria Sanders, Hernando and Queen Martasia Copeland, Independence, representing the Senatobia campus; Neely Berry, Southaven and Amia Kimble, Horn Lake, representing DeSoto Center; escort Gabe Waldrop, Senatobia; (back row, l to r) escort Ernest Minton, Indianola; freshman maids Colleen Gowen, Hernando and Jordon Pitts, Horn Lake, representing DeSoto Center; Kyla Ollie, Itta Bena and Kendall Martin, Southaven, representing the Senatobia campus; Hannah Summers, Camden, Tennessee, representing Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center; and escort Taylor Reed, Olive Branch. Photo by Jennifer Corbin
Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl congratulates 2019 Homecoming Queen Martasia Copeland of Independence. Copeland is a sophomore studying social science on the Senatobia campus and was nominated for the court by the Student Recruiters. She is the daughter of Sonya Moore and Marco Copeland. Photo by Julie Bauer
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the sporting life
Thirteen Rangers awarded All-MACJC honors After finishing 8-3 overall and claiming the 2019 MACJC North Division championship, a total of 13 Northwest student-athletes were selected for all-conference honors in November. Seven players were voted as first team selections, highlighted by Offensive Line MVP Ashton Gist and Defensive Line MVP Robert Hentz II. Receiver Braden Smith, tailback Chris Calvert, offensive lineman Cameron Watson, linebacker Quentin Wilfawn and defensive back Jayce Rogers rounded out the Rangers' first team honorees. Gist was one of several players that anchored a strong offensive front for the Rangers this season. The Oxford native played and started at center in every game of his Northwest career, arriving with the Rangers after earning numerous accolades for a solid prep career at Oxford High School. A Kansas State commit, Hentz' stock began to rise in the offseason after he was named to JCGridiron.com's preseason Defensive Tackle watch list. The Batesville native and South Panola product received several Division I offers after his freshman campaign but became a critical piece of the Ranger defense this season, earning 44 total tackles, 10.5 TFLs, five pass breakups, three sacks and two hurries. Blossoming into the Rangers' primary receiving option as a freshman, Smith continued his success as a sophomore, reeling in a team-best 47 catches, 724 yards and nine touchdowns. The Louisville commit started every game as a sophomore and averaged 65.8 yards per game, while also earning preseason recognition by JCGridiron.com. Despite battling injury throughout his sophomore season, Calvert made his presence felt throughout the MACJC. In seven games, the West Point native rushed for 529 yards on 72 carries for an average of 7.3 yards per carry. Wilfawn had a strong sophomore campaign for the Ranger defense this season, leading the team with 70 total tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, three sacks and an interception. The Oxford
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Northwes​t freshman tailback Jaquerrious Williams helped the Rangers to an 8-3 overall record and the 2019 MACJC North Division championship. Photo by JUCOweekly.org product played and started in all but one game as a sophomore, recording three games with 10 or more tackles. Another player that received preseason recognition from JCGridirion.com was Rogers, who followed up on a solid freshman campaign with 30 tackles, eight pass breakups, two interceptions and two tackles-for-loss. His seven tackles in last Saturday's MACJC Championship was a career high for the Valdosta, Ga. native. Northwest also had six more receive second team honors, a list that included quarterback Jack Walker, offensive lineman Shyron Rodgers, defensive linemen Justin Jackson and Tyren Irby, linebacker Dee Rule and defensive back Verenzo Holmes, Jr. A Georgia State transfer, Walker played and started every game for Northwest, tossing 147 completions for 20 touchdowns and 2,279 yards. Walker averaged 207.2 passing yards per game this season and finished the year with a 54.7 completion percentage. Jackson proved to be one of several weapons on the Rangers' defensive line, totaling 25 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, six hurries, five sacks and a pair of forced fumbles. A former Center Hill High School standout, Jackson received preseason recognition from JCGridiron.com and received
