History
Northwest Mississippi Community College has its roots in the system of agricultural schools which were set up throughout this rural state in the early years of the 20th century. First organized as Tate County Agricultural High School in 1915, the school began to offer college-level classes in the fall of 1926. With encouragement from the State Department of Education and leadership from Porter Walker Berry, who became the college’s first president, this initial endeavor proved to be successful. Two years later Quitman County pledged its support for the expanded class offerings. Meanwhile, the Mississippi Junior College Commission urged school officials to convert the established classes into a complete two-year program. As a result, in the fall of 1928 a fully-sanctioned junior college, later named Northwest Mississippi Junior College and accredited by the Mississippi Junior College Accrediting Association, opened its doors to 59 students.
Like all public institutions, Northwest has been influenced by the political and economic climate in the state. When the Great Depression struck Mississippi with particular virulence, students were allowed to pay for their board by donating garden and farm products to the dining hall, while the government’s public works program provided funds to supplement the school’s budget. During World War II an accelerated program was introduced to allow young men to complete their educations quickly so that they could join the war effort. As returning veterans enrolled in large numbers after the war, the curriculum was expanded to fit their needs, and new buildings were constructed from government surplus materials.
Throughout this time the course offerings, the physical facilities, and the extracurricular activities of the school were growing. By the end of its third decade of operation, the curriculum had expanded from a basic program of liberal arts and agriculture to include science, art, and journalism in addition to a variety of vocational-technical courses. The original three buildings had been supplemented with a cafeteria, additional dormitory and classroom space, sports and recreational facilities, and acreage for a model farm. In 1953 the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools commended Northwest as a “bargain in educational facilities” and granted the college its coveted accreditation. During the next few years, the college continued to prove that it deserved this honor by broadening its capacity to serve the needs of the 11-county district it had grown to encompass. A bus route began to provide free transportation for commuters, while night classes and off-campus courses offered extended educational services. Recent innovations include accelerated classes and non-traditional scheduling to accommodate adults, as well as short non-credit courses of interest to all ages. Northwest’s first distance learning programs were offered on the Internet in the spring of 1999.
Today Northwest serves students at six campuses/centers: the main campus in Senatobia, DeSoto Center at Southaven and Olive Branch, Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center at Oxford, the Concourse at Batesville, and the Everest at Water Valley. Yet after nine decades of growth and in the school’s ninth administration, the mission of Northwest remains true to the vision of its founders. Northwest strives today, as it did in 1926, to bring higher education closer to the people as it serves the academic, employment, physical, cultural, and special needs of the citizens of northwest Mississippi.
-Lucie R. Bridgforth
Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision: Northwest Mississippi Community College transforms our students’ lives, enriches our communities, and strives for excellence in our educational programs and services.
Mission: Northwest Mississippi Community College is an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha counties. NWCC is a learning-centered community providing educational opportunities with quality instruction for students from all walks of life. Our college fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student success. We strive for continuous improvement, with a standard of excellence in every area of the institution. Our college partners with businesses and industries that seek to grow the economy and the workforce, as well as partners with alumni, friends, and others. Engagement takes place in all communities that the college serves.
Values:
Accountability - Accepting responsibility for appropriate actions, obligations, and duties.
Integrity - Committing to honesty and ethical behavior in all situations.
Excellence - Achieving the highest standards as benchmarks to surpass.
Respect - A feeling of esteem or regard for the unique qualities of all individuals.
Service - Helping others without the desire for personal gain.
Sustainability - Ensuring effective, efficient use of college resources while implementing fiscally sound practices and environmentally sustainable initiatives that can be modeled.
Accessibility - Providing affordable and available opportunities for all.
Creativity - Being innovative in accomplishing objectives.
Leadership - Influencing others positively.
General Education Outcomes
In keeping with the National Educators Association’s recommendations for the skills needed for the 21st century, the College’s general education curriculum focuses on the “Four C’s”: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Northwest believes these skills are necessary for a successful transition from high school to a four-year university, as well as success in the workplace.
- Critical Thinking: Students will use critical thinking to analyze evidence and solve problems.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles, concepts, discovery process, power, and limitations of the life and/or physical sciences. (Natural Science)
- Students will apply arithmetical, algebraic, and/or statistical methods to solve problems. (Math)
- Communication: Students will articulate thoughts and ideas effectively in written and oral form, in a variety of contexts.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will deliver an oral presentation that uses appropriate research, as well as credible and appropriate supporting evidence. (Public Speaking)
- Students will write compositions containing a focused thesis supported by a logical sequence of well-developed paragraphs. (English Composition)
- Students will organize, manage, query, and present information, using contemporary software applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic presentation software. (Computer Skills)
- Collaboration: Students will gain an awareness of the common human experience by acquiring knowledge and understanding of that experience, both individually and collectively, in the context of time, space, and culture.
