ICC Announces 2026 Orientation Leaders Itawamba Community College has selected leaders for the 2026 freshman orientation sessions, which begin in April. They include Bailey Knight of Amory; Layla Weekley of Biloxi; Lillianna Chumney, Anna Webb, both of Fulton; Anna Kate Crenshaw, Karry Linley, both of Hatley; Ava Stanley of Mantachie; AnaLauryn Millis of Nettleton; Abbie McQuary, Charlie Strevel, both of New Albany; Joel Diaz, Karastan Gamble, Landon Long, Audrey McCuller, all of Pontotoc; Autumn Cox, Jaycee Maynard, Sydney Palmer, Alonna Snyder, all of Saltillo; and Michia Crowley, Autumn Simmons, both of Tupelo. They will meet incoming freshmen during multiple sessions planned during spring and summer 2026 at both the Fulton and Tupelo campuses. Among their duties are to lead small group activities, conduct campus/location tours and provide information about ICC. For more information about Orientation at ICC, visit www.iccms.edu/Orientation. December 4, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC Hosts Insight Luncheon Showcasing Bloom Neurodivergent Program Itawamba Community College hosted its annual Insight Luncheon Nov. 21 at the Belden Center, spotlighting the college’s Bloom Neurodivergent Program for high school counselors, career coaches, business owners and community leaders. During the luncheon, guests were immersed in Bloom’s mission, its students and the program’s newest expansion, Bloom Academy. Dr. Michelle Clouse, vice president of Instruction, and Andrea Hardin, Bloom coordinator, shared updates on Bloom’s current structure, student progress and long-term plans to expand both academic and workforce-readiness opportunities. “Bloom began with a simple belief: that every student, regardless of learning differences, deserves the opportunity to pursue their education, develop independence and contribute their gifts to the world around them,” ICC President Dr. Jay Allen said. “This program represents hope, possibility and our commitment to ensuring that every student has a place where they can grow, contribute and truly bloom.” Allen also underscored the importance of community partnerships in sustaining and growing the program. “Unlike most ICC students, Bloom students pay full tuition, and ICC receives no state reimbursement for this program,” he said. “Bloom only grows through partnerships with counselors and career coaches ... December 4, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
Dr. Anna Morgan Named ICC’s 2026 Mississippi Humanities Teacher Award Nominee Itawamba Community College has selected Dr. Anna Morgan, piano instructor, as its nominee for the 2026 Mississippi Humanities Teacher Award. Morgan will be recognized at the Mississippi Humanities Council Public Humanities Awards Ceremony on March 20, 2026, in Jackson. The annual event honors exceptional faculty in traditional humanities disciplines across Mississippi’s colleges and universities. Morgan, a Mantachie resident, joined ICC in 2017. Before returning to Mississippi, she taught PreK through fifth grade elementary music in Tennessee, laying an early foundation for young students’ musical development. She holds a doctorate in music education from William Carey University and a master’s degree in piano performance from Middle Tennessee State University. In addition to her teaching role, Morgan serves as pianist for the ICC Choir, supporting student musicians and contributing to the College’s longstanding choral tradition. She also remains active in the regional arts community as manager of the North Mississippi Youth Orchestra and pianist and organist at Baldwyn First Baptist Church. Her service beyond the arts includes previous work as a board member for the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society. Morgan will be featured alongside honorees from ... December 1, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC to Host Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 2 Itawamba Community College will usher in the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at Crane Pavilion on the Fulton Campus, a tradition that brings together students, employees, families and community members for a festive evening. The outdoor celebration will showcase performances from the ICC Choir, Indianettes and Color Guard, along with seasonal selections by student soloists Crissen McCoy, Sarah Brown and Siera Lochala. The evening will wrap up with a visit from Santa, a flurry of snow and the official lighting of the campus Christmas tree. Additional festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with free hot chocolate and popcorn provided by the Student Government Association. The ICC Library will help children write letters to Santa, and every child who participates will receive a reply. ICC Bloom will offer Christmas cookie decorating while supplies last. “This event is one way we open our campus to the community and celebrate this season of connection, tradition and a shared sense of belonging,” said Tyler Camp, ICC Chief of Staff. “We’re proud to continue this tradition and look forward to welcoming families and friends from ... December 1, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC Orientation Sessions Set for December High School Graduates Itawamba Community College will host orientation sessions for new students planning to enroll in the spring 2026 semester. High school students graduating in December are strongly encouraged to attend one of the sessions, scheduled for Dec. 3 in the David C. Cole Student Services Building on the Fulton Campus and Dec. 4 in the Academic and Student Center on the Tupelo Campus. Both sessions begin at 1:30 p.m. Students may attend either location regardless of where they plan to enroll in the spring. “Attending orientation offers several advantages, including early class scheduling, access to a wide variety of course options and the possibility of completing the enrollment process before graduating from high school,” said Michael Holloway, director of Recruitment and Orientation. Before registering, students must submit an admission application and ACT or placement equivalency scores. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. To register, visit www.iccms.edu/Orientation. For more information, call 662-862-8290 or email orientation@iccms.edu. November 20, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