several Division I offers over the offseason, later committing to Colorado. Much like his fellow defensive linemen, Irby played a pivotal role as part of a frightening front seven on the Northwest defense. The Oklahoma State commit capped off his sophomore campaign with 40 total tackles, 10.5 TFLs, six sacks, six hurries, five breakups and a pair of forced fumbles. A native of Lake Cormorant, Rule finished with 59 total tackles and 3.5 TFLs, three pass breakups, three hurries, an interception and a sack. He was most recently awarded MACJC Defensive Player of the Week honors after accounting for a career-high 15 total tackles (8 solo), a tackle-for-loss and a forced fumble in last Saturday's MACJC Championship loss to Mississippi Gulf Coast. After transferring from Ball State ahead of the season, Holmes joined Rogers, Cam White and Christian Cain as primary threats in the Rangers' secondary, totaling 15 tackles, four pass breakups and a tackle-for-loss. In addition to earning the division championship, the Rangers also earned a No. 5 final regular season ranking in the NJCAA national poll after a runner-up finish in the MACJC Championship game. — Brian Lentz
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the sporting life
NW premieres new turf field with ribbon cutting
Members of the Northwest Board of Trustees were honored guests at the Rangers’ football home opener Thursday, Sept. 5 as the new artificial turf playing surface at Bobby Franklin Field was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony during pre-game. Participating in the ceremony were (l to r) Steve Cummings, Yalobusha County; William Austin, DeSoto County; Steve White, Lafayette County; Dorothy Wilbourn, Panola County; David Hargett, Tallahatchie County; Jerry Barrett, Tate County; John Lamar, board attorney, Tate County; Dr. Lela Hale, Marshall County; Dr. Lisa Langford, Calhoun County; Cory Uselton, vice chairman, DeSoto County; Judy Bland, Quitman County; and Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl. Photo by Julie Bauer
Northwest Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Patti Gordon (far left) and Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (far right) welcomed benefactors of the college’s new state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard to the ceremony. “Without the generosity of these gentlemen, the purchase of this magnificent new scoreboard would not have been possible,” said Gordon. “It really adds to the game day atmosphere and is an impressive addition to our stadium. We are truly grateful for these contributions.” Participating at the event were (from left) Dr. Edward Field, University Sports Medicine; Steve Thompson, Cornerstone Rehabilitation; Michael Joe Cannon, Cannon Motors of Mississippi; Jay Tindall, Sycamore Bank; and Jimmy Stennett, Sayle Oil Company. Photo by Julie Bauer
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The Rangers break the ribbon to enter the field as the new artificial turf playing surface at Bobby Franklin Field was officially opened. Local dignitaries were on hand to participate in the event, which highlighted a two-year, two-phase stadium refurbishment project at Bobby Franklin Field. Phase I, includes an Astroturf Gameday 3D Trionic playing surface, six-lane running track, new brick and iron fencing, and larger electronic scoreboard. Phase II, which will begin shortly, will feature a new stadium entrance, ticket booth and bookstore, updated press box, LED field lighting system, home bleacher expansion and visitor bleacher replacement. Photo by Julie Bauer
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the sporting life Six inductees highlight 2019 Sports Hall of Fame class Northwest inducted six former student-athletes into its Sports Hall of Fame during Homecoming Oct. 10. The induction ceremony was held in the David M. Haraway Center. Brothers and former Northwest football teammates Eddie and Ricky Blake, former men's basketball standouts Cecil Williams and Jason Rogan and first-time soccer inductee Tommy Robison made up this year's induction class, which also includes a posthumous honor for women's basketball legend Rhonda "K.K." Mikes. CECIL WILLIAMS, MEN'S BASKETBALL (1966-68) As one of the earliest standouts of the Northwest men's basketball program, Cecil Williams played a vital role in shaping the Rangers for future suc- Dr. Michael Heindl (right) congratulates members of the 2019 Sports Hall of Fame induction class, including (l to r) Rhonda “KK” Mikes (posthumously), women’s basketball, accepted cess on the hardwood. A 1966 graduate of Bruce High by her daughter, Courtnee Mikes; Cecil Williams, men’s basketball; Ricky Blake, football; Tommy Robison, men’s soccer; and Jason Rogan, men’s basketball. Not pictured is Eddie