A word from the PRESIDENT
Ihope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits as we continue our journey of growth and progress here at Northeast Mississippi Community College.
As we strive to maintain the academic excellence for which Northeast is renowned, it is imperative that we stay at the forefront of technological advancements. In today’s world, the demand for expertise and proficiency in technology is ever-present, and we must ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a global workforce. Our top priority remains guiding our students through college successfully and preparing them for the professional world. This responsibility is a shared one, and we rely on the support
and collaboration of our entire community to achieve this goal.
Community partnerships play a vital role in providing endless opportunities for our graduates. Our dedicated faculty members play a crucial role in delivering topquality, up-to-date instruction, ensuring that Northeast graduates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in today’s competitive job market. Prioritizing the development of career technical skills is more critical than ever, but we also recognize the importance of nurturing professions that require advanced degrees. Our commitment to workforce development and economic growth remains unwavering, as we aim to contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in northeast Mississippi.
To provide a comprehensive college experience for all our students, Northeast is dedicated to continuous improvement and expansion. Our Moving Forward initiative underscores our vision for the future, supported by effective marketing strategies and community engagement efforts.
Our focused and intentional customer service agenda expands on the idea that customer service begins within an organization’s internal structure. This concept has moved Northeast to the forefront with our service to our students and employees. The branding of The Northeast Way has paved the way for future generations of students and employees. For the third consecutive year Northeast was recognized for having a great workplace and one of four colleges selected for the prestigious honor
roll in the Great Colleges to Work For Program.
We welcome students from across Mississippi and the U.S., positioning them for success in a rapidly evolving job market. Northeast also received our share of state appropriated funds, enabling us to further our mission. Northeast was recognized for the second consecutive time as an Apple Distinguished School. This shows our commitment to an elevated level of instruction that is infused with the absolute best in technology. This only prepares our students better for a digital workforce. We will continue to move the needle with technology-infused instruction.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Supervisors in each county for their unwavering support. Northeast Mississippi
Community College belongs to the citizens of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties, and we are devoted to serving their needs and interests. We are very appreciative for the local elected officials that represent us in State Government. Without the appropriations we receive from the State of Mississippi we would not be able to provide the resources to fund our great faculty and staff that serve our students.
Our dedicated Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in guiding our institution towards greater achievements and impact in northeast Mississippi. Their steadfast support of our vision underscores their dedication to our shared success.
I extend my gratitude to the entire Northeast community for
your passion, dedication, and energy, which are the driving forces behind our success.
I invite you all to explore the many possibilities available at Northeast and to join us in our journey of growth and progress.
Ricky G. Ford, Ph. D. President
The GOLD STANDARD:
TIGER STADIUM
Northeast’s long-time home of the Tiger football program completed its first significant changes in over a decade.
Northeast invested approximately $1.5 million in renovations to Tiger Stadium ahead of the 2025 season. Among the highlights are a refurbished playing surface and a state-ofthe-art video board.
“I think we’re doing a lot of things to enhance not only the playing surface, but the surroundings,” Northeast athletic director Kent Farris said. “The fans are going to enjoy the new look. We’re just excited about all the new things that are going on.”
Northeast partnered with video board manufacturer ACE Sports for the crown jewel of this venture. The towering LED structure will be located along the northwest corner in front of the field house.
Campus Renovations
The board will stand at 20 feet high by 39 feet wide and include a brand-new sound system at the top. The speakers will be hidden by decorative lettering that spells “Northeast” with the “NE” logo featured on both sides. The board will include multiple sponsorship spots, a prominent space for video content plus the game clock and scoring information all on one display. The Northeast Development Foundation provided funds for this portion of the project through its “Jump On Board” campaign.
The improvements that Dr. Ford, the administration and the Board have done to help this program is a GAME CHANGER. The face lift is much needed. It’s going to blow some people’s socks off. It’s going to change the level of our recruiting.
- Greg Davis, Head Football Coach
Tiger Stadium’s playing surface was another major part of the revitalization process. Crews tore out the old grass, brought in additional dirt to level the field and laid
fresh sod that was brought in from Arkansas. Tahoma 31 Bermuda was selected as the new grass for the Tigers’ venue. It is a popular choice for sports complexes because of its
CHANGES TO EULA DEES MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Northeast Mississippi Community College officially dedicated the Don Lee Keith Reading Room & Conference Center in the Eula Dees Memorial Library on Tuesday, August 12. Made possible by a $115,000 gift from the estate of the late Teresa A. Neaves, the space offers students and employees a place for study, collaboration, and idea exchange. The room showcases Keith’s work and personal artifacts, including his studio chair from New Orleans, a book signed by playwright Tennessee Williams, his two Alex Waller Memorial Awards, and his study desk.
