Class of 2026 celebrated during ICC Commencement exercises Itawamba Community College celebrated the achievements, perseverance and promise of the Class of 2026 during Commencement exercises Friday, May 15, at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus. Addressing graduates during the ceremonies, ICC President Dr. Jay Allen reminded students that “the big picture begins with you,” echoing the college’s yearlong theme, “The Power of One,” while encouraging graduates to recognize the impact one person can make through service, leadership and determination. “The road to this moment has looked different for every graduate seated before us today,” Allen said. “Some balanced jobs and family responsibilities, some overcame obstacles that once seemed impossible, and others discovered new purpose and direction along the way. Yet each story represents the power of perseverance and the value of opportunity.” ICC awarded Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees to graduates representing communities across Northeast Mississippi and beyond. The following students received the Associate of Arts degree: Abbeville: Jadyn Herod, Kylee P. Smith Aberdeen: Abigail Eve Gill, Bri'yan Olivia Riddle, Brittany Teirra Cole, Joshua K. Schrock, Karry Elizabeth Linley, Sabrina Gabrielle Ford, Sierra B. Lochala, Zoe Alexa Valsamakis, Zoey Duenaz Amory: Anfernee ... May 15, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
Every graduation cap holds a story As commencement season arrives, campuses across the country fill with familiar traditions: caps and gowns, proud families and friends, applause and celebration. Those moments certainly matter, but behind every graduate crossing the stage is something even more meaningful: a story. Some journeys are straightforward. Others are marked by obstacles, setbacks, second chances and perseverance that often go unseen. For 19-year-old Noah Newton of Lee County, this graduation season represents something he once was not sure would ever be possible. Noah was unable to graduate high school through the traditional path. Like many students facing life challenges, the road forward felt uncertain. But through the Bloom Academy at Itawamba Community College, Noah found a new opportunity, a support system and a place where success could look different while still being deeply meaningful. Now, after completing his first year in the program, Noah has earned his High School Equivalency diploma through ICC. For Noah and his family, the accomplishment is more than a credential. It is proof that progress does not always follow the same timeline or pathway for every student. Programs like Bloom Academy are designed ... May 14, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
Students receive diplomas during 2026 ICC Adult Education graduation ceremony Several area students participated in the 2026 Adult Education graduation ceremony at Itawamba Community College, May 14, at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus. Those who were awarded a high school equivalency diploma (formerly known as GED) from the state of Mississippi include Aberdeen — Salenah Martin, Edgerin McAllister; Amory — Mia Chavis, Anthony King, Camden Perry, Aliya Sandlin, Shelby White; Baldwyn — Matthew Smith; Belden — Jasmine Garmon; Belmont — Lily-Ana Buse; Blue Springs — Jennie Campbell, Aaron Phillips; Calhoun City — Sara Hood; Ecru — Angelia Colegrove; Fulton — Barrett Ables, Dominique Ashby, Emilee Bennett, Raven Ewing, Coty Payne, Kimberly Thomason, KenDerrick Williams; Gattman — Samuel Blanton; Guntown — Cayson Hendrix; Houston — Martha Earnest, Veronica Griffis, Elijah Hallman; Mantachie — Daniel Edwards, Billie Fritz, Landon Garrison, Kayla Hale, Amy Murillo, Karson Smith, Abbigail Witcher; Marietta — Michael McMillen; Mooreville — Terry Anderson, Grace Hubbard, LaCrista Montgomery, Hayden Stewart, Jayden Walls; Nettleton — Brandi Jackson, Chloe Johnson, Bryson Smith; New Albany — Cecily Frazier; Okolona — Garrett Allen, Ryan Allen; Plantersville — Hope Hamrick; Pontotoc — Bailee Aaron, Cameron Bean, Christian Patterson, Addyson Triplett, Angelo Williams; Saltillo — Addison Cosner, Dallas Ellis, Amari Lopez, Jacob Neblett, Noah Newton, Natalie Phillips, Brayden Smith, Natlie Stacks, Marquita Thompson, Stetson Young; Shannon — Caitlyn Williams; Smithville — Haden ... May 14, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
Kinard, Steele Complete Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy Itawamba Community College’s Dr. Ira Lindsay Kinard of Houston and Rachel Steele of Fulton were recognized Tuesday during a ceremony at Mississippi State University after completing the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy as members of the 2026 class. Dr. Kinard, mathematics instructor, and Steele, director of admissions and registrar, represented ICC in the yearlong leadership development program alongside participants from community colleges and universities across the state. The MCCLA was developed in the spring of 2009 to address the projected need for upper-level leaders within Mississippi’s community college system. The program is organized around the practical needs of future community college leaders and focuses specifically on leadership within Mississippi’s community college environment. “Ira Lindsay and Rachel are outstanding representatives of ICC and exemplify the leadership, dedication and student-first mindset that continue to move our institution forward,” said Dr. Jay Allen, ICC president. “Their successful completion of this respected program reflects their commitment to personal growth, professional excellence and the future of community college education in Mississippi.” Supported by Mississippi State University, the annual MCCLA program provides participants with opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, build ... May 6, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC, Delta State formalize transfer pathways, student support partnership Itawamba Community College and Delta State University signed two memorandums of understanding Tuesday on the Fulton Campus, expanding academic pathways and strengthening support for students transitioning between the institutions. ICC President Jay Allen and DSU President Daniel Ennis formalized the agreements during an official campus visit. One agreement creates a structured transfer pathway for ICC students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at DSU. The partnership aligns key coursework and outlines advising and transfer expectations for students who meet admission requirements. The second agreement establishes a transition partnership for ICC’s Bloom Connect Program, supporting neurodivergent students as they transfer to DSU. The collaboration includes coordinated campus visits, designated points of contact and the sharing of transition documentation with student consent to ensure continuity of support services. “These agreements reflect our commitment to creating clear, intentional pathways for students while ensuring they are supported every step of the way,” Allen said. Ennis said the partnership builds on a shared focus on student success. “By aligning our programs and services, we are providing more opportunities for students to continue their education and reach their ... May 5, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