School, Williams started every game Blake, football. Photo by Julie Bauer during his two seasons in a Ranger uniform, averaging 26.4 points per game during his sophomore average of 31.5 points per game, two records that continue to campaign in 1967-68. Appointed as the team's captain during stand today. A two-time NJCAA and Kodak All-American, Mikes signed with his sophomore year, Williams earned numerous accolades, most notably as a First Team selection to the Mississippi All-State the University of Georgia following her Northwest career. Mikes is being inducted posthumously after passing away on Basketball Team. Williams was known for more than just his success on the court, April 21, 2018 in her hometown of Chattanooga. RICKY BLAKE, FOOTBALL (1986-87) however. He earned the title of Mr. Northwest in 1968 while also Throughout the history of the Northwest football program, serving as the president of the sophomore class. He garnered other accomplishments for academics as well, receiving recogni- countless student-athletes have crossed paths through Senation as a member of the Student Council, Phi Beta Lambda, and tobia on their way to stardom and success. Ricky Blake is no Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. Other exception. Hailing from Fayetteville, Tenn., Blake arrived at Northwest recognition included Campus Leader and an award for Most after graduating from Lincoln County High School in 1986, where Versatile on the court. he left as the school's all-time leading rusher. RHONDA "K.K." MIKES, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL (1983-85) Blake made an almost immediate impact on the field at NorthSome records were never made to be broken and Northwest west as a freshman in 1986 but it was during the 1987 season legend Rhonda "K.K." Mikes has plenty of those. A graduate of Chattanooga City High School, Mikes made her where he left his biggest mark, rushing for over 1,500 yards in way to Northwest in 1983 and like many others on this list, quickly his sophomore campaign, which remains in the Top 5 all-time in made a statement. During her two-year stint in Senatobia, Mikes that category. He averaged 166.7 rushing yards per game, good finished with eight 30-point games and continues to hold the top for second all-time. Blake also holds other notable records and achievements with five single-game scoring records, including a program-best 52 points in the national tournament against Barton County (Kan.) the Rangers, including 22 rushing touchdowns which remains the most in a single season and third in a career. He received First on March 22, 1985. Mikes helped Northwest and coach Harry Adair to back-to-back Team All-MACJC and NJCAA All-American honors for his efforts, NJCAA National Tournament berths. After finishing as national while also guiding Northwest to a 10-3 overall record and the runner-ups in 1984, the Lady Rangers compiled a 21-3 overall 1987 MACJC Championship. The Rangers would go on to the record and defeated Crowder (Mo.) 86-71 to win the program's Jayhawk Bowl where they dropped a close 29-21 decision to only NJCAA national championship in 1985. In the two-year run to Coffeyville (Kan.). a national title, Mikes compiled 1,699 total points scored for an continued on page 36 ➤
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the sporting life
Northwest to add volleyball in fall 2020 Northwest will begin the steps of adding women's volleyball as the institution's 10th athletic program, officials announced in November. Northwest will begin play in the fall of 2020 with all home games expected to be played in Howard Coliseum. Northwest made the final decision to proceed with adding women's volleyball in October, and posted the official announcement and job opening in November. "It is exciting to add a new sport that is rapidly growing in our state," Northwest Athletic Director Brian Oakes said. "The addition of volleyball will give young women an opportunity to continue their education through athletics at Northwest."
According to the NJCAA, as of the 2018-19 school year, 320 teams competed in volleyball at the community college level. Northwest would become the third MACJC institution to add the sport, as Pearl River added the program for the 2019 season with Itawamba following suit for the 2020 campaign. Volleyball will join football, baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer and men's and women's rodeo at NWCC. A national head coaching search took place during the month of November and a candidate is expected to be formally chosen and announced by the start of the spring semester.