Learning Outcome:
- Students in history classes will describe major ideas, forces, events, and people that have shaped American history in the context of time, space, and culture. (Social Science)
- Creativity: Students will understand and appropriately apply modes of expression-descriptive, expositive, narrative, and self-expression-in written, visual, and/or oral communication, and respond critically to such works.
Learning Outcome:
- Students will describe the formal elements of the fine art(s), and develop an awareness of both the values and functions of works within their historical and/or social contexts. (Fine Arts)
Northwest Campuses
Benton County Career-Technical Center
Northwest offers residents in the Benton County area educational opportunities at the Benton County Career-Technical Center in Ashland through a partnership with Benton County Schools. Two Career-Technical programs, cosmetology and practical nursing, provide training beginning in the fall semester and continuing year-round.
DeSoto Center-Southaven
After receiving numerous requests from area citizens to do so, the governing authorities of Northwest Mississippi Community College, under the guidance of President Henry B. Koon, decided in 1974 to consider establishing an attendance center in DeSoto County. After much study, it was concluded that in this demographically dynamic area a facility such as DeSoto Center would enhance Northwest. DeSoto Center opened in 1975.
In 1990, by a directive from the Board of Trustees, DeSoto Center was dedicated to the late President Koon.
In August 1995, a new $7.3 million facility was completed on Church Road, approximately four miles south of the former DeSoto Center campus. The 94,000- square-foot structure, financed through the efforts of the taxpayers of DeSoto County, is situated on a beautiful 48.5-acre site. This site, donated by the W.E. Ross family, offers the college opportunities to expand as DeSoto County continues to grow.
The architectural design of the two-and-one-half-story facility is post-modern with early Wrightian influences. The focal point of the building is a glass and steel tower that forms the atrium and commons. A closed-circuit TV system provides security for the building and parking lots.
With the opening of a 47,000 square foot addition in 2005 and completion of the unfinished basement, the facility now totals 154,885 square feet.
College Parallel Programs
Students at DeSoto Center can take the courses needed for the majority of the pathways for academic transfer offered by the College. All of the courses required in the core curriculum are offered at the Center. In addition, courses for the first two years of the four-year degree offered through the 2+2 Program with the University of Mississippi-DeSoto are available in the following areas: Accountancy, Business Administration, Education, Criminal Justice, General Studies, Integrated Marketing Communications, Liberal Studies, Psychology, Paralegal Studies, and Social Work.
Two-Plus-Two Program
For students planning a two- or four-year degree, Northwest Mississippi Community College and The University of Mississippi act as educational partners with a two-plus-two program. Northwest offers the first two years of the college academic program, and UM provides the third and fourth years, along with graduate study. The Associate of Arts degree is awarded by Northwest, while the University grants baccalaureate degrees in Business (Management: HR, Marketing, Managerial Finance, MIS and General Business), Liberal Studies, Education (Elementary Education), Accountancy, General Studies, Journalism (Integrated Marketing Communications), Psychology, Social Work, Paralegal Studies and Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement, Corrections, & Homeland Security). Master’s degrees are offered in Education (Curriculum & Instruction-Elementary and K-12 Administration), and Criminal Justice.
Technical Programs
DeSoto Center/Southaven offers the following technical programs: Business Management Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, Funeral Service Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management Technology, Business and Marketing Management Technology, Medical Office Technology, Administrative Office Technology, Respiratory Therapy, and four career programs, Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant, Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology-Basic.
DeSoto Center-Olive Branch
In an effort to meet the training needs of the citizens of DeSoto County and surrounding areas, a vocational-technical off-campus site was established in the Olive Branch Metro Industrial Park. The site officially opened in the fall of 1985.
DeSoto Center-Olive Branch offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology degree program and a Commercial Truck Driving course.
Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center
The Lafayette Yalobusha Technical Center opened in the fall of 1983. The original 25,000-square-foot building was located on seven acres in the city of Oxford. An additional 11 acres of land was purchased for a 31,000-square-foot expansion completed in the fall of 2002. A complete renovation of the original building was completed in 2005 and included an addition for Physical Plant operations and incorporated a truck dock. The third addition to the complex, completed in 2009 adds 11,000 square feet for expansion and relocation of the Cosmetology program, additional classrooms, computer lab and faculty offices. The current facility has wireless capabilities throughout, sits on 17.6 acres and totals 69,000 square feet.
