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ICC Health Sciences Programs Fuel Regional Workforce, Applications Now Open

As one of North Mississippi’s most reliable economic engines, Itawamba Community College continues to strengthen the region’s workforce by producing highly trained graduates in some of the most in-demand health care fields in the state. Applications are now being accepted for 11 health science programs that begin in August 2026 at ICC. These programs are designed to meet critical workforce needs while providing students with a direct pathway to stable, meaningful careers. Available programs include Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, EMS Paramedic, Health Information Technology, Practical Nursing (August class), Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology. “These programs are not only academically rigorous, they are workforce driven,” said Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science Instruction at ICC. “Our graduates are stepping into hospitals, clinics and health systems across the region ready to contribute on day one. That level of preparation matters to employers, to patients and to the long-term health of our communities.” The application deadline is May 1. For more information about program requirements, visit ICC’s website at www.iccms.edu or ...

ICC Pathways Programs Open Doors to High-Demand Careers

For individuals ready to move quickly from the classroom to a career, Itawamba Community College is offering a slate of Pathways workforce training programs beginning in January 2026 at the ICC Belden Center, located at 3200 Adams Farm Road. Programs and schedules include: Food Management Certification will be held Jan. 12–Feb. 6, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program provides essential skills for the restaurant and hospitality industry, including ServSafe® Food Manager and Alcohol Certification, menu planning and preparation, participation in catered events, résumé and interview preparation, and front- and back-of-the-house operations. Certified Nursing Assistant runs Jan. 12–April 1 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5–9 p.m. The program prepares participants to take the Certified Nursing Assistant exam. Graduates may find employment in nursing homes, medical centers, home health agencies and clinics. Medical Administrative Assistant will be offered Jan. 12–April 8 on Mondays from 5–9 p.m., with additional online assignments. The program focuses on administrative and clerical skills needed in medical offices and prepares students to pursue Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certification through the National Healthcareer Association. Certified Medical Assistant will meet Jan. 12–May 14 on ...

ICC reflects on 2025 successes, sets course for continued impact in 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, Itawamba Community College is reflecting on a year defined by progress, recognition and collective effort while looking ahead to continued success in 2026. During the year, ICC was named a Top 200 institution in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, placing the college among the nation’s community colleges recognized for strong student outcomes. ICC was also selected as a Bellwether Award finalist, a national distinction that highlights innovative, effective programs that drive student success and workforce impact. “These honors affirm the quality of work happening every day at ICC,” said Dr. Jay Allen, ICC president. “They are not the result of a single initiative or individual. They reflect a collegewide commitment to doing the right work, the right way, for our students and communities.” The current academic year is guided by ICC’s year-long charge, The Power of One, a theme that emphasizes the idea that meaningful progress is built through shared responsibility. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to recognize how individual contributions come together to create a larger picture of success, one that no single ...

A season of giving with lasting impact: ICC students find support at Tupelo ACE Hardware

For students training for careers in the skilled trades, the path forward often begins with grit, long hours and a growing list of tools they must purchase before they ever clock in on the job. This season of giving, one Tupelo business is stepping in to make that journey a little more attainable. Tupelo ACE Hardware is putting practical support directly into the hands of students enrolled in Career and Technical Education and Workforce training programs at Itawamba Community College. Through the generosity of owner George Booth, ICC students pursuing skilled trade careers are now eligible for varying discounts on tools purchased at the Tupelo ACE Hardware store on McCullough Boulevard. The effort began when Booth offered a discount on a tool needed by a student in an ICC Workforce class. Recognizing the ongoing need, he expanded the offer to support students across multiple trade programs, easing the financial burden that often accompanies hands-on training. To receive the discount, students present a tool discount letter provided by ACE Hardware. An ICC instructor verifies the student’s enrollment in an eligible CTE or ...

ICC Food Management Certification class set to begin Jan. 12 at Belden Center

Registration is underway for a Food Management Certification class that will begin January 12 at the Itawamba Community College Belden Center. The class will meet weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. through February 6. Highlights of the hands-on course include both ServSafe® Food Manager and Alcohol Certification, menu planning/preparation, assistance/participation in the execution of catered events, résumé/interview skills and both front- and back-of-the-house operations. Tuition assistance could be available for those who qualify. For more information or to register, call (662) 407-1505 or email pathways@iccms.edu.

