13 February ICC partners with USM for 2+2 program for construction management degree February 13, 2024 By Thomas, Donna S. Career Center, General 0 Itawamba Community College has entered into a partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi for a 2 + 2 program to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management. ICC’s Construction Management Technology is an instructional program designed to prepare technicians for employment within the construction industries and firms in mid-level management operations as estimators, planners, project managers, layout specialists or other construction opportunities. Upon completion of the two-year curriculum, students are awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree. According to Scott Emison, instructor and director of ICC’s Construction Management Technology program, the program allows his students to transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi to complete degree work in two years. “This collaboration is a new and a slightly more direct route for ICC’s students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management at Southern Miss,” Emison said. “This 2 + 2 option allows our ICC students the opportunity to fully transfer credit of 60 hours and to seamlessly enter the third-year cohort with the rest of the USM-BCM track students. The four semesters at USM can be completed 100 percent online or on their Hattiesburg campus, which affords our graduates the option to seek full-time employment while earning their undergraduate degree. I am excited about this partnership with USM and its alignment with our program’s curriculum. At ICC, we strive to prepare students for a successful career in the construction field through a hybrid of lecture, lab and field experience, and this collaboration with USM presents a wonderful opportunity for our students to enhance their learning experience and employability in the industry.” “In addition to facilitating a smoother transfer process, we are delighted to announce the establishment of merit-based and financial need-based scholarships specifically designed to support transfer students continuing their studies at Southern Miss,” said Dr. Emre Bayraktar, professor and director of the School of Construction and Design at USM. “Our dedication to providing a well-rounded and accessible education is reflected in these scholarship opportunities, which aim to recognize and support the academic achievements and financial needs of our incoming students. We look forward to providing a supportive and enriching journey for all students involved. The collaboration between our programs holds great promise, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on the academic and professional growth of our students.” A degree in construction management teaches graduates how to plan and manage the workflow, personnel, equipment and processes required to safely and ethically construct a project on time and within budget using best practices and current technology. Southern Miss program highlights include online option, no out-of-state tuition, accreditation by the American Council for Construction Education, annual Construction and Design Career Expo and scholarship opportunities available for both online and on-campus students, Emison said. Related Articles ICC signs preferred candidate program agreement with MHP; only community college in the state selected Itawamba Community College signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a Preferred Candidate Program with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Jan. 26, at the Tupelo Campus. The initiative is a pilot program that will be implemented at ICC, the only community college in the state selected. “Itawamba Community College is more than excited about this partnership with the Mississippi Highway Patrol,” said ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “According to research, having successfully completed a college degree substantially improves the knowledge and abilities of officers on a vast range of areas from the criminal justice system to conceptual and managerial skills.” The agreement will allow those who are enrolled to pursue either an A.A. or A.A.S. degree in ICC’s Criminal Justice program, meet with an MHP recruiter and apply for the MHP Preferred Candidate Program to skip weeks of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy. In order to graduate from the MHP Preferred Candidate Program, students must complete one or more semesters of the MHP Candidates on Rapid Entry curriculum, earn the associate’s degree from ICC, meet the C.O.R.E. Patrol School PT requirements ... ICC launches partnership with TimelyMD to connect faculty, staff, students with mental and physical health resources Itawamba Community College has launched a partnership with TimelyMD to connect full-time faculty and currently-enrolled students to the support and resources in both mental and physical health they need to succeed. TimelyCare provides on-demand 24/7 service that offers virtual health and well-being to currently-enrolled students and full-time faculty and staff for free, according to Dr. Brad Boggs, vice president of Student Services, including mental and emotional support, health literacy guidance and crisis management by masters-level behavioral health professionals. “It also provides a dedicated phone line for full-time faculty and staff to reach the TimelyCare team for guidance and support in cases of student distress.” Those covered may choose the visit modality that works best for them - video, phone or video chat. The simple, flexible scheduling enables students to choose their provider, day and time as well as cancel a visit and select the next available time that works best for them. Also, students can choose to add a parent, translator or even an adviser to the conversation. According to TimelyMD, “A modern virtual care platform starts with the technology that ... ICC, TPSD sign MOU for innovative Associate Degree Nursing Preferred Candidacy Middle College program to begin this fall Itawamba Community College and the Tupelo Public School District signed a memorandum of understanding today to announce the innovative Associate Degree Nursing Preferred Candidacy Middle College program, which will begin this fall. The agreement, which was signed by ICC President Dr. Jay Allen and TPSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Picou in a formal ceremony, will promote early entry into the two-year nursing program. Qualified applicants will begin this track in their junior year. “Graduating seniors are often attracted to the idea of ‘going away’ to experience the first year of college,” Allen said. “Many of those graduates return home for various reasons and do not have a degree. If we can attract graduates early, we can educate them and give them an opportunity early that will open unlimited doors.” “Nursing offers a variety of job opportunities, both locally and beyond,” said Dr. Dana Walker, director of ICC’s Associate Degree Nursing program. During recent years, nursing programs across the nation have experienced a decline in qualified applicants. “The early entry opportunity would offer high quality students who are focused on ... Forbes Advisor ranks ICC Business and Marketing Management Technology program sixth in nation; only Mississippi college recognized Forbes Advisor has ranked Itawamba Community College’s Business and Marketing Management Technology program sixth in the nation, the only community college in Mississippi to be recognized. Forbes Advisor’s ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers and reputable educational and professional organizations to produce its unbiased rankings. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies its content to provide trustworthy, up-to-date information. “We are honored to be recognized by Forbes Advisor as we strive each semester to teach our students the most relevant skills they’ll need to be successful in the workforce,” said Jodi McCrimon, ICC’s Business and Marketing Management Technology program director. “As one of the top 10 best online community college programs in the nation, we enthusiastically offer this degree to meet the needs of student and adult learners in our community. The best start here!” ICC President Dr. Jay Allen joined McCrimon in appreciation for the honor. “While we strive to always provide the best educational product and experience, it’s always exciting for others to ... ICC's Public Health Technology program to join in national celebration with local events Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating the week of April 1 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Community health workers are the backbone of public health, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of well-being and equity,” said Caroline Newkirk, ICC adjunct instructor and Evaluation Specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. “ICC’s Public Health Technology program fills a critical gap in Mississippi by offering a curriculum that prepares its students exceptionally well with the knowledge and skills to be invaluable community health workers. In a state that is medically underserved, ... ICC to offer Construction Management Technology next fall Individuals who want to earn an associate’s degree that will provide employment opportunities in the construction industry have an opportunity to enroll in a new program beginning in August next year at Itawamba Community College. Construction Management Technology is designed to prepare technicians for employment in mid-level management operations as estimators, planners, project managers, layout specialists or other construction operations. According to Dean of Career and Technical Education Barry Emison, individuals who are currently employed as professionals will enhance their ability to perform their duties in the construction business. Upon completion of the two-year curriculum, the student will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, but successful completion of 30 hours in the selected discipline entitles the individual to receive a career certificate. According to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, the average entry-level wage for construction managers is $47,000, and experienced managers earn up to $103,000. For more information, contact Emison at (662) 407-1409 or email blemison@iccms.edu. Comments are closed.