Northwest soccer garners postseason honors Despite another tough season for the Northwest soccer programs, the Rangers and Lady Rangers achieved plenty of notable recognition for their players during the 2019 season. Sophomore men’s goalkeeper Tim Spencer and freshman midfielder Katelyn Rock both received All-MACJC honors following the conclusion of the regular season. After shattering the program's alltime saves record in September, Spencer capped off his two-year career with 210 saves. He finished with 114 saves during the 2019 season, up from 96 in his freshman campaign. A native of Cordova, Tenn., Spencer posted seven matches with 10 or more saves this season, including six of the last seven regular season matchups. He notched a career-best 14 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss to Itawamba in September. Rock became a significant part of the Lady Rangers' offense, providing three goals and a team-leading five assists. A native of Oxford, Rock's best performance came by scoring two of the Lady Rangers' three goals in a close 4-3 loss to Meridian in September. She also provided the game-winner and only goal in a 1-0 defeat of Hinds on Oct. 1. Additionally, Northwest saw five players compete in the MACJC Sophomore www.northwestms.edu
All-Star matches on Nov. 16 in Rid- suspension for any player or coach that geland. Spencer, Dodger Rhone and receives it. Adrian Suarez represented the men’s Northwest finished the 2019 camNorth Division team while Cheyenne paign with three wins on the men’s Smith and Carolyn Rials represented side while the Lady Rangers won two the women’s North Division club. matches. Despite two losses for the North Division teams, Smith did score a goal in the women’s all-star match to help the MACJC North All-Stars close the gap in a 5-3 loss to the South Division. Northwest also received a team honor on the men’s side, earning the Tom Shepherd Sportsmanship Award for the sixth time in program history. The award is presented annually by the MACJC to a men's and women's soccer program with the least amount of yellow/red cards during the season. Northwest was labeled as co-winners of the award, sharing the honor with fellow division foes East Central and Hinds. The Rangers had only 21 yellow cards Northwest sophomore Tim Spencer concluded his Rangin 15 matches and was er career as the program's all-time saves leader, earning never assessed a red card 210 stops in two seasons. infraction, which signals a Photo by Anna Camp Fall 2019
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Ranger Bluegrass Festival The Northwest Foundation co-sponsored the second Ranger Bluegrass Festival presented by Gateway Tire at the Northwest Farm on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4-5. The event was a two-day music festival featuring nationally -recognized, award-winning bluegrass bands. The primary goal of the event was to raise funds for scholarships to benefit Northwest students, while sharing an appreciation of bluegrass music and culture. Musical acts who appeared at the festival were the Jim Hurst Trio, Circus No. 9, The Barefoot Movement, Alice Hasen, Delta Celtica, and the Ranger Bluegrass Revue. On Saturday, Hasen joined the Northwest Singers in performing “A High Lonesome Mass,” a special choral piece set to bluegrass music. In addition to the musical acts, the festival was again hosted in the Ranger Bluegrass Barn, located in the farm’s 70-year-old gambrel barn, as the site of the community bluegrass music stage and “picking post.” The stage was hosted by music DJ and bluegrass picker Monica Casey. Festival activities on Saturday included a free children’s area with various arts and crafts stations, petting zoo, vendor marketplace, corn hole, horseshoes, football toss and photo booth. Food trucks were available outside, and a concession area inside the arena featured items prepared by culinary students from Northwest’s Hotel and Restaurant Management Technology program. — Julie Bauer Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl rings the opening bell to kickoff the festival Saturday morning at the Northwest Farm. Photo by Julie Bauer