While the Don Lee Keith Reading Room & Conference Center is a cornerstone to the Eula Dees Memorial Library, it helped bring renovations to the facility with new lighting in the area around the conference room and new areas for employees and students to use with a 3-D printer, a GlowForge and two large format Silhouette Vinyl machines.
exceptional winter hardiness, early spring green-up and wear tolerance.
A modernized irrigation system featuring Hunter Industries products was installed to keep the grass in pristine condition. There are four sprinkler rotor heads down each sideline that disperse water across the field.
Underneath the turf lies a six-inch Hydraway drainage system to help shed excess water quickly. The same infrastructure is in place at Auburn (Ala.) University’s JordanHare Stadium and at other Southeastern Conference (SEC) facilities.
“You can’t get a better surface than what we’re going to play on,” Davis said. “It’s top of the line. I’m fired up about it. It’s going to be magnificent once it’s all completed.”
As part of the library’s modernization and campus renovations, the iconic clock tower was refreshed, replacing the clock faces with LED lit Northeast logos.
A gray block facade will adorn three locations, including at the bottom of both sets of bleachers. It will also separate the south end of the facility from the ticket booth and concession stand.
Northeast plans to boost the environment behind the south end zone with the purchase of six high-top tables, stools and umbrellas for fans to gather around on game nights. It will be a similar setup to what is available between the baseball and softball fields at The Plex.
New fluorescent yellow goal posts, which meet the NCAA specifications of the uprights rising 20 feet above the crossbar, are included in this makeover. Select areas will receive upgraded fencing as well.
COMPLETED DORMITORY RENOVATIONS
Students in White Hall now have a newly renovated lounge and recreation room. The space features new furniture, flatscreen televisions mounted to the walls, gaming chairs, a basketball arcade game, and vibrant LED-lit NEMCC signage. The rec room also opens to an outdoor patio with picnic tables and cornhole for students to enjoy together.
Wood Hall welcomed students back to campus with a complete renovation that transformed its dorm rooms, lounge, and bathrooms.
Legacy LIVING THE Legacy STUDENT LIFE
2024 HOMECOMING COURT
Booneville’s Isabel Grace Williford was crowned 2024 Homecoming Queen, escorted by John Farris Owings of Corinth. Freshman maids were Madison Henderson of Corinth, Maria Jenkins of Booneville, Emsley Murphy of Booneville, Eva Null of Walnut, Kayleigh Smith of Booneville, and Anna Slack of New Site. Sophomore maids included Christina Graham of Myrtle, Erin Mattox of Booneville, Sadie Perriman of Corinth, Addie Trulove of Kossuth, Bailey Wilbanks of Kossuth, and Gabby Bell of Pontotoc. Court escorts were L.J. Spight of Ripley, Connor Timms of Saltillo, Mackenzie Stevens of Booneville, Chad Byrd of Corinth, Jack Leak of Lamar, Gibson Foster of Booneville, Ben Taylor of Marietta, Erik Garrett of Booneville, Chandler South of Corinth, John Neal Welch of Corinth, Eli Sparks of Belmont, and Reed Roberson of Corinth.
In 2025-2026 Northeast selected it’s first group of Marketing Interns! From photography and content creation to podcasting, event coverage, and even recording our weekly Northeast News segment, they’re here to keep YOU informed and connected to all the amazing things happening at Northeast academic careers.
One of their biggest projects has been launching TigerTime, a brand-new, student-run podcast. From planning the content to running the equipment to hosting conversations, they have handled every piece of this project with professionalism and creativity.
During the 2025 Northeast Student Art Exhibition, Riley Aldridge was awarded the coveted Best of Show prize for his pen & ink drawing titled “Drinking Night.”
Northeast Development Foundation’s “Jump on Board” campaign not only helped enhance the Tiger football gameday experience with the new 20’x29’ video scoreboard at the newly renovated Tiger Stadium, but they have helped enhance the fan experience in Bonner Arnold Coliseum and student experiences at other campus events.
