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Tupelo artist William Heard’s artwork opens ICC’s fall art exhibition

Itawamba Community College has opened its fall 2026 exhibition schedule with “Becoming Butterflies, Lovely Ladybugs and Heavenly Honey Bees,” a collection of paintings by Tupelo artist William Flewellen Heard. Heard, a 1994 graduate of Tupelo High School, served in the Army National Guard as a medical specialist before attending ICC and Mississippi State University. In 2000, Heard sustained a spinal cord injury in an automobile accident that resulted in quadriplegia. During rehabilitation at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, he discovered a passion for art through art therapy. After returning home, Heard was inspired by “Pollock,” a film chronicling the life and work of artist Jackson Pollock. Heard began experimenting with drip painting and has spent more than two decades developing and refining his own technique. Heard later returned to Mississippi State, where he earned a degree in general business with an emphasis in furniture production. He also became involved with Living Independence for Everyone of Mississippi, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Heard is the founder of Our ArtWorks, a nonprofit organization that provides artistic opportunities for individuals ...

ICC announces 2026 summer graduates

Several area residents were among those who earned Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates at the conclusion of the 2026 summer semester at Itawamba Community College. They include Aberdeen - Jaylene Ryheem Fair, A.A.; Lamar Blakeney McMillian, A.A.; Victoria Lynne Noe, A.A.; Kerighan Paige Ridings, A.A.; Ashlei J. Shelton, A.A.S.; Briada Samone Sims, certificate; Tiara L. Ware, certificate; Amory - Alizabeth B. Camp, A.A.; Brody C. Duncan, A.A.; Jakayla Lashay Franks, A.A.S.; Ragan G. King, A.A.; Isabelle Nicole Pennell, certificate; Lauren Jae Taylor, A.A.; Georgia Nicole Williams, A.A.S.; Arlington, Texas - Nakayla Renee McAlister, A.A.; Baldwyn - Twylar R. Humphrey, A.A.; Lamiyia M. Bonds, certificate; Terry Lynn Montgomery, A.A.S.; Emma K. White, A.A.S.; Belden - Brittnay Bean, A.A.S.; Kai H. Lotwala, A.A.; Blue Springs - EmiLee C. Edwards, A.A.; Aubrie Allyse Hanna, A.A.; Peighton B. Snider, A.A.S.; Byram - Jaden T. Harper, A.A.; Columbus - Benjamin McKinley Liddell, A.A.; Katlyn Mccorkle, A.A.; Kyler Whitworth, A.A.; Danville, Ala. - Mariah Nicole Williams, A.A.; Fayette, Ala. - Victoria Reanell Doss, A.A.S.; Fukuoka, Japan - Shota Kawagoe, A.A.; Fulton - Abbigail L. Akins, A.A.; Rachel Lacy Cleveland, ...

ICC invests in student and employee well-being

Itawamba Community College has opened two Wellness Rooms designed to support the mental health, well-being and academic success of students while also serving as a resource for employees. Located in the John Crubaugh Educational Building on the Fulton Campus, the rooms were developed by Instructional Support Services in partnership with the college’s Counseling Services. Additional wellness spaces are planned for the Tupelo Campus. The Relaxation, Calming and Sensory Room supports individuals experiencing anxiety, emotional stress, sensory overload, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism-related sensory needs. It features zero-gravity chairs, chaise lounges, egg chair swings, BrainTap guided wellness sessions, red-light therapy, weighted blankets, aromatherapy, noise-canceling headphones and sensory tools. The Interactive Stress Relief Room promotes mindfulness and positive stress management through vision journals, gratitude stations, puzzles, coloring activities and Zen gardens. “Student success extends beyond the classroom,” said Cristin McCoy, coordinator of Instructional Support Services. “Our goal was to create welcoming spaces where students and employees can care for their mental well-being and access tools that help them succeed personally, professionally and academically.” The Wellness Rooms are available to currently enrolled students and ICC employees and complement ...

Prestigious nursing transfer scholarship awarded to ICC graduate

Itawamba Community College graduate Nathalie Munoz-Pascacio of Oxford has received the prestigious Bower-Delta State University Transfer Nursing Scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. Munoz-Pascacio earned her Associate of Arts degree from ICC in May and is now enrolled in the nursing program at Delta State University, where she is continuing her education to become a registered nurse. The renewable scholarship provides $4,000 per semester, with a maximum award of $20,000 per student. It is available to Mississippi nursing students who plan to transfer to Delta State and is intended to help strengthen the state’s health care workforce. During her two years at ICC, Munoz-Pascacio was also the recipient of an ICC Foundation scholarship, which supported her as she completed the first step toward her nursing career. “Nathalie’s selection for this prestigious scholarship reflects her dedication, academic achievement and commitment to serving others through the nursing profession,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “We are proud that ICC provided the foundation for the next step in her educational journey, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make as a ...