Students at Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center enjoy recently expanded outdoor study areas, an expanded bookstore, a remodeled and expanded student lounge, and a new Surgical Technology lab space. Through partnerships with local restaurants, hot meals are available on campus (schedules vary).
To provide maximum access and convenience to students, courses taught at Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center are delivered in a variety of modalities including traditional classroom, hybrid, and mini-terms. Writing assistance is accessible via the Northwest website.
College Parallel Programs
Students at Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center can take the courses needed for the majority of the pathways for academic transfer offered by the College. All of the courses required in the core curriculum are offered at the Center.
Technical Programs
Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center offers Administrative Office Technology, Medical Office Technology, Business Management Technology, Cosmetology, Health Care Assistant (Water Valley), Practical Nursing, Paralegal Technology, Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Technology-Basic
Everest-Water Valley
Northwest offers residents in the Yalobusha County area educational opportunities in Water Valley at Everest. Everest is an incubator for technology skills training, bringing business and education together under one roof . The College utilizes 15,000 square feet of space at this off-campus instructional site developed through the expansion of a relationship with Base Camp Coding Academy. Programs offered at this facility include Coding Technology and Health Care Assistant with phlebotomy certification, as well as a proctored testing center and various Workforce training offerings.
The Concourse
Panola County collaborated with the City of Batesville, the Panola Partnership, local industry, and Northwest to convert a 138,000-square-foot factory outlet mall into a workforce training and off-campus college credit instructional site to serve the North Mississippi region, called The Concourse. Currently, the college utilizes 59,730 square foot of renovated space providing administrative space, common spaces for students including the Ranger Café, WIN Job Center, adult education classrooms, proctored HSE testing center, instructional classrooms, technical lab spaces, and a ten-bay shop for the Diesel Technology program. Programs at the site will be expanded as construction progresses.
The Main Campus
Fifty-six buildings totaling 1,093,500 square feet are scattered over 190 acres in Senatobia. Facilities have expanded from three original buildings to a sprawling network of buildings in a pedestrian-friendly college campus environment.
Buildings and Grounds
The campus is accented with landscaped areas and flowering beds. A focal point at the Student Union is the pedestrian mall featuring brick benches, trees, and flower beds. There are numerous athletic facilities for both intercollegiate competition and intramurals and recreation. Areas are provided for baseball, football, basketball, tennis, softball, sand volleyball, and soccer.
The James P. McCormick Administration Building, one of the original buildings on the campus named for the former Dean of Students, is the familiar landmark of Northwest Mississippi Community College. In it are the offices of the President, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Chief of Staff, Vice President for Instruction, Associate Vice President for Workforce Solutions and Career-Technical Education, the Business Office, Human Resources Office, Associate Vice President for Academic Instruction and Institutional Effectiveness, Computer Center, and the Foundation & Alumni Office (Institutional Advancement). Built in 1915, this facility once served as the primary classroom building for Tate County Agricultural High School. In 1993 the building was designated a Mississippi Landmark by the Permit Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. In 2009 a preservation and renovation project of the entire building was completed and included a two-story addition with a public elevator and ADA-compliant restrooms.
Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, opened in the 2023 spring semester. The 65,000 square-foot development presents a 1203 seat fully-equipped performance theater, including balcony seating, a reception gallery with private courtyard, and a two-story lobby entrance. Back stage areas incorporate multiple dressing rooms, a green room, and prop and costume preparation areas. The facility features classrooms, computer labs, a digital piano lab, multiple private instrument practice rooms, and a recording studio for academic music and entertainment industry pathways. Four spacious rehearsal spaces are provided for the Northwest Bands and Choirs, including an outdoor, 100-yard practice field for the Northwest Marching Band.
McLendon Center, named for former President Reese D. McLendon (1953-1974), is home to the Student Union and Physical Education facilities. Built in 1969, the 86,500-square-foot facility was extensively renovated in 2012 and is the hub of student and community activities, including a fitness center, gymnasium, student game room, an open student computer lab, and small group study rooms. Offices for Campus Police, SSS TRIO Academic Program, IT Help Desk, Math Lab, Writing Center, Recreation Intramurals, and Information Technology are located in the Union. The Commons, houses the campus Post Office and Ranger Bookstore. This facility is also the home of Ranger Cheer and Ranger Tennis, along with an athletic weight lifting facility. In 2019, Broken Cup Cafe opened Ranger Roast, a coffee shop serving Northwest students, faculty, and staff.