Returning to the festival this year was favorite artists Barefoot Movement, who performed two sets during the festival on Saturday. Photo by Julie Bauer
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Lawson Frazier of Senatobia gets a cuddle from a friendly alpaca at the children’s petting zoo area. Photo by Julie Bauer
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Circus No. 9 was one of the headlining acts during the festival. Photo by Julie Bauer
Alderman Brian Hale (left) and Senatobia Vice President Earl Moore of First Security Bank chat during the sponsors dinner on the first night of the two-day festival. Photo by Julie Bauer
Practical Nursing students provided first aid services during the festival, sponsored by RedMed. Photo by Julie Bauer
The Northwest Singers performed “A High Lonesome Mass�, a choral piece set to bluegrass music, with musician Alice Hasen. Photo by Julie Bauer
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The festival featured area food trucks selling a variety of dishes including Mexican, Chinese and even Colombian items. Photo by Julie Bauer
There were a variety of free activities for children, including arts and crafts, games, bounce house and slide, and petting zoo. Photo by Julie Bauer
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memorials/honorariums
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 the men and women who have profoundly impacted the lives of others—parents, siblings, teachers, sons and daughters. 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 June 1, 2019 and Oct. 31, 2019, 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) 560-1103. MEMORIALS Sam and Ruth Ann Allison by Senatobia Culture Club Charlie Baldwin by Mr. David Mann Dr. Dolores Barnett by Dr. Charlie Barnett Joe Beckum by Mrs. Jean Beckum Diane Biffle by Ms. Toni Barden Mrs. Julie Bauer Mrs. Pam Briscoe Dr. Denise Bynum Ms. Charisse Reed Mr. and Mrs. Keith Williams Cameron Blount by Dr. Matthew Domas Five Star Dental Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Hawkins Mrs. Jere Herrington Dr. Don Jones Mrs. Marla Y. Kennedy Mr. Bart McAtee Mr. and Mrs. Greg Mote Mr. and Mrs. Bill Selby Mr. Dan Smith Mr. Michael Weldy
Lonnie Bradley by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy Robbie H. Butts by Mr. Joe Elliott Michael Byrd by Leesburg Animal Hospital Richard E. Byrd by Leesburg Animal Hospital 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. Betty Chance by Dr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Chance Rita C. Chance by Dr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Chance Tony Chance by Dr. and Mrs. Ronald R.Chance
Ross Boatright by Mrs. Sandra Roy
Jim Christmas by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy Ms. Patricia Tanner
A. W. and LaNelle Bouchillon by Mr. and Mrs. Barry Bouchillon
Regina Clark by Dr. Darrell Barnes Mr. John David Randall Dr. Amy Stewart
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JoEda Lee Hendricks Crenshaw by Mr. N.C. Ferguson Jr. Alan Crockett by Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Nickens Carlton Davis by Mrs. Ernestine A. Davis Clay Davis by Mrs. Ernestine A. Davis Jane Davis by Mr. Jerry Davis Ottis Brown Davis by Mr. Steve Cummings Thurman Davis by Mrs. Ernestine A. Davis Jessie Easly by Mr. N.C. Ferguson Jr. Travis G. Ferguson by Mr. Perrin Caldwell Jr. Gary Scott Fernandez by Mr. N.C. Ferguson Jr. Constance Gallant by Dr. Patsy Sledge Aaron German by Mr. and Mrs. Read Morton Mrs. Betty Salmon Tommy Hogan by Mr. and Mrs. Ken Harris
Lucille T. Hollister by Dr. Denise Bynum Robert Hyde by Ms. Jacqueline James James Jackson by Mr. Dennis Cobb Bert Johnson by Ms. Trudy Hall Col. Sam Johnson Charles R. Johnson by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Amorosi Col. Sam Johnson Charlotte Johnston by Mr. Marcus Perkins Mr. and Mrs.Greg Steinman Jason Jones by Ms. Alyssa Algee Ms. Lacey Gentry Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Johnson Donald Key by Ms. and Mr. Carolyn Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Billy W. Key Khalid Khouri by Mr. Bud Donahou Ms. Kholoud Khoury Joan Latimer by Mr. N.C. Ferguson Jr. Paul Lawrence by Mrs. Barbara Lawrence
