16 May Armstrong challenges 2018 graduates May 16, 2018 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 More than 600 graduates of Itawamba Community College crossed the stage at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus May 12 during two commencement ceremonies and were rewarded with Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates of completion. They were among approximately 800 graduates who have earned degrees from ICC this year. Although each graduate’s journey is unique, there were commonalities. In fact, 56 graduates spent 11-20 years in pursuit of the degree, and five invested more than 25 years to reach this point. About 30 percent of the graduates are the first to earn a college degree in their family, and 55 shared the 2018 ceremony with a cousin, sibling, parent, aunt, uncle, son, daughter, spouse and a fiancé. During both ceremonies, ICC alumnus and Tupelo native Dr. Ketra Armstrong, who is a tenured professor in the school of Kinesiology in the Department of Sport Management of the University of Michigan, shared her life story as a challenge to the graduates. “This (ICC) is home,” she said. “Life takes you around the world, but love takes you home. I am Mississippi made and so proud to be an alumnus of ICC.” Armstrong, who graduated from ICC 35 years ago, played basketball in the triple threat position for the Lady Indians. “It’s a position that allows you options, much like ICC,” Armstrong said. “You have to understand when to take a shot and when to take a charge. When do you be a difference-maker? In life, you have to make adjustments. ICC also puts you in a triple threat position. ICC encourages you to take a shot. ICC has given us skills for success.” She also shared four reminders of principles for the graduates, which included purpose, preparation, a full life and gentleness. “You control your destiny,” she said. “You must be present in the moment. Tell yourself, ‘I’ve got this.’” Armstrong challenged the class of 2018 to “dream big. If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. There is no manual for life. Keep your eyes on the stars, but stay grounded. “Education is your ticket to change the world,” Armstrong said. “The world needs you, ICC graduates. Make a difference. You are graduating from one of the best community colleges in the world. ICC is special. Savor this ICC experience. Be the spirit of ICC.” Armstrong is also the associate dean for graduate and faculty affairs and co-director of the Michigan Center for Sport Management. She earned additional degrees from Mississippi State University and The Ohio State University. She is an inductee of the ICC Athletic Hall of Fame and most recently, the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Sports Hall of Fame. Retiring faculty members Karen Davis of Baldwyn and Joe Williams of Fulton served as faculty marshals. More than 83 Associate Degree Nursing graduates received their pins during a special ceremony on May 11. Related Articles Mississippi Speaker of the House of Representatives Jason White challenges ICC graduates in one of three commencement ceremonies Mississippi Speaker of the House of Representatives Jason White challenged Itawamba Community College graduates today (Friday) at the 10 a.m. commencement ceremony at the Davis Event Center at the Fulton Campus to live by the words he shared with his colleagues as they began the new term in January. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” White said. “I would tell you graduates the same message applies as you enter this new chapter of your lives. Hurdles and challenges certainly await you; don’t get bogged down by the small things, focus on the big picture and make an impact. Don’t be trepidatious to do something out of the ordinary, challenge conventional wisdom, and even push yourself to a zone of discomfort.” White said that when he was in law school at Mississippi College, a half mile or two blocks away from the Mississippi State Capitol which he passed every day for three years, he never once dreamed that he would be elected as a Representative nor being involved in politics. “Be open to ... 2018 Spring 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 2018 spring semester at Itawamba Community College. They include: Abbeville – Constance N. Kesler, A.A.; Aberdeen – Morgan N. Barrett, A.A.; William D. Beasley, A.A.S.; Megan J. Booth, A.A.; Jenna L. Burdine, A.A.; Jaesha R. Cunningham, A.A.; Kandice M. Davis, A.A.; Alexis S. Gates, A.A.; Brittany N. Griffith, A.A.; Darius D. Haughton, A.A.; Sherell N. Hinton, A.A.; Katelynn D. Jackson, A.A.; Jamiah S. Jones, A.A.; Amyah N. Lee, A.A.; Kelly R. Linley, A.A.; Katelyn K. Matthews, A.A.; Cody R. McClantoc, A.A.S.; Brandy N. Morris, A.A.; Brittany N. Murphy, A.A.; Stanley Richard Ostrowski II, A.A.S.; Trent T. Pace, A.A.; Jaisha Perkins, A.A.; Walker E. Plunkett, A.A.; Brennan A. Robinson, A.A.; Jaylin D. Rowe, A.A.; Mackenzi J. Ryals, A.A.; Cheyenne K. Schrock, A.A.S.; Megan K. Schrock, A.A.; Haley D. Smathers, A.A.S.; Brianna M. Smith, A.A.; Tykee J. Smith, A.A.; Lauren E. Threadgill, A.A.; Bryon K. Williams, A.A.; Kimberly Alexis Bettye Young, A.A.; Amory – Stephanie L. ... 