Along with the video board at Tiger Stadium, Northeast now has 30-foot video scoring tables and a portable photo booth. The video tables will not only be utilized by both volleyball and basketball to showcase starting lineups and feature sponsors, but will be used for many campus events such as Northeast NOW.
The portable photo booth has already been a big hit with the students. This student centered, fun, interactive, and data driven recruiting tool that allows us to better connect with students. Community sponsors gain visibility on photos shared, texted, or posted to social media putting your brand in the spotlight.
Northeast Mississippi Community College announced its 2024 Who’s Who Class Favorites. Freshman girls honored were Anna Briggs of Counce, TN; Anna Slack and Haley Geno of Booneville; Kate Ward and Reese Shelton of Ripley; Katie Sherwood of Blue Springs; and Maria Jenkins of Booneville. Freshman boys included Dylan Roberts of Falkner, Eli Emerson of Glen, Ethan Tice of Baldwyn, Levi Lovelace of Tishomingo, L.J. Spight and Samuel King of Ripley, and Mackenzie Stevens of Booneville. Sophomore girls selected were Annsleigh Fair of Iuka, Cheyanna Johnson of Booneville, Emma Akins of New Albany, Emma Arthur of Corinth, Gracie Yates of Marietta, and Isabel Williford of Booneville. Sophomore boys were Ben Mixon of Booneville, Chad Byrd and John Parker of Corinth, Jonah Warren of Jumpertown, Luke Wood of New Albany, and Reed Roberson of Glen. Bailey Wilbanks of Kossuth was named Miss Northeast and Wyatt Mitchell of Corinth was named Mr. Northeast.
Booneville’s Abby Marie Walton kept the freshman dominance alive in the Most Beautiful pageant on Tuesday, November 12. Walton became the tenth first-year student in the last 13 pageants to capture top honors with just three sophomores being able to break the freshman blockade since 2011.
Before Walton was named the Most Beautiful, the college announced four beauties to complete the Top 5 of the pageant. Freshman Madee Kate Dugger of Baldwyn, freshman Madison Henderson of Corinth, sophomore Heaven Knox of Ripley and sophomore Marley Thrasher of Kossuth were named the college’s four beauties for the night before Walton was crowned the overall winner.
Scholastic Awards went to sophomores Bailey Wilbanks of Kossuth and Allie Hutchens of New Site and Pontotoc’s Gabby Bell took home the Most Photogenic Award for the second year in a row.
The legacy of
ACHIEVEMENT
Northeast Mississippi Community College holds itself to the highest standards, striving every day to be the best educational institution it can be for its students, employees, and community. Recognized as an Apple Distinguished School twice, ranked the number one community college in Mississippi for workforce training by Zippia, named among the Top 10 Digital Community Colleges in the nation by the Center for Digital Education, and honored as one of the nation’s Best Colleges to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education, Northeast continues to set the bar for excellence. We take immense pride not only in these achievements but also in celebrating the individuals who go above and beyond expectations (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) whose dedication and excellence ensure that Northeast remains the best of the best.
T.I.P. & T.O.P. AWARDS
The 2024 Tremendous Individual Performances (T.I.P) selections were Gina Bray (Financial Aid) and Tracey Alexander (Facilities & Maintenance). The Teaching Outstanding Performance (T.O.P) awards went to Dawn Hilliard (Math & Science), Dr. Elizabeth Grisham (Social & Behavioral Sciences), Anne Kramer (Humanities & Languages), and Joseph Boren (Business & Engineering). Winners receive a $100 grant, a reserved parking space for one year, and recognition at Honors Night.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Northeast’s Melissa Morgan, ADN Program Director, and Charles Pollard, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, graduated from the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy following a year-long program. The program consists of workshops designed to strengthen supervisory and management skills, using participants’ current work situations to apply new skills and tools. It is also an opportunity to network and strengthen systemwide collaborative efforts.
THE NORTHEAST WAY AWARD
The Northeast Way Award honors employees who create a positive and welcoming environment within our college community. The 2024-25 recipients were Rochelle Jenkins (Admissions & Recuiting), Bryan Mitchell (Band), Mary Hall (Bookstore), Tabitha McKay (Institutional Research), Crystal White (Business & Office Technology), Leslie Arnold (Health Sciences Simlulation Center), and Stewart Moore (Civil Engineering). The overall honoree of the year was John Shelburne (Respiratory Care).