The David M. Haraway Center opened in 2005 and is named in honor of Dr. David M. Haraway, the seventh President of Northwest. The 42,000 square-foot facility is home to the student cafeteria, meeting and banquet rooms, and the college’s Board of Trustees suite. The college’s Facility Use Coordinator, primary contact for all college facility reservations, is also located in the Haraway Center.
Multipurpose Livestock Facility, located on the Northwest Farm, was completed in the winter of 1999. The 43,000 square-foot building is used for college and community activities including livestock competitions, agriculture expositions, and rodeo-type entertainment. The facility includes space for the Northwest Rodeo Team office, meeting room, and storage.
The Fine Arts Auditorium, originally built in 1957, underwent an extensive renovation in 2002-2003. While the exterior facade has been transformed to resemble Grecian architecture, interior improvements include the addition of a 103-seat balcony, new seating, lighting and sound enhancements, improvements to the stage and mechanical functions, and the addition of an atrium with a balcony area for small performances in the lobby. Adjoining the Fine Arts Building, the 407-seat auditorium is used extensively for assemblies of various kinds and for dramatic and musical productions.
Ranger Football Complex, completed in the spring of 2017, is designed for the intercollegiate Ranger Football program. The 24,500 square-foot building includes coaches’ offices, team meeting rooms, weight lifting facility, dressing rooms with custom lockers, equipment storage and laundry amenities, as well as an expanded training clinic serving all Northwest athletes. In 2019, a multi-year improvement project began around Bobby Franklin Field. The complex now boasts artificial turf, a six-lane track, brick and iron fencing, new visitor bleachers, expanded ADA access and seating at both home and visitor bleachers, renovated press box, new ticket plaza and entrance, pedestrian walks and lighting, and a multi-purpose meeting facility with exterior viewing deck for events hosted throughout the year.
Ranger Softball Soccer Complex, was completed in 2022. The 7,700 square-foot development features concession and restroom facilities for both Ranger Softball and Soccer fans. Locker rooms with dressing and shower accommodations are provided for the Ranger Softball team, men’s and women’s Ranger Soccer teams, and men’s and women’s visiting teams. The building includes the following for both teams: equipment storage, laundry amenities, coaches’ offices, and a large multipurpose space with an exterior viewing deck for team meetings and game-day gatherings. The softball field was recently reconditioned with new irrigation, fully integrated drainage, expanded bullpens, and new fencing, as well as the addition of a padded backstop with integral net and LED field lighting.
Ranger Baseball Complex, features Jim Miles Field, surrounded by stadium style bleachers, press box, concessions and restroom facilities for fans. A multi-year renovation was completed in 2020 including field lighting, new brick dugouts, brick backstop with tensioned net system and pads and a custom home plate halo. The field was reconditioned with fully integrated drainage, new fencing and bullpens, as well as the addition of a batter’s eye at center field.
Howard Coliseum, completed in 1974, is named in honor of Mrs. Willie Abbay Howard, a former member of the College Board of Trustees (1948-1977). This 3,200- seat multipurpose facility is the home of the Ranger basketball and volleyball teams. The Coliseum also houses athletic department offices, Sports Hall of Fame room, dressing rooms, training room, and equipment room. In 2009 the arena was renovated for ADA compliance.
Recreational Outdoor Complex (the ROC), home of the Ranger Tennis team was completed in 2011. The complex includes eight tennis courts, four basketball courts, two volleyball courts, and public restroom facilities. All sports areas are provided with exterior lighting for play after dark. Health, P.E., and recreation classes are held here.
Physical Plant Building, located in the northwest corner of the campus, was completed in the spring of 1976. The 28,000 square-foot facility houses offices, trade shops, and warehouses for Custodial Services, Grounds, and Maintenance Departments. A new warehouse building was added in 2010.
Tate Hall is located at the east campus entrance. The original residence building (c. 1915) was demolished to allow for a new multiservice facility. Reconstruction of this building on its original site was completed in 2013. This facility houses the Student Success Center and Counseling Services, the offices of the Vice President for Student Services, Recruiting, and eLearning. Computer labs for the Learning Resource Center are located on the first floor adjoining the library at the south entrance.
Taylor Fore Transportation Center, named for a former Northwest transportation employee, was completed in 1978. The 8,400 square-foot facility, located southwest of the Physical Plant Building, houses maintenance and repair areas for the college fleet.
The WIN Job Center is one of five full-time centers operated by the college. The two-story facility, completed in 2002, houses offices, conference rooms, and a resource center for the federal WIOA program participants for job searching and resumes.
Yalobusha Hall, completed in the winter of 2000, sits on the site of the old Yalobusha dormitory. Architectural elements of the old building were borrowed into the design including window style and placement, roof-style, and federal-style porches. A variety of student needs are accommodated here in the offices of Recruiting, Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Office of Housing and Residence Life, and Communications and Student Publications.