2018 ICC fall semester 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 2018 fall semester at Itawamba Community College. They include Aberdeen – Brannon Herring, A.A.; Chasity Quinn, certificate; Laykan Renfro, A.A.; Ackerman – Noah Lawson, certificate; Amory – MaKenzie Dodd, A.A.; Pamela Hudson, certificate; Lisa Jeffcoats, certificate; Logan Pate, A.A.; Zachary Phillips, certificate; Carly Ramsey, A.A.; Mariann Strawbridge, A.A.’ Belden – Jordan Barefield, A.A.; Joel Pumphrey, A.A.S.; Blue Springs – Jennifer Taylor, A.A.S.; Booneville – Jeannette Houston, A.A.S.; Brandon – Kaitlyn Meadows, certificate; Byhalia – Casey Taylor, A.A.S.; Caledonia –Laura James, certificate; Katelyn Keltner, A.A.; Canton – Kellie Payton, certificate; Cherokee, Ala. – Magen Perry, A.A.; Columbus – Bethany Gore, certificate, A.A.S.; Jessica Houston, certificate; Jamel Thomas, A.A.; Decatur, Ga. – Cortez Davis, A.A.; Ecru – Abigail Harkness, certificate; Diana Pizarro, certificate; Eupora – April Harrell, certificate; Fulton – Helen Banes, A.A.; George ... 2018-19 LDI Ten members of Itawamba Community College’s faculty and staff have been selected to participate in its Leadership Development Institute for 2018-19. They include Jon Armstrong of Fulton, English instructor; Billy Carson of Saltillo, lead online instructor for business administration and director for the hospitality management program; Deanna Duckworth of Mantachie, adult education and adjunct English instructor; Dr. Melissa Haab of Louisville, dean of enrollment services; Jake Hartfield of Fulton, coordinator of student activities; Ira Lindsay Kinard Jones of Houston, mathematics instructor; Andy Kirk of Fulton, head softball coach and health, physical education and recreation instructor; Dr. Cass Patrick of Tupelo, fine arts division chair; Nina Strother of Fulton, director of community relations; and Tzer Nan (TZ) Waters of Tupelo, lead workforce trainer. Armstrong, who has been a member of the ICC faculty since 2007, earned the associate’s degree from ICC, bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and the master’s degree from Mississippi State University. His honors include the 2013 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development award, 2017 ICC Humanities Teacher ... More than 600 graduates participate in 2022 ICC commencement ceremonies More than 600 graduates of Itawamba Community College crossed the stage at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus May 13 during three commencement ceremonies and were rewarded with Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates. They were among more than 1,000 graduates who have earned degrees from ICC this year, including Kelly Jo Ashley of New Albany, who participated during the 5 p.m. health sciences ceremony. Ashley, who was a certified elementary teacher for 11 years, began the Associate Degree Nursing program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “None of us knew what to expect,” she said. “However, as I reflect on the past two years at ICC, I am beyond thankful to the faculty, staff and all other support personnel who not only made this journey possible, but who helped us to grow and learn as future nurses and people. I would not be the person I am today without everything I have learned and experienced during these two years at ICC, and for that I ... ICC graduates more than 650 during three May 12 ceremonies More than 650 graduates of Itawamba Community College crossed the stage at the Davis Event Center on the Fulton Campus, May 12, during three commencement ceremonies and were rewarded with Associate of Arts or Associate of Applied Science degrees or certificates. They were among approximately 1,000 graduates who have earned degrees from ICC this year, including Kelly Barnett of Amory, who participated during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Barnett, who majored in Business and Marketing Management Technology, said she “didn’t have the opportunity to attend college right out of high school because of personal issues, so to be able to finally complete this has meant the world to me. This time around has not been without its challenges either.” She lost her father in October 2021. “I know he was so proud I was back in school, so even though I wanted to quit, I pushed through! I just want my children to look at me and be proud of me and understand that it is okay if you fail or get off track, but don’t ever quit.” That drive led ... Comments are closed.