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Northeast’s Sports Hall of Fame was conceived in the interest of recognizing coaches, athletes, and administrators who coached and/or played or were loyal supporters of Northeast athletics. Acknowledging the fact that there have been many outstanding athletes who have contributed greatly to the sports programs at Northeast through the years, Northeast wished to begin a program of recognition whereby individuals may be recognized for their contributions to athletics at NEMCC.
2008
Bonner Arnold
Charles “Doodle” Floyd
Gene Garrett
Kenneth Lindsey
Kenneth “Cat” Robbins
David “Nub” Strickland
Adrian Smith
W.B. “Bill” Ward
Harold T. White
Earline “Woodsie” Woods
2009
Harvey Childers
Gerald Caveness
Clyde Jones
Larry Parker
Evelyn Thompson 2010
David M. Carnell, Jr.
Phyllis Stafford Dilworth
Mike Grier
Kunshinge Sorrell Howard
Jack Martin
2011
Jim Drewry
Johnny Buskirk
Vincent Del Negro
Sherry Slayton Holland
The purpose of the Northeast Mississippi Commuinity College’s Alumni Hall of Fame is to recognize the achievement of an outstanding Northeast alumnus who has excelled personally and professionally, making a continued and significant difference in their community on a local, state, national, or international level.
Audrey Covington
Benjamin Guy Gardner
Freddie Copeland
Brandi Vondenstein Dannelly
Malcolm Kuykendall
2013
Ellis “Myrl” Crowe
Mike Lewis
Ray Scott
Larry “Jerry” Reno
Harry T. Crosby
2014
Ricky Ford 2012
Gaylon Baird
Nathan “Ned” Davis
Jerry Long
Brenda Mayes
Chase Porch 2015
Phillip Chapman
Robert Henry
Tamica Pierce Jones
Tim Kesler
Donnie Clayton 2016
Anthony Anderson
John O. Cunningham
Ronnie Key
Maurice Stafford
2017
Emma Braddock
Dontae' Jones
Jim Lamb
Josie Lingrin
2018
Jerome Woods
Brandon Farley
Mitch McNeely
Millard Lothenore
2019
Anthony Gamble
Billy Southward
Shirley Hall White 2021
Jerry “Lefty” Harrelson
Mario Stevenson
Eric Batchelor
Tim McDonald 2022
Tim Cole
Robert Gordon
Lisa Jansen
Johnny Payton
Fred Stafford
Brynden Trawick 2024
Antoine Wilkerson
Craig Lauderdale
Bruse Loyd 2012
Major General Augustus
Leon Collins
William “Billy Joe” McCoy
James Seth Pounds
Cathy M. Roberson 2014
Dr. William G. Jackson
Vance Witt
Earline “Woodsie” Woods
Travis Childers
2017
Hugh McLarty
Harold Lomenick
Sam Mosley
ZonaDale Lyons Taylor
Malcolm White
Mike Staten
Barbara Shackelford
Mike Lester
*Due the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, there was not a class selected for 2020.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Scan the code to read biographies of each inductee, learn about the by-laws and criteria for induction, or nominate someone for the Hall of Fame.
NORTHEAST FFA CHAPTER
COLLEGIATE FFA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR
SOUTHERN REGIONAL FINALIST National
Northeast Mississippi Community College’s awardwinning Future Farmers of America (FFA) Alumni and Supporters of the Collegiate FFA chapter has been selected as a regional finalist for the 2025 National FFA Alumni and Supporters Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award.
Northeast’s recognition comes from among all colleges/ universities in the Southern United States that applied for the national Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award, which will be presented as part of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, set for October 29-November 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Known as one of the most active collegiate FFA chapters in the southeastern United States, Northeast’s chapter plays a significant role in agricultural education and outreach.
Northeast’s Alumni and Supporters chapter of the Collegiate FFA routinely hosts the FFA District Conference on the Booneville campus each year and serves as a key sponsor of the annual FFA Skills Challenge District Conference, held in the college’s Gayle Davis Hall and the Prentiss County Ag Center.
Chapter members have also organized livestock judging clinics for area FFA members, agricultural students, and advisors at the Prentiss County Ag Center.