Housing Facilities
Benton Hall, completed in 1971 as a three-building apartment complex, was converted in 1989 to a women’s residence hall. The completely furnished facility houses 78 students. The student apartments have mini kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and baths. Cable TV connections and wireless Internet are provided as well. Laundry facilities are located on-site in a separate building.
Bobo Hall, built in 1965 was named for Estelle H. Bobo, who served the college from 1937 to 1965 in many capacities, including dean of Women and supervisor of Housekeeping. The two-story women’s residence has a capacity for 68 students, featuring two-bedroom suites with spacious bathroom accommodations between rooms. Each student has a study desk, a built-in bed, and a closet with drawers and storage. Each room is equipped with climate-controlled thermostats, cable TV connections, and wireless Internet. Laundry and snack vending is located on the first floor and a student lounge on the second floor. The building was completely renovated in 1996 and recently upgraded for energy efficiency in the spring of 2014. These upgrades include accessible bedroom suites, fire protection, heating and air efficiencies, LED lighting, controlled/ monitored access, and video surveillance for enhanced security.
Calhoun Hall, completed in summer 2021, this two-story residence hall is located in the heart of campus life between McLendon Center and the ROC. The 45,000 square foot facility houses 168 students in 84 rooms. Each room features a private bathroom, dressing vanity, two closets, and spacious living space for two students. Students have access to hi-speed WIFI, cable TV, personalized climate control thermostats, and keycard access at the private room and all exterior entrances. Two laundry rooms, vending rooms, four study rooms, and multiple student gathering spaces are conveniently located in the building.
DeSoto Hall, built in 1968, was renovated in 1999 and converted from faculty housing to student residences, housing 59 students. The four-building courtyard complex is comprised of two buildings housing male students, and two buildings housing female students in apartment-style accommodations. Standard apartments include a mini kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, one full bath, and are equipped with a washer/dryer. Cable TV connections and wireless Internet are provided as well. Deluxe apartments are similarly equipped with the addition of a study lounge and an additional half bath. The complex features an enclosed courtyard and is monitored by video surveillance.
Gainey Hall was built in 1966. Named for Andrew G. Gainey, first president of Tate County Agricultural High School, the two-story men’s residence is home for 90 students. The facility features two-bedroom suites with bathroom accommodations between rooms. Each student has a study desk, a built-in bed, and a closet with drawers and storage. Each room is equipped with climate-controlled thermostats, cable TV connections, and wireless Internet. Laundry and snack vending are located on the first floor and a quiet study lounge on the second floor. The building was completely renovated in 1995 and recently upgraded for energy efficiency in the spring of 2014. These upgrades include accessible bedroom suites, fire protection, heating and air efficiencies, LED lighting, controlled/monitored access, and video surveillance for enhanced security.
Marshall Hall, completed in fall 2003, houses 160 students. Four buildings house students in apartment-style accommodations equipped with a mini kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, one full bath, and a washer/dryer. Cable TV connections and wireless Internet are provided as well. This complex features a central office/lounge area, ample parking, and is monitored by video surveillance and smoke detection.
Panola Hall, completed in 1974 and completely renovated in 2004, houses approximately 84 female students. Suites have three bedrooms, a large bathroom, and a common hallway with outside access. Climate-controlled thermostats, cable TV connections, and wireless Internet are provided in each bedroom. A lounge, vending area with microwave, and laundry facilities are located on the first floor. Safety and security features include fire alarms, video surveillance, and a controlled/monitored access system into each suite.
Quitman Hall, a three-story residence hall housing 260 men, was built in 1968 and completely renovated in 1991. Bedrooms have built-in beds, chests, study desks, and closets. Each room is equipped with climate-controlled thermostats, cable TV connections, and wireless internet. Laundry and snack vending is located on the first floor with additional laundry facilities on the third floor. The building was upgraded for energy efficiency in the spring of 2015. These upgrades include accessible bedroom suites, fire protection, heating and air efficiencies, LED lighting, controlled/monitored access, and video surveillance for enhancing security.
Tallahatchie Hall, completed in 1973, was renovated in 1990. Three buildings accommodate 96 male students. Each apartment has a mini kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, and one full bath. Cable TV connections and wireless Internet are provided. Laundry facilities are located on-site in a separate building.