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.

ICC to Host Annual Emerging Scholars Luncheon for High School Seniors

Itawamba Community College will host its annual Emerging Scholars Luncheon on Thursday, November 13, on the Fulton Campus, providing an exclusive opportunity for high school seniors with an ACT score of 24 or higher to explore ICC’s honors-level academic and involvement opportunities. Designed for exceptional students eager to challenge themselves academically and grow as leaders, the Emerging Scholars Luncheon offers a firsthand look at ICC’s Honors College, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the wide range of academic pathways available. The event will feature presentations on ICC’s Honors College and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, roundtable discussions with faculty from the College’s ten schools of academics and a student leader panel highlighting ways to balance academic excellence and campus involvement.  Participants will also enjoy lunch, campus tours and the opportunity to hear from guest speaker and ICC alumnus Hayden Plunkett, a physician assistant in orthopedic surgery at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Tupelo. Plunkett, an Amory native and former ICC Student Government Association president, continued his leadership journey at Mississippi State University before earning a master's degree in physician assistant ...

ICC Student Samira Brewer Named 2025–2026 Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association Toyota Scholar

Itawamba Community College sophomore Samira Brewer has been selected as one of the 2025–2026 Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) Scholarship recipients, earning designation as a Toyota Scholar for her outstanding academic performance and commitment to innovation in the automotive manufacturing industry. Brewer, a robotics and automation major from Pontotoc, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has been recognized on both the Dean’s and President’s Lists at ICC. In April 2025, she received the student award of distinction for Robotics and Automation Technology at ICC. She currently serves as an automation controls intern at Southern Automation and Controls, applying her classroom learning in real-world, industry-relevant settings. A former production line worker at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Brewer said her experience on the floor inspired her to return to college and pursue a technical degree. “For three years, I worked diligently on the production line at Toyota … motivated by my curiosity and desire for a greater challenge, I chose to return to school and pursue a degree in robotics and automation,” Brewer said in her essay. “As I continue my ...

ICC to Host Encore Dinner & Demo Featuring Namaste

Due to the overwhelming response to its October Dinner & Demo series, Itawamba Community College will host an encore edition of the popular event on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Namaste restaurant and Chef Sam. The menu for the evening will include fried spinach with feta as the appetizer. Entrée selections will feature papri chaat, lamb korma, butter chicken and bhindi, followed by gulab jamun for dessert. “The new partnership with Namaste had an overwhelming response in October, and we wanted to not only accommodate guests who weren’t able to purchase tickets for the sold-out event, but also those who enjoyed the experience so much they wanted to attend again,” said Christy Scheuer, director of ICC’s Food Management Certification program. “We’re thrilled to offer an encore edition featuring Chef Sam and Namaste to give everyone another chance to enjoy this incredible dining experience.” Limited seating is available. The cost is $55 per person or $100 per couple. For more information or to make reservations, call (662) 407-1500 or email continuingeducation@iccms.edu. The Dinner & Demo series is part of ICC’s commitment to lifelong learning and ...

ICC, The W sign MOU to provide educational opportunities for students pursuing sspecific career education programs with desire to earn bachelor's degree

Itawamba Community College and Mississippi University for Women signed a memorandum of understanding today [Sept. 19] to provide educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in specific career education programs with a desire to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree. The agreement establishes a pathway by which students earning an appropriate Associate of Applied Science degree from ICC may complete a baccalaureate degree at The W. According to the agreement, both institutions will work together to enroll students in degree completion programs for ICC’s career education graduates. Both colleges will advise and encourage ICC students, alumni and constituents to promote these programs to each institution’s stakeholders and throughout the local community college district. The pathways will provide for students in certain degree areas to transfer up to 90 credit hours to The W after graduating from ICC. Included are computer networking and cybersecurity, computer programming, business and marketing management, hospitality management, paralegal and construction management. According to Dylan Baldwin, dean of Career Education at ICC, “This partnership with Mississippi University for Women creates a remarkable pathway for our students. By completing three years ...