Several members have earned national recognition for their livestock judging skills.
Beyond competitions and events, the chapter works to broaden interest in agricultural careers, provide educational opportunities for local farmers, and foster better understanding of the agricultural industry.
One of chapter’s advisors, Sayde Turner Potts, was featured on WTVA’s “Ask the Expert” segment, discussing agricultural education and career opportunities while the other chapter advisor Amy Marolt-Alred was featured on “Ask the Expert” talking about her family’s Christmas tree farm and how that plays into agriculture and agricultural education.
From Pine Grove to President! Pine Grove native and Northeast student Byron Lopez was recently elected the 2025–2026 Mississippi FFA State President, a well-earned honor for someone whose passion for agriculture and heart for people have always set him apart.
At Northeast, Lopez’s leadership has never gone unnoticed. Whether he’s mentoring fellow students, advocating for agricultural education, or stepping up to serve, Lopez brings steady confidence, humility, and purpose to everything he does.
PINE GROVE, MISSISSIPPI
MS FFA
BYRON LOPEZ State President
NORTHEAST ATHLETICS
WHERE Legends ARE
RELIVE SOME OF THIS YEAR’S BEST TIGER ATHLETIC MOMENTS
TOP GAMES
TOP PLAYS
NEMCC SELECTS MIDDLETON AS NEXT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH
We want to play a brand of basketball that’s exciting and fun to watch. We want to get after it on the defensive end. We’re looking forward to having a full gym this fall.
-Brian Middleton
An established program builder that has captured championship gold at each of his coaching stops is bringing that pedigree of success to Northeast Mississippi Community College.
Brian Middleton has been selected as the seventh leader of the traditionrich Northeast women’s basketball team in its modern era, which dates back to 1973.
“We are excited to announce the hiring of coach Brian Middleton,” said Northeast president Dr. Ricky
Ford. “A proud resident of our district, coach Middleton brings a proven and successful track record. We look forward to his leadership and vision as we continue to build back a winning program.”
Middleton arrives on the Booneville campus at a great time. The Lady Tigers are coming off their winningest two-year period in 18 seasons with 37 total victories and a top four finish inside the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC).
“We are excited to have coach Middleton join our coaching staff,” Northeast athletic director Kent Farris said. “He brings with him an impressive record of success wherever he has coached. We look forward to supporting him and Lady Tiger basketball.”
Middleton boasts 17 combined years of head coaching experience between the sports of boys basketball, girls basketball and volleyball at Oak Hill Academy and Tishomingo County High School.
MADE & Legacies BEGIN
WILLIAMS TAKES TIGERS TO NATIONALS
Neither gusty winds nor rain nor frost could stay Jackson Williams from representing Northeast Mississippi Community College well in his final appearance with the golf program.
Williams finished in a tie for 29th individually with an aggregate score of 305 at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II championship from May 20-23 at Swan Lake Resort.
“We had a good time,” said Tigers head coach Derek DeVaughn. “I would have loved to have gone as a whole team, but it was great just to key in on one person and get to experience the whole deal.”
It was the culmination of a stellar career at
Northeast for Williams, who was recognized with all-conference second-team accolades and rated as the No. 37 golfer in the country according to Clippd.
“It was an honor just coming out here, having fun and enjoying what I do,” Williams said. “I’m proud of the work I’ve put in and where I got myself to.”
The Salem, Ala., native overcame the adverse weather conditions in northern Indiana to place in the top fourth of the field, which featured 22 teams and over 150 players. All four rounds were impacted by delays at some point.
He recorded six top 10 finishes in 10 total
events leading up to the NJCAA championships.
Williams’ efforts helped Northeast conclude the 2024-25 season with a No. 23 national ranking as a team from Clippd.
NORTHEAST CHEERLEADING SQUAD
RETURNS TO A CO-ED ROSTER FOR THE
FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE!
Legacies BUILDING TOGETHER
TOGETHER
“
TOGETHER,
we are shaping futures and transforming lives in northeast Mississippi.
Dr.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves joined Northrop Grumman officials and Northeast Mississippi Community College administrators and faculty in celebrating the official opening of the college’s state-of-the-art Northrop Grumman Aerospace Lab on the Northeast at Corinth campus.