Taylor Hall, named for former Board of Trustees member Mrs. W.S. Taylor, is a three-story residence hall for 174 women built in 1968 and completely renovated in 1994. Bedrooms have built-in beds, chests, study desks, and closets. Each room is equipped with climate-controlled thermostats, cable TV connections, and wireless internet. The building was upgraded for energy efficiency in the spring of 2016. These upgrades include accessible bedroom suites, fire protection, heating and air efficiencies, LED lighting, controlled/monitored access, and video surveillance for enhanced security. Laundry facilities and resident lounges are available on the first and second floors.
Faculty Houses are dwellings for members of the faculty and staff.
The President’s Home on the Senatobia campus, completed in 2010, is located on the north side of the main campus. This home will serve as the primary residence of the President and his family and will be open to the college for various functions throughout the year.
Educational Facilities
Agricultural Technology Building was completed in 2005. The 18,561 square-foot facility includes four classrooms, three tractor shops, and faculty offices. The three climate-controlled labs are utilized to provide training for new technicians as well as certification and higher-level training to adults. Located in the southwest corner of the campus, this facility is designed to meet the needs of training on high-tech farming equipment.
Art Building, opened for the 1968-1969 school year and renovated in 1996, provides quarters for instruction in drawing, painting, and other types of art. The focal point of the facility is the gallery for exhibitions of various types of art forms. Also in the building are faculty offices and studios for painting, pottery, and printmaking.
Berry Building, named for Porter Walker Berry, first Northwest president, is the business-technical center built in 1966. The 34,000 square-foot split-level structure houses office systems technology, computer technology, graphic design technology, paralegal technology, and agricultural technology departments, and the Early Childhood Academy. It contains 14 classrooms, 10 offices, and a large lobby.
Education Building, acquired by the college and opened in 1998, houses Military and Veteran Services, Adult Education Services, and a proctored HSE testing center.
The Marilyn R. Spears Building was completed in the spring of 2009 and is named in honor of retired Early Childhood Education Technology instructor Marilyn R. Spears. This facility houses the college’s Early Childhood Education Technology program and the Child Enrichment Center, a state-licensed day care with a kitchen that provides laboratory instruction for students enrolled in Student Teaching and Nutrition class. Included in the building are faculty offices, classrooms, a computer lab, and public restrooms. A playground features modern play equipment on a specialized safety surface.
Fine Arts Building, built adjacent to the college auditorium in 1961 and renovated in 1995, has a recital hall, classrooms, a choral room, practice studios, electronic piano lab, band hall, and conference room.
The Gary Lee Spears Center for Nursing and Health Sciences was named in honor of Dr. Gary Lee Spears, Northwest’s eighth President, by the college’s Board of Trustees in January 2017. The 70,000 square foot complex is a multi-story, two-building facility that serves students studying in the nursing and health sciences fields.
The Associate Degree Nursing facility, completed in 2010, is a 40,000-square foot, three-story building including lecture rooms, computer labs, classrooms, faculty offices, nursing skills labs, and state-of-the-art hospital simulation rooms.
The Health Sciences facility, completed in 2017, is a 30,000-square foot, two-story building housing Career-Technical Education programs including Practical Nursing, EMT-Paramedic, and Physical Therapist Assistant. Amenities offer computer labs, classrooms, and faculty offices, as well as a hospital simulation control lab. The lower level of this building was designed with reinforced materials to serve as an area of protection during a storm.
Lafayette Humanities Building is a three-story facility that houses the Humanities Department. The building includes four computer labs and a number of multimedia classrooms used in composition, literature, and foreign language classes. The first floor of the building was renovated in 2007.
McGhee Building, built in 1959, was named for Mrs. Lizzie McGhee. It was used as the cafeteria and field house until 1969 when the cafeteria was moved to the McLendon Center. The building had temporary uses prior to a complete renovation in 1990 to accommodate the Social Science Department. The modernized facility includes classrooms, faculty offices, and a large conference room.
Mechanical Technology Building was completed in 2015. The 33,300 square-foot building was designed for the departments of Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology and Welding and Cutting. It contains faculty offices, classrooms, computer labs and state of the art training labs for each program.
R.C. Pugh Library/Learning Resource Center, built in 1953 and renovated in 1989, is named for the late President (1936-1953) in recognition of his service to the college. The structure features large reading rooms, viewing room, three staffed computer labs with classroom capabilities, quiet study room, nursing study room, law library, and open stacks.
Thomas D. Coats Career-Technical Complex was named for the college’s first Director of Vocational Technology Education. It consists of three buildings:
Technical Education Building No. One, built in 1962 and partially renovated in 2014, houses Health Care Assistant, Career Center, Related Studies Lab, and administrative offices for Workforce Solutions and Community Services personnel.
