Reading event highlights ICC's Adult Literacy Week During Adult Literacy Week (Sept. 15-21), several members of the Itawamba Community College family took the time to read to students at the Early Learning Centers on both the ICC Fulton and Tupelo campuses. Monday started with full bellies and happy bowls at the Tupelo Early Learning Center. “They [the students] love books,” said director Idell Crump, who fondly goes by Grannie Mother Goose, and even the principal. “It gives them a head start when they enter kindergarten.” Statistics show that adults reading to children creates a rich bonding experience that benefits both. Audra Perry, ICC’s director of Adult Education, said that reading to these children “reminds us [adults] of how eager young children are to learn and brings a smile to your face.” It has been proven that reading to children enhances their language development, improves their vocabulary and fosters a love for stories, all of which are crucial for their literacy skills. ICC alumnus Karen McFerrin of Mantachie, who also served as a reader during the event, believes that reading to children “keeps us young and gives us a ... September 27, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC enrollment increases again - continues to rank among state's leaders Itawamba Community College ranks among the leaders in the state in full-time enrollment increase, according to figures released this week by the Mississippi Community College Board. With fall enrollment at 4,476 at the end of the 10-day reporting period, figures from fall 2023-fall 2024 show a 4.1 percent increase, nearly double the state average. In addition, enrollment was up 7 percent the last two semesters, statistics show. The continuing increase over the last two reporting periods can be attributed to multiple factors, according to ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. They include the addition of significant housing opportunities tailored to student needs with the opening of Magnolia Hall last fall and the reopening of Sheffield and Monroe Halls with spaces designed to accommodate the ICC student of today at the beginning of this semester, and an enhanced emphasis on activities. “This is very exciting news,” Allen said. “The increase in the number of students that ICC is serving is significant because we have additional opportunities to provide a solid educational foundation and the best start ... September 20, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC Foundation awards scholarships Several area students are the recipients of Foundation scholarships at Itawamba Community College for 2024-25. They include Aberdeen – Nevaeh Morris, ICC Tuition Toss Annual Scholarship; Dawsen Grimes, R. T. “Mickey” West Memorial Endowed Scholarship, Edgar Irwin Moore and Ruth Moore Endowed Forestry Scholarship; Sierra Lochala, The Rev. Dr. Roy H. and Doris Finney Ryan Endowed Scholarship; Amory – Megan Thomas, Dr. Joseph F. Dzikielewski Memorial Nursing Scholarship; Kylie Harbin, Gilmore Foundation Healthcare Endowed Scholarship; Destaniee Watson, Jennie Witt Mounce Adult Learner Endowed Scholarship; Peairr Pack, Linda Kay Gilreath Scholarship; Isabelle Pennell, Linda Kay Gilreath Scholarship; Isabella Oliver, STEM Scholarship; Tyler Sledge, Thomas Griffith Memorial Annual Scholarship; Jolie Bishop, Troy York Crubaugh Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Baldwyn – Andrea Yielding, Kermit and Mary Anna McFerrin Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Tanner Palmer, Walmart Endowed Scholarship; Belden – Brooklynn Ivy, Ernest and Jamie Joyner Adult Learner Annual Scholarship; Timothy Haithcock, Philip Sheffield Memorial Endowed Scholarship; Abbygail Pham, STEM Scholarship; Blue Mountain – Jazmine Moreno, Linda Kay Gilreath Scholarship; Blue Springs – Caiden Wilburn, Dan Dixon Memorial Diesel Technology Annual Scholarship; Lexie Walker, Linda Kay Gilreath ... September 18, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC formally opens softball and tennis complex Itawamba Community College formally opened its softball and tennis complex today (Sept. 18) with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Fulton Campus. “Today, we are formally opening our softball and tennis complex,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen, “and as I shared on March 7 last year when we broke ground for this magnificent facility, it’s not just any softball and tennis complex. It’s the best in the league.” The 6,010-square-foot complex in addition to the softball stadium includes separate locker rooms for both men’s and women’s tennis and softball (each is equipped with lockers, restrooms, showers, ICC athletic branding and nutrition area), laundry facilities and training area and storage rooms for both softball and tennis, all on the first floor; a press box with radio booth, scorekeeper and announcing booth and President’s hospitality suite and two large open party decks at the top of the stadium on the second floor. The softball stadium includes both chair back and bench seats. “We appreciate all of those who have played a significant role in this project,” Allen said. “As with ... September 18, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC to honor five during Alumni awards presentation at Homecoming, Oct. 17 Itawamba Community College will honor its 2024 Alumnus of the Year, Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, Distinguished Service and Young Alumnus of the Year award recipients during Homecoming activities, Oct. 17, at the Fulton Campus. They include Dr. Lance Evans of New Albany, Alumnus of the Year; Jonathan Van Every of Nashville, Tenn. and Dr. David Rather of Tupelo, Athletic Hall of Fame; Johnny Crane of Fulton, Distinguished Service; and Jamey Logan of Tupelo, Young Alumnus of the Year. A 1998 graduate of ICC, Evans became Mississippi’s State Superintendent of Education, July 1. His educational background also includes the bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University; master’s degree from the University of Mississippi; and educational specialist and doctoral degrees from Delta State University. He played football at ICC, where he was selected to Who’s Who Among American Junior Colleges. Over the past 23 years, he has served as Superintendent of Schools for the New Albany School District