Food Management Certification class set for May 18 at ICC Belden Center Itawamba Community College has scheduled a Food Management Certification class at the Belden Center, 3200 Adams Farm Road, beginning May 18. Classes will meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through June 11. The comprehensive career pathway is designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in food service and hospitality settings. The course Serve Safe® Food Manager Certification, Serve Safe® Alcohol Certification, certificate of completion, proper food handling standards, kitchen safety practices, culinary techniques, interview skills and résumé building, money handling and front of the house and back of the house operations. 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. May 4, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC honors 2026 Meritorious Award recipients Itawamba Community College recognized outstanding employees for excellence in service, leadership and instruction during its 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards of Distinction ceremony held April 27 on the Fulton Campus. The annual Meritorious Awards, ICC's highest employee honors recognize those whose contributions reflect a commitment to students and the mission of ICC. Support Staff of the Year honors were awarded to Chad Price, maintenance tech/electrician in the Physical Plant, of Greenwood Springs, and Brittnie Wildmon, office assistant in Human Resources, of Fulton. Professional/Administrative Professional of the Year recipients were Jason Dickinson, chief of police for Campus Police, of Mantachie, and Rachel Steele, director of admissions and registrar, of Fulton. Faculty of the Year honors were presented to Adam Denton, program director and instructor of respiratory therapy, of Saltillo, and Scott Emison, program director and instructor of construction management technology, of Pontotoc. Jimmy Whitehead, instructor of industrial maintenance/electrical technology, of Booneville, was recognized with the Excellence in Outstanding Faculty Member award, endowed by John Cleveland and Beth Cleveland. Additionally, Masha Laney, history instructor and William Winter Scholar, of Amory, and Dr. Anna Morgan, piano instructor ... April 28, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC to host Dinner and Demo featuring Delta tamales and southern cuisine Itawamba Community College will host its next Dinner and Demo on April 30 at 5:30 p.m. at The Gin, offering guests an evening of Southern cuisine, culinary history and live acoustic music. The event will feature a live cooking demonstration highlighting the history and preparation of fried Delta tamales. Attendees will enjoy a multi-course meal beginning with fried Delta tamales, followed by blackened catfish served over grits with creole sauce. Dessert options include lemon meringue pie or black bottom pie. A peach sangria cocktail will also be available. In addition to the culinary experience, guests will enjoy live acoustic music throughout the evening, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Tickets are $40 per person. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Christy Scheuer at (662) 407-1505 or acsheuer@iccms.edu April 21, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
Skills That Pay awards $1,000 bonuses to 12 Northeast MS students Twelve students from across Northeast Mississippi were recognized Thursday at Itawamba Community College as recipients of the Skills That Pay “Signing Bonus,” earning $1,000 each as they take the next step into high-demand skilled careers. The regional signing ceremony celebrated students who have committed to entering the workforce in fields such as welding, construction, utilities, and manufacturing. The event was hosted by Skills That Pay, a campaign of the Skills Foundation of Mississippi, and sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority. “These students are choosing careers that are essential to Mississippi’s future,” said Clifton Carroll, Executive Director of the Skills Foundation of Mississippi. “They’re stepping into opportunities that offer stability, strong wages, and long-term growth, and we’re proud to support them as they take that next step.” “TVA is proud to support the Skills That Pay campaign because it recognizes students who are choosing career paths that strengthen our communities and grow our region’s economy,” said Amy Tate, TVA’s Southwest Region Executive. “We know that when students pursue skilled careers, it benefits not only their families, but also the local businesses and ... April 17, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>
ICC announces May commencement ceremonies Itawamba Community College will host multiple traditional commencement ceremonies May 15 at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus. Ceremonies will be held as follows: Associate of Arts graduates with last names A–I and Middle College students at 9:30 a.m.; Associate of Arts graduates with last names J–Z at 1 p.m.; and Associate of Applied Science degree and certificate recipients, including career education and health science programs, at 4:30 p.m. The Associate Degree Nursing pinning ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. An Adult Education commencement ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. May 14. “These ceremonies represent more than the completion of a degree and reflect the determination, sacrifice and commitment our students have demonstrated to reach this milestone, and with more than 900 graduates preparing to walk across the stage, we are proud to celebrate each individual and the impact they will make in their communities and across our region,” said Dr. Jay Allen, president of ICC. Doors will open one hour prior to each ceremony. The public is invited to attend, and no tickets are required. April 17, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 Comment Read More >>