Area Residents to Graduate From ICC Practical Nursing Program on Dec. 11 Several area residents will participate in a commencement ceremony for the Practical Nursing program at Itawamba Community College at noon, Dec. 11, at the W.O. Benjamin Fine Arts Center auditorium at the Fulton Campus. They include Natalie Crosby, Janiyah Gardner, both of Aberdeen; Mary Shoemaker, Keia Standifer, both of Amory; Gabriella Ositis, Lucia Zuniga of Blue Springs; Ashley Arwood of Caledonia; Valandria Harris, Taylar Williams, both of Columbus; Makenlie Farley of Fulton; Tanner Gregory, Brianna Laster, Jessica Laster, Lanasia Moore, all of Houston; Elizabeth Pepper of Madison; Jatilyn Kidd, Clayton Moore, both of Nettleton; Whitley Little of New Albany; Mary Wait of Oxford; Hamilton Gonzalez, Summer Riley, both of Pontotoc; Temeka Brand, Dynastee Burnett, Shana Cardenas, Treyuntae Jenkins, Shawna Lindsey, Adrian Metcalf, all of Tupelo; Elizabeth Cowart, Shautoriea Garth, Taylor McCrary, all of West Point. Upon completion of the 12-month (three-semester) program, ICC’s graduates earn a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the national board exam (N-CLEX) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Dr. Lisa Pearson of Amory is the director of ICC’s Practical Nursing program, and instructors are Patricia Robbins of Mantachie, Tammy Jones of Pontotoc and Lisa McNeese of Smithville. Learn more about ICC's Practical Nursing program by visiting www.iccms.edu. November 19, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC Named Bellwether Award Finalist for First Time Itawamba Community College has been named one of 30 finalists nationwide to compete for the prestigious Bellwether Award at the 32nd Annual Community College Futures Assembly (CCFA). This marks the first time ICC has been selected as a finalist for the nationally recognized honor, which celebrates outstanding and innovative programs in U.S. community colleges. The Bellwether Award highlights excellence across three categories: Instructional Programs and Services – recognizing programs that foster student success and teaching innovation. Workforce Development – highlighting strategic partnerships between colleges and workforce entities that address regional labor market needs. Planning, Governance and Finance – celebrating creative approaches to planning, management and resource optimization. “We broke last year’s record with a total of 114 submissions from 91 community colleges across 30 states,” said Dr. Rose Martinez, director of the Bellwether College Consortium. “The large number of competitive entries reflects the impactful work community colleges are doing nationwide—and the academic and economic boost they provide to their local communities. The consortium looks forward to hosting the 2026 Community College Futures Assembly and recognizing three top colleges with the Bellwether Award.” A Bellwether Finalist represents a community college program that earned one of the ... November 18, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC Mourns the Passing of Longtime Communications Director Donna Thomas Itawamba Community College is mourning the loss of one of its most devoted and influential team members, Donna Thomas of New Albany, who dedicated more than 55 years of service to the college and touched countless lives through her professional excellence, mentorship and quiet acts of kindness. Thomas, who began her ICC career on January 15, 1970, faithfully served six of the college’s seven presidents, building a legacy that spanned generations. Over her distinguished tenure she held numerous leadership positions including adult basic education newspaper editor, continuing education director, director of publications, director of media relations and most recently director of communications. She also served as a journalism instructor, mentoring students through her advisement of The Chieftain, ICC’s student newspaper, and The Mirror, the college yearbook, both of which earned multiple top awards from the Mississippi Press Association and the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM). Her influence extended well beyond the classroom and the campus. Thomas was an active member for more than 30 years in both the CPRAM and the Mississippi Community College Alumni and Advancement Association, serving ... November 13, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
“My Watercolor Journey: From There to Here” by Feixue Yang Concludes ICC’s Fall Gallery Season The final exhibition in Itawamba Community College’s W.O. Benjamin Fine Arts Center Gallery for the Fall 2025 semester showcases the delicate artistry of Madison-based watercolor painter Feixue Yang. Her show, “My Watercolor Journey: From There to Here,” features a collection of landscape and portrait paintings that blend Eastern aesthetics with Western impressionistic techniques. The exhibition will be on display November 11 through December 3, with an artist’s reception at 1 p.m. on December 3. Yang’s watercolor work is known for its serene yet expressive quality, capturing moments of stillness and emotion through the interplay of light and color. A self-taught artist, Yang draws inspiration from both her surroundings in Mississippi and her deep emotional connection to her hometown in China. “Watercolor is my language,” Yang said. “It reminds me to embrace imperfection—because beauty often appears in unexpected places. My hope is that my work invites viewers to slow down and rediscover the poetry of ordinary life—to see not just with the eyes, but with the heart.” Yang’s award-winning plein air paintings have earned her recognition across Mississippi. She received second and third ... November 12, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>
Virtual Construction Lab Opens at ICC with Eutaw Construction Donation Itawamba Community College celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Virtual Construction Lab, located in the John Crubaugh Education Building on the Fulton Campus, with local construction partners, industry leaders, students and ICC leadership in attendance on Tuesday, November 11. The innovative lab will serve students in the Construction Management Technology program, offering immersive, hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world conditions even when weather or other factors limit access to traditional jobsites. The space features a Caterpillar Excavation Simulator, generously donated by Eutaw Construction, along with Oculus virtual reality headsets and Interplay learning software that provide cutting-edge training opportunities for students. “This new lab is a prime example of how ICC continues to advance workforce education in ways that meet both student and industry needs,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “By combining traditional skills with emerging technology, we’re preparing students for the future of construction management and helping meet the demand for skilled professionals across our region.” Scott Emison, program director for Construction Management Technology, said the addition of the Virtual Construction Lab marks a significant step forward for the program. ... November 12, 2025 By Camp, Tyler W General 0 Comment Read More >>