and in other roles as teacher, coach, assistant principal and both elementary and high school principal. His leadership skills have earned several recognitions, ... September 16, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC joins in National Truck Driver Appreciation Week; now recruiting students for upcoming classes Itawamba Community College is joining with the American Trucking Association in celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept. 15-21. The weeklong celebration honors the millions of professional truck drivers who deliver America’s freight safely and securely every day. It is especially meaningful to Itawamba Community College, which is also celebrating its Commercial Truck Driving program that is now recruiting students for classes that will begin soon at its Tupelo Campus. ICC’s CTD program prepares individuals to drive Class A semitrucks and other commercial vehicles. It includes instruction in operating diesel-powered vehicles, loading and unloading cargo, reporting delays or accidents on the road, verifying loads against shipping records and keeping necessary records. It is designed to give the future driver a complete and thorough understanding of logbooks, trip records and the motor carrier safety regulations of the United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Options include four weeks, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., or 16-weeks. Enrollment requirements include U.S. citizen or Puerto Rico valid driver’s license; copy of good ... September 12, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC schedules Dinner & Demo series Itawamba Community College will sponsor a Dinner & Demo series, beginning with an already sold-out session, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. at Forklift in Tupelo with chef Cooper Miller. Available sessions are scheduled for 6 p.m., October 9, at the ICC Belden Center with Foodsmith chef David Leathers and at 5:30 p.m., Oct. 16, at Park Heights with chef Dan Schroeder. “The chefs at each location will provide a demonstration related to the dinner preparation, which will follow,” according to Josh Gammill, ICC director of Continuing Education, which is cosponsoring the series with the Food Management Certification pathway. “The three restaurants and their executive chefs have created a unique interactive experience for participants,” Gammill said. Limited seating is available. Price per experience is $55 per person. Couple and series pricing is available. “This is an exciting partnership that will not only afford our students, but also the local community an opportunity for an intimate experience with these fabulous chefs,” said Christy Scheuer, Food Management Certification pathway director. “Each of their styles is different, which I think will truly stand ... September 11, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC to formally open new softball/tennis complex, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. - public is invited The public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of Itawamba Community College’s new softball and tennis complex at the Fulton Campus, Sept. 18, at 11 a.m. A ribbon cutting will open the 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that includes locker rooms, laundry facilities and a small training area, all on the first floor; three separated rooms for scoring, announcer and the media and two large open decks at the top of the stadium with both chair back and bench seats on the second floor. During the groundbreaking ceremony on March 7, 2023, ICC President Dr. Jay Allen said, “It’s not just going to be ANY softball and tennis complex. It’s going to be the BEST in the league. I can’t wait to gather here again as we cut the ribbon on this magnificent facility.” “Come and enjoy refreshments and a facility tour as we cut the ribbon to kick off a new era for our sports teams,” Allen said today. “This is a celebration of the hard work and dedication that made this project possible, ... September 10, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC All-American Heroes Night postponed until Sept. 26 Due to the possibility of inclement weather forecast for Thursday, September 12, Itawamba Community College’s All-American Heroes Night has been postponed until September 26, when the Indians play the Mississippi Delta Community College Trojans. Both past and current members of the armed forces, first responders and healthcare professionals will be honored at halftime of the football game at Lambert Stadium/Eaton Field, which begins at 7 p.m. Also scheduled beginning at 4 p.m. include an Indian Spirit Walk and All-American Tailgate with free Touch-a-Truck, Kids’ Zone activities and tethered hot air balloon rides. For more information, contact Nina Strother, director of Marketing and Community Engagement, at njstrother@iccms.edu, communityrelations@iccms.edu or (662) 862-8242. September 9, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC joins National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week celebration, Sept. 15-21 Itawamba Community College’s Adult Education Department is celebrating September 15-21 as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. ICC President Dr. Jay Allen kicked off the commemoration with the signing of a proclamation designating the nationwide event. Additional activities will include Adult Education staff reading to students in both of ICC’s Early Learning Centers (Fulton and Tupelo) during the week. “The goal of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is to work side-by-side in every state, territory and district to heighten public awareness, strengthen alliances, leverage resources and increase the number of people who understand the vital role adult education and family literacy play in our nation’s and state’s well-being,” according to Audra Perry, ICC director of Adult Education. In signing the proclamation, Allen said that he “supports the goals and ideals of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and recognizes the efforts of ICC’s Adult Education Department and its instructors in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties and encourage the participation of all individuals to achieve a high ... September 9, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Comment Read More >>