As part of Northrop Grumman’s commitment to increasing access to the tech workforce and investing in local institutions, the Northrop Grumman Foundation recently awarded a grant
to Northeast to support the expansion of the Booneville-based college’s workforce training lab at its Corinth campus. This investment is a major step forward in the college’s commitment to advancing technical education and creating opportunities for students in high-demand careers across the region.
“The Northrop Grumman Aerospace Lab at Northeast Mississippi Community College is a winwin for our company and for the state,” said Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president, Aeronautics Systems, Northrop Grumman. “This cutting-edge facility will provide a highly-trained pipeline to the technical workforce that will help enhance prosperity in Mississippi.”
For Northeast, it represents more than just a grant; it’s a significant boost to college’s mission to develop tomorrow’s workforce.
“The realization of true workforce training efforts is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnerships,” Northeast president Dr. Ricky G. Ford said.
“Today, as we witness the unveiling of this cutting-edge training facility, we celebrate the potential it holds for our students to receive handson experience and begin prosperous careers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. I express my sincere gratitude to the dedicated faculty, staff, community partners, and, above all, to Northrop Grumman for their unwavering support and belief in our shared vision.
“Together, we are shaping futures and transforming lives in northeast Mississippi.”
The upgraded training lab will enhance handson learning and enable Northeast to serve more students with cutting-edge equipment and career-ready programs that align with industry needs. From manufacturing to advanced technologies, this lab will be a launchpad for future professionals.
As Northeast continues to lead in workforce innovation across Mississippi, this grant highlights the possibilities when community colleges and industry leaders collaborate.
Ricky G. Ford, NEMCC President
“These grants will allow us to expand the kind of training that MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY & OUR COMMUNITIES.
Jason
Mattox, Vice President for Career & Technical Education and Director of Workforce Training
Northeast has been awarded more than $2.2 million in workforce training grants from Accelerate MS to launch two major projects that will prepare our students and our region for what’s next. “These grants will allow us to expand the kind of training that truly makes a difference for local industry and our communities,” said Jason Mattox, NEMCC’s vice president for career and technical education and director of workforce training. “We’re committed to building a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the needs of Mississippi’s growing economy.” Northeast continues to lead with innovation, vision, and a deep commitment to student success.
“
TOGETHER,
we are saving lives and making a real difference in our community.
Dr. Ricky G. Ford, NEMCC President
Northeast celebrated a powerful new partnership with Baptist Ambulance and OnDemand Specialty Vehicles (ODSV) Thursday, July 31 when it unveiled a fully equipped ambulance donated to the college’s new EMT – Paramedic program by ODSV, a division of Priority OnDemand. The ambulance provides Northeast students with hands-on, real-world training in emergency medical services.
Community PUTTING THE BACK IN COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
the Legacy GUIDING
COGGIN PROMOTED TO VP OF STUDENT SERVICES
Northeast announced the promotion of Rod Coggin of Booneville to the role of Vice President of Student Services, effective July 1.
Coggin steps into the position following the retirement of longtime administrator Ray Scott, who concluded his nearly 35 years of service to the college at the end of June.
“Mr. Rod Coggin’s extensive experience in student services spanning over 30 years makes him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Northeast president Dr. Ricky G. Ford. “We are thrilled to elevate him to the position of Vice President of Student Services. His proven expertise and dedication will undoubtedly
enrich the student experience at our institution.”
A Booneville native and lifelong member of the Northeast family, Coggin brings more than 30 years of experience in Student Services to the vice president’s office.
Coggin has served as Associate Vice President of Student Services since July 2016 and began his career at Northeast in 1994 as a member of the student services department.
His previous roles also include Director of Event Planning and Residential Housing, where he oversaw student activities, student government, and oncampus housing.
As Vice President of Student Services, Coggin will oversee a
wide range of student-focused areas, including Housing and Residential Life, Counseling and Special Populations, Campus Safety, Student Activities and Organizations, the Student Government Association, and the Student Success Center, among others.
As a former Tiger football player, he continued his athletic career as a punter at Murray State University.
Coggin and his family reside in the Booneville area, where he remains an active member in the City of Hospitality and the Prentiss County community.
Coggin is a graduate of Northeast and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University. He has also completed advanced studies at Mississippi State.
JACKSON APPOINTED CHIEF OF CAMPUS POLICE
Northeast has appointed Jason Jackson of Booneville as the new Chief of Campus Police, following the passing of former chief William Anthony Anderson last March.