Technical Education Building No. Two, built in 1963 and completely renovated in 2015, houses the department of Collision Repair Technology, Agricultural Business and Management Technology and an enlarged and enhanced center for Cosmetology.
Technical Education Building No. Three, built in 1966 and completely renovated for energy efficiency and code upgrades in 2017, houses labs, classrooms, and offices for Workforce Solutions, Automotive Technology, Civil Engineering Technology and Industrial Electronics Engineering departments.
Tunica Building, completed in 1975 and renovated in 1994, is a two-story building housing the Academic Business Department.
The Physical Science Complex is a multi-story, two building facility. The Physical Science Building, built in 1984, houses classrooms and laboratories for chemistry and physics, as well as private faculty offices for those departments. The Mathematics and Biological Science Building, completed in 2009, adjoins the original Physical Science Building through a common lobby and 150 seat raised-floor lectorium. The new structure includes six state-of-the-art biology laboratories, nine multimedia-ready classrooms, and three computer labs, as well as private offices for the mathematics and biology faculty. As part of the 2009 addition, a detached greenhouse was added to provide a location for a variety of local and exotic plants to be grown throughout the year.
eLEARNING
Northwest offers students the option of taking many college courses online. Students can choose to complete select programs online. Online courses were developed to increase access to Northwest courses for adults and other students who cannot attend campus-based classes due to work, family responsibilities or distance from campus. Students who are current or former Northwest students can enroll in online courses after consulting with their adviser. New students must first apply for admission to the college. Registration for online courses is conducted at the same time as for campus-based courses. Northwest is a part of the Mississippi Virtual Community College System, which gives students more online course options. All pathways and programs that can be attained online are listed below. A complete listing of online courses is available through the MSVCC website at http://www.msvcc.org or by going to http://www.northwestms.edu and clicking on the eLearning page. eLearning students have two basic requirements; regular attendance measured by weekly assignments and completion of one or two proctored exams depending on the course. The eLearning office and Proctoring Center are located on the second floor of Tate Hall on the Senatobia Campus.
Transfer pathways leading to an Associate of Arts degree that can be earned online are:
* Accountancy
* Business Administration
* Business and Computer Teacher Education
* Integrated Marketing Communications
* Elementary Education
* Secondary Education
* Criminal Justice
* General College
* Psychology
* Social Work
Programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree that can be earned online are:
* Administrative Office Technology
* Business Management Technology
* Medical Office Technology
* Paralegal Technology
* Early Childhood Education Technology Certification
Office of Early College Programs
The Office of Early College Programs was established to facilitate and expand the college’s partnerships with district high schools in educating secondary students at the college level. The office oversees two programs-Dual Enrollment and Scholastic Institute.
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit toward a postsecondary diploma while enrolled in high school. Students must meet the eligibility requirements listed in this Bulletin to enroll in college courses. Classes may be taken on a Northwest campus, at the high school or online and are taught by a Northwest instructor or a qualified high school instructor.
Scholastic Institute
Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center hosts Scholastic Institute. In partnership with local high schools, Scholastic Institute offers the unique opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree during the last two years of high school. Beginning their junior year, students enroll in dual credit courses at their high school and at Northwest’s Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center campus in Oxford. Students can earn up to 60 hours of transferable college credit to universities while participating in college clubs and activities and have access to student services, including transfer advising. For eligibility criteria and more information, contact the Office of Early College Programs at 662-280-6216 or dual@northwestms.edu.
Students’ Rights and Responsibilities
Northwest Mississippi Community College extends the privilege of admission to those persons who meet the academic qualifications and the standards of health, character, and prior conduct. This admission presents privileges beyond those available to all citizens. Commensurate with these additional privileges are additional responsibilities. The rights and responsibilities of Northwest Mississippi Community College students are described in the section which follows.
Student Rights
Among the student’s general and specific rights are the following:
- The right to those educational programs offered by the college Bulletin for which the student is qualified.
- The right to join college-approved organizations for educational, political, social, religious, and cultural purposes.
- The right to inquire about and to recommend improvements in policies, regulations, and procedures affecting the welfare of students through representation in the Student Government Association or through duly approved student representatives on college committees and through college offices.
- The right of respect for personal feelings; the right of freedom from indignity of any type; the right of freedom from control by any person, except as may be in accord with the published rules and regulations of the institution and the commonly accepted moral code.
- The right of freedom of expression as defined by the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States, within the framework of existing statutes limiting the exercise of this freedom.
- The right of due process in disciplinary procedures when individual or group behavior comes under review by the College.
- The right of appeal to and review by the President of the College or his designees for the purpose of determining whether the student has been provided administrative due process.