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memorials/honorariums Evelyn-Hayes Lee by Mr. and Mrs. Al Canon Judge and Mrs. George Carlson Mr. and Mrs.Larry Nimrod Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Prevost Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Reed Grey Little by Ms. Patricia Tanner David Loftin by Mr. and Mrs.Don Davis Barbra W. Manning by Ms. Catherine Cashion Barry McCalla by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy R. D. and Corinne McLendon by Mississippi United Methodist Foundation Spurgeon McPhail by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams Bob Meacham by Mr. and Mrs. Al Canon Ms. Linda Ross Chief Bill Moore by Mrs. Becky Moore
Bill Nelms by Mr. Zabron A. Davis IV Jeffrey Nichols by Mrs. Elizabeth Dickerson Mr. Wayne Ferguson Ms. Glynda Hall Mr. and Mrs. Todd Latham John S. Orrell by Mr. Carson Hughes Dutch and Skeet Parker by Mr. Whit Perry W.P. Perkins by Ms. Debbie Perkins Joan Pierce by Dr. and Mrs. Walter Wicker Scott Potts by Mr. and Mrs. Ken Harris Mrs. Marla Y. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Todd Latham Helen Ray by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy Marie Ann Ray by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy Laura Reed by Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Reed
Joe Neal Moore by Mrs. Mary E. Purdy Ms. Patricia Tanner
Augustinus Rinaldy by Dr. Darrell Barnes
Mary Alice Moorman by Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Sowell
Norma Shuford Riser by Dr. and Mrs.Ray Thweatt
Leonard Morris by Mrs. Lillian Morris-Hilson
Billie Roberson by Mr. N.C. Ferguson Jr.
Fred Morton by Mrs. Betty Salmon
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James T. Robertson by Mr. and Mrs. Al Canon
Robert Sanders by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brown Mr. Jerry Clark
Dr. Patsy Sledge Mr. and Mrs. Lee H. Thompson Jr.
Brian P. Sergi by Mr. and Mrs. William Correro
W. L. & Lula Brooks Wallace by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Starnes
Tim Shorter by Mrs. Lisa Barber Ms. Kathy Buchanan Mr. Joe Elliott Mr. Matthew Johnson Ms. Suzette Logan
Connie Wells by Mr. Wayne Ferguson
Beverly Skipper by Mr. Cornelious H. Skipper
Ann Whitten by Mr. Trey Alberson III Ella L. Wilbourn by Dr. Carol Cleveland Ms. Melissa Greene
Donald E. Swanson by Mr. N.C. Ferguson Jr.
C. Chad and Reba Williams by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sturgeon
James L. (Trey) Sylvester by Dr. Darrell Barnes
Merle Williams by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
Lauren Elizabeth Tallo by Ms. Sondra Holliday
Larry Yates by Mr. and Mrs. Terry Potts Ms. Mary Thomas
Glenn Triplett by Mr. Jeff Triplett Dave and Peggy Turman by Mr. Perrin Caldwell Jr. Charles and Lois F. Veazey by Mr. and Mrs. Phil Bailey Benefit Concepts, P. A. Mr. and Mrs. WC Bland Jr. Mrs. Kelly Bolton Mr. and Mrs. Al Canon Mr. and Mrs. James L. Cummins Delta Academy Mr. Tommie L. Ford Ms. Patti Gordon Gouras & Associates, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Billy Hardin Mr. and Mrs. Quinn Harris Jr. Ms. Martha Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sibley
Drew Young by Hinds Chapel United Methodist Church Horn Lake United Methodist Women Calvin Grover Youngblood by Mrs. Ruth Williams-Hooker Mrs. Peggy Youngblood HONORARIUMS Charlotte Alexander by Ms. Kristie Waldrop Dr. Marilyn Bateman by Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Walter T. Scott Dr. Bonnie Buntin by Mr. Robert Kelly
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memorials/honorariums Dr. Jack Butts by Mr. Joe Elliott Dr. Michael Butts by Ms. Darlene Greenlee Mrs. Elizabeth Harvey
Keith Godbold by Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Johnson Sandy Grisham by Mr. Bud Donahou Ms. Susanne VanDyke
Earline Cocke by Mr. and Mrs. Perry Arrington Dr. Michael Butts
Dr. Jerry Hollis by Dr. Darrell Barnes Mr. Bud Donahou
Dr. Ray Cox by Dr. Darrell Barnes
Brenda G. Holmes by Mr. Joe Elliott
Mike Dottorey by Mr. Charles B. Adams Mrs. LaQuita Parker Mrs. Betty Spence
Cathryn Hyde by Ms. Jacqueline James Joe Johnson by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Amorosi
Ms. Trudy Hall Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans Col. Sam Johnson