ICC launches new academic year with ‘Accelerating Excellence’ Convocation

Itawamba Community College employees gathered Wednesday at the W.O. Benjamin Fine Arts Center on the Fulton Campus for Convocation 2026, officially launching the new academic year under the theme “Accelerating Excellence.” The annual event brought together full-time employees from across ICC’s Fulton, Tupelo and Belden locations for a morning focused on institutional progress, collaboration and the College’s path forward. ICC President Dr. Jay Allen delivered his annual State of the College address, highlighting accomplishments from across the institution and recognizing the employees whose work continues to strengthen the student experience. He also reflected on the impact of last year’s “The Power of One” theme and challenged employees to build upon that momentum. “Excellence is not a destination we reach and then maintain without effort,” Allen said. “It requires us to keep moving forward, remain focused on our students and never become complacent with past success. ICC has tremendous momentum, and it is our responsibility to accelerate it.” Allen also emphasized ICC’s commitment to thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence into teaching, learning and College operations. Dr. Michelle Clouse, vice president of instruction, provided employees with ...

ICC Continuing Education announces fall 2026 lineup of creative, hands-on classes

Itawamba Community College’s Continuing Education department will offer several creative and hands-on classes this fall. Nailed It! Home Skills Series The new Nailed It! Home Skills Series will help beginners gain confidence using common tools and completing practical home projects. Classes will be offered on the Tupelo Campus: Sept. 1 — Framing Fundamentals; Sept. 8 — Sheetrock Made Simple; Sept. 15 — Painting and Wallpaper Basics; Sept. 22 — Flip the Switch: Light Electrical Basics Participants may register for individual classes or the complete series. No previous experience is required, and everyone is welcome. “We want these classes to be fun, practical and empowering,” said ICC Continuing Education Specialist Rena Chism. “Participants will leave with skills they can use for years to come.” Coffee, Clay and Conversation Coffee, Clay and Conversation will give participants the opportunity to create a handmade coffee mug or iced coffee cup using slab-building pottery techniques. The beginner-friendly class will meet Sept. 2 and 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Boggs Humanities Building on the Fulton Campus. The $30 registration fee includes both sessions, instruction, materials and firing. Deck the Door Participants ...

Registration continues for ICC’s fall 2026 semester

Registration is continuing for the 2026 fall semester at Itawamba Community College. Entering freshmen, transfer and returning students and those seeking readmission may register at the Advising Centers on the Fulton or Tupelo campuses from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Advising Centers are located in the David C. Cole Student Services Building on the Fulton Campus and the Academic and Student Center on the Tupelo Campus. Traditional face-to-face classes begin on Aug.17. Additional registration deadlines are Aug. 25 for August eight-week traditional and eLearning terms and Aug. 28 for full-term eLearning classes. Financial aid and adult learner scholarships are available to those who qualify. ICC offers academic, career education, eLearning and workforce opportunities through an extensive schedule of day and evening classes at Fulton, Tupelo and Belden. Both face-to-face and online options are available. Students may also attend classes on a four-day instructional schedule, providing an opportunity for a three-day weekend. For more information, call 662.862.8000, visit www.iccms.edu or email eadviser@iccms.edu.

ICC to offer Food Management Certification class at Belden Center

Itawamba Community College has scheduled a Food Management Certification class beginning Aug. 17 at the ICC Belden Center, 3200 Adams Farm Road. Classes will meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. through Sept. 11. The comprehensive career pathway is designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in food service and hospitality settings. The course includes ServSafe® Food Manager Certification, ServSafe® Alcohol Certification, proper food-handling standards, kitchen safety practices, culinary techniques, interview and résumé-building skills, money handling and front-of-house and back-of-house operations. Participants will also receive a certificate of completion. The cost of the program is $1,000. Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. For more information or to register, contact program director Christy Scheuer at acscheuer@iccms.edu or 662.407.1505.

ICC Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates achieve 100% credential pass rate

Students recently completed Itawamba Community College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, with the graduating class achieving a 100% pass rate on the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography credentialing examinations. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our graduates and the commitment of our faculty to preparing students for success in a demanding healthcare profession,” said Tonya Vaughn, dean of Health Science. “We are extremely proud of these graduates and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the communities they serve.” Graduates include Ashlei Shelton of Aberdeen; Laken Busby of Ackerman; Georgia Williams of Amory; Jasmyn Sheffield of Fulton; Mallori Russell of Houlka; Emme McKnight and Peighton Snider of Pontotoc; Alandria Kennedy of Shannon; McKenzie Max of Southaven; and Calynn Estes of Tupelo. ICC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program combines classroom instruction, laboratory experience and clinical training to prepare graduates for credentialing examinations and employment in a variety of healthcare settings. Learn more about ICC's Diagnostic Median Sonography program by visiting www.iccms.edu/HS.   

ICC Senior College Kicks Off Fall Semester with Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson

Itawamba Community College’s Continuing Education department invites area adults to kick off the fall semester of Senior College with an informative presentation focused on staying safe and avoiding scams. The semester’s first Senior College gathering will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the ICC Belden Center. Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson will present “Senior Safety and Avoiding Scams.” As scammers increasingly target older adults through phone calls, text messages, emails and social media, Johnson will share practical tips to help participants recognize warning signs, protect their personal information and avoid becoming victims of fraud. The presentation will also address personal safety and ways to remain alert in everyday situations. Senior College is a monthly program designed for adults who enjoy lifelong learning, meaningful conversation and connecting with others. Each gathering features engaging guest speakers, educational presentations, entertainment and opportunities for fellowship in a welcoming environment. “Senior College is about much more than attending a class,” said Rena Chism, ICC Continuing Education specialist. “It’s about building community, staying curious and enjoying new experiences alongside friends. Whether you’re learning about personal safety, discovering ...