Student Responsibilities
Rights in all communities have concomitant responsibilities to respect the laws and regulations of the communities. A student’s enrollment in Northwest Mississippi Community College is his or her agreement to abide by its rules of community governance.
- The responsibility of being fully acquainted with the college Bulletin and other published policies for the guidance of students, and the further responsibilities of complying with these policies and regulations in the interest of an orderly, socially responsible community.
- The responsibility of assuming the consequences of one’s own actions and of avoiding conduct detrimental in its effect upon fellow students and the College.
- The responsibility at all times to recognize constituted authority, to conform to ordinary rules of good conduct, to be truthful, to respect the rights of others, to protect private and public property, and to make the best use of the student’s time toward an education.
- The responsibility for supporting the essential order of the College.
- The responsibility of meeting college financial obligations and deadlines.
- The responsibility of attending classes regularly.
- The responsibility for knowledge and observance of those policies not herein enumerated which have been established and promulgated by appropriate college officials and designated college communities, i.e., residence hall rules, traffic regulations, social rules.
- The responsibility to see that his or her dress and personal grooming reflects good taste and personal pride in one’s appearance. No manner of dress will be allowed which would disrupt the normal educational and social process.
Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity & Title IX Compliance
Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, gender identity, age, or status as a veteran, or disabled veteran, in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Age Discrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable statutes and College policies. Northwest Mississippi Community College prohibits sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Inquiries regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and related statutes and regulations should be directed to: Disability Support Services Coordinator, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 5555, Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number 662-562-3309.
Compliance with Title II of the Age Discrimination Act as well as non-discrimination and affirmative action matters are coordinated by Mr. Jeff Horton, Vice President for Administration and Finance, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number 662-562-3216, e-mail address jhorton@northwestms.edu.
The overall campus coordinator for purposes of Title IX compliance, who is responsible for all inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, is: Dr. Tonyalle Rush, Associate Vice President for Student Services & Enrollment Management, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number 662-562-3409 and e-mail address trush@northwestms.edu. The following individuals have been designated as deputy Title IX coordinators: for Housing, District Dean of Students, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number 662-562-3997. ; for DeSoto Campus: Mrs. Terri Reeves, CTE Support Services Coordinator, 5197 W.E. Ross Parkway, Southaven, MS 38671, telephone number 662-280-6148, e-mail address treeves@northwestms.edu; for Lafayette- Yalobusha Technical Campus: Mrs. Betsy Grubbs, CTE Suppor Services Coordinator, 1310 Belk Drive, Oxford, MS 38655, telephone number 662-281-1276, e-mail address bgrubbs@northwestms.edu. Inquiries concerning the application of anti-discrimination laws may be referred to the Title IX Coordinators or to the Office of Civil Rights, United States Department of Education. For further information on notice of nondiscrimination, visit http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the U.S. Department of Education office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
Complaint and Grievance Procedures
Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as Northwest policy prohibit institutional discrimination against students on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, national origin or disability. Students who have reason to believe that their rights under law or campus policy have been denied in such areas as admissions, financial assistance, employment, residence hall assignment, disciplinary actions or other campus matters may seek to resolve them in the following manner:
- Address a written statement to the Associate Vice President for Student Services setting forth the grievance and the remedy sought. Students (particularly those enrolled in eLearning or other distance learning programs) may submit the statement through electronic mail.
- The Associate Vice President will forward a copy of the grievance to the appropriate individual within five working days of receipt of the statement.
- If a complaint raises an instructional question, it will be forwarded to the administrative head of the appropriate instructional department.
- If the complaint raises a noninstructional matter, it will be forwarded to the administrative head of the appropriate unit.
- Within five working days after receipt of the statement, the Administrator shall make initial contact with the complainant. The Administrator may receive both oral and written presentations and may make independent inquiry. Within fifteen working days after the initial contact or meeting, the Administrator will make a decision as to the merits of the student’s grievance. A copy of the decision will be sent to all parties of the statement and the Associate Vice President for Student Services.
In the event that the student is not satisfied with the resolution of the grievance, appeal may be made to the Vice President responsible for the Unit or Department involved, and then to the President.
Should a student be unsatisfied with the College’s final response to their grievance, they may file a complaint with the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation, 3825 Ridgeway Road, Jackson, MS 39211, telephone (601) 432- 6372 or at www.mississippi.edu/mcca/student_complaint_process.asp.
Students and members of the public wishing to file a written complaint, as opposed to a formal grievance, should do so with a member of the Executive Council, which is composed of the senior administrators of the College. A list of members may be obtained from the President’s Office or from any Vice President.
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