Richie E. Lawson by Dr. Darrell Barnes Jodie Moore by Mrs. Mary Purdy Tom and Jane Murphy by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Latham Jayne River by Mr. Joe Elliott Dr. Gary Lee Spears by Dr. Darrell Barnes Marilyn Spears by Mrs. Carol Peterson Jane W. Williamson by Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Ogg
Jonathan Nichols by Mrs. Elizabeth Dickerson Mr. Wayne Ferguson Ms. Glynda Hall
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EDDIE BLAKE, FOOTBALL (1988-89) Much like his brother before him, Eddie Blake made quite the name for himself as well during his two seasons with the Northwest football program. A native of Fayetteville, Tenn., Blake arrived at Northwest shortly after his older brother, Ricky, finished up his stint with the Rangers in 1988. Nicknamed "Earthquake", Eddie Blake played offensive guard for two seasons under Bobby Franklin, helping pave the way for First Team All-MACJC tailbacks Michael Crenshaw and Vince Powell. During his sophomore season in 1989, Blake helped the Rangers to a 12-1 overall record, an MACJC championship and a Shrine Bowl victory against Kilgore College. For his efforts, he was named a First Team All-MACJC selections and a back-to-back J.C. Gridwire All-American. JASON ROGAN, MEN'S BASKETBALL (2000-02) Nearly 20 years since he concluded his Northwest playing career, former Ranger guard Jason Rogan's mark on the record books still stands today. A native of Portland, Tenn., Rogan averaged 27 points per game as a senior at Portland High School before coming to Northwest. Playing under coach Bubba Skelton from 2000-02, Rogan immediately became a part of the Rangers' starting five as a freshman and helped guide Northwest to national prominence during the 2000-01 season. That year, Northwest finished 27-7 overall, winning North Division, MACJC and NJCAA Region 23 championships before finishing eighth overall in the 2001 NJCAA National Tournament. The success was due in part to Rogan's stats, where he averaged 19.8 points, 6.1 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game, earning First Team All-MACJC and third team NJCAA All-American honors. Although Northwest was unable to fully replicate that run in the
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Northwest Now
2001-02 campaign, Rogan helped Northwest to the postseason once again with an 18-9 overall record and a trip to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament. Perhaps the biggest moment of his Northwest career came on February 18, 2002 in a 96-78 win against Northeast. Rogan needed just 14 points to reach the 1,000-point milestone but instead scored 32 and made 13 of his 21 shots from the field, grabbing seven rebounds, five steals and four assists. Rogan concluded his two-year stint in Senatobia by leading the team in scoring both years, compiling a career total of 1,156 points for 19.3 points per game, good for sixth all-time in average scoring. He also continues to hold records in field goals made (447; 3rd), free throws made (204; 4th) and assists (262; 5th). TOMMY ROBISON, MEN'S SOCCER (2002-03) It didn't take long for Northwest to burst onto the scene in the early days of MACJC soccer, and Tommy Robison was a big reason why. A native of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Robison led the team with 24 goals and eight assists as a freshman in 2002, finishing seventh in the NJCAA in scoring. His efforts helped guide former coach Peter Jarjoura to a 12-6-1 overall record in the Rangers' inaugural season of competition. Northwest finished the year 8-2 in the conference but fell in the MACJC Playoffs to Mississippi Gulf Coast. Robison continued his tear as a sophomore, netting 26 goals and seven assists in 2003, once again helping Northwest to a 10-7-1 overall record. For his career, Robison totaled 50 goals, a program scoring record that continues to stand to this day. He was also twice named an NJCAA All-American while earning two All-MACJC and team Most Valuable Player honors. He is the first men's soccer inductee into the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame.
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