Jackson, who has served as a police officer at the college since 2022, will be the sixth chief of campus police for the Boonevillebased institution.
After Anderson’s unexpected death, assistant chief Melissa Pearson stepped into the role of interim chief but chose to return to her previous position as the academic year ended.
Jackson brings a wealth of experience to the position, having worked with the Guntown Police Department since 2014 and accumulating over a decade in law enforcement.
Jackson began his career at Tiffin Motorhomes in Red Bay, Alabama where he served as the Work/Security Director, before transitioning into full-time law enforcement.
“With Chief Jackson’s background in campus safety and commitment to our community, we are confident in his ability to prioritize and uphold the safety of everyone at Northeast Mississippi Community College,” said Northeast president Dr. Ricky G. Ford. “His experience and dedication make him an excellent choice for the role of Chief of Police, ensuring a secure environment for all members of our campus.”
A graduate of Northeast Mississippi
Community College, Jackson holds an associate of arts in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi.
His training includes certification from the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center’s Law Enforcement Academy and time instructing the Northeast Mississippi Community College Part-Time Reserve Law Enforcement Academy.
In addition to his formal education, Jackson has completed Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) and the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) program.
“Jason exemplifies what our campus climate is all about,” said Northeast vice president of student services Ray Scott. “We’re looking
forward to having him lead our continuous efforts to discover and implement new and innovative ways to keep our officers in the best position to keep our students, faculty, staff and visitors, as well as themselves, safe during their time on campus.”
Jackson, who assumed his new position July 1, is a certified instructor in both ALERRT and CRASE, as well as a firearms instructor, active shooting instructor, Glock Armorer, tactical medic instructor, Taser instructor, and statecertified law enforcement investigator.
Jackson played a key role in organizing the active shooter drills on the Northeast campus in July 2023, which involved multiple local law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
Beyond his professional duties, Jackson takes part in Read Across America Week, where he takes time to go and read to area school children.
A graduate of East Union Attendance Center, Jackson excelled in baseball, a skill he will display as the campus police department’s representative in the inaugural Chief Anthony Anderson Law Enforcement vs. Fire All-Star Memorial Softball game, sponsored by the Project Domino Effect on Saturday, October 19 at the Northeast Baseball/Softball Complex.
Jackson is married to Olivia Crowe of Booneville, a former Northeast cheerleader.
FUNDING FUTURES & SUPPORTING Legacies.
HONORING teachers WHO MADE AN IMPACT
The Impact Scholarship Program is generous new initiative established to empower deserving students and celebrate the influential teachers who shape their lives. The Impact Scholarship Program goes beyond simply providing financial aid. It fosters a culture of gratitude and appreciation by requiring students to write an essay about a teacher who significantly impacted their lives. This unique component strengthens the bond between students and educators, highlighting the importance of mentorship and guidance in the learning process. Extending beyond its recognition of the student’s efforts with the gift of a scholarship, we take pride in honoring the exceptional teachers who make such a profound difference. The superintendent and principal of each participating teacher’s school district is personally contacted and invited to a special luncheon on the Booneville campus of Northeast Mississippi Community College. This luncheon celebrates the incredible impact these educators have on their students’ lives.
She taught me that DEATH ISN’T THE ONLY THING THAT CAN TAKE YOUR LIFE; you can still breathe and not be able to live. This has motivated me more than anything.
- Iralyn Rakestraw on the impact of Mrs. Lori
She was always willing to listen when I needed someone to talk to... She not only motivated me but SUPPORTED ME WHERE MY BIOLOGICAL MOM FAILED TO DO SO.
- Madi Calvert on the impact of Cindy Whitfield
In my eyes,
TEACHERS ARE
THE superheroes AND THEY DON’T
GET A LOT OF respect FOR IT. They are teaching the future of our generation and so on.
– Ava Siegel on the impact of Tabitha Siegel
I will strive to help others when they struggle...
Because after all you NEVER TRULY KNOW WHAT SOMEBODY IS GOING THROUGH at home or in their mind at school.
- Matthew Stacks on the impact of Brent Taylor
The quotes above are from the student essays written about a teacher who made an impact on their life.
Scan the QR code to read the complete essays written by each of the 2024 Impact Scholarship recipients.
