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MDCC Begins Year with Faculty and Staff Convocation
MOORHEAD, Miss. (Aug. 15, 2023) — Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) commenced the 2023-2024 academic year by welcoming faculty back to campus for a faculty and staff convocation on the Moorhead campus on Aug. 9.
The day began with faculty and staff being greeted with breakfast in the J.T. Hall Coliseum before the opening session took place. Vice President of Instruction Teresa Webster welcomed employees to the annual event, and MDCC BSU Director Josh Warren delivered an invocation.
MDCC President Dr. Tyrone Jackson followed by welcoming faculty and staff before delivering a state of the college address. During his speech, Jackson highlighted several areas where the college has experienced success, which are also trending nationally for community colleges. Specifically, Jackson noted that MDCC excels in online education, admission applications, dual enrollment, educating incarcerated adults, and mental health services.
After expressing gratitude to the faculty and staff for their contributions, Jackson emphasized five key goals of the college for the coming year: raises, recruitment, retention, relationships, and reaching their potential. Jackson concluded his speech by introducing the guest speaker.
Assistant Executive Director for Research and Effectiveness for the Mississippi Community College Board Dr. Angela Payne, introduced by Jackson, took to the stage to deliver an informative speech on how the college can utilize data for enhanced success.
Vice President of Effectiveness and Enrollment Dr. Ben Cloyd followed Payne's presentation by discussing the ongoing strategic plan for the college and providing updates on accreditation, the Greenville Higher Education Center, and enrollment management.
Director of Athletics and Sports Information Director Jason Conner then introduced MDCC's newest coaches and discussed upcoming events, including the 2nd annual Trojan Black Tie Gala on Oct. 14.
The latest addition to MDCC’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development Douglas Freeze, updated attendees on the Capps Center in Indianola and outlined MDCC Workforce’s future goals in network security, fiber optic expansion, and aviation maintenance.
Vice President of Administrative and Student Services Dr. Steven Jones continued the ELT’s presentation by discussing ongoing and upcoming construction projects at MDCC. He also highlighted new and upgraded campus safety measures related to both physical and cyber security. Jones additionally discussed accomplishments and upcoming goals for the offices of Human Resources, Information Technology, and Public Relations.
The morning concluded with updates from Vice President of Business Services Staci Miller and Webster.
Throughout the rest of the day, employees attended breakout sessions focusing on cybersecurity, conflict resolution, mental health, and campus safety before concluding with a “fun with fitness” session.
Classes at MDCC commenced on Monday, Aug. 14, on all MDCC campuses.