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• 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 ...
• ICC's Public Health Technology program joins in Apr. 7-13 national celebration

  Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week.             According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “It Starts Here.” 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 nationally-recognized Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity.             “Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities,” Alexander said in summarizing the information provided by the American Public Health Association. “It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger – and healthier – together through the efforts of organizations like the APHA and others that advocate for healthy communities.”             Alexander, who serves on the Mississippi State Department of Health Community Health Worker Taskforce, is excited about recent legislation that will help advance the educational and career opportunities for ...
• 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, ...
• Application deadline approaches for ICC health science programs

              Itawamba Community College’s School of Health Science programs are designed to prepare individuals for employment in the healthcare field, and the application deadline for fall 2025 is rapidly approaching for 10 of the 11 programs.             Students interested in ICC’s Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology must submit their online application and meet the requirements by May 1.             According to Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science Instruction, the only exception is Emergency Medical Sciences, which has an application deadline of Aug. 1 for the fall class.             “Those who complete ICC’s health science programs earn either a certificate of completion or an Associate of Applied Science degree at the conclusion of their programs,” Vaughn said. “With our sophomores in all programs nearing the end of their study and preparation to enter the workforce, it is both a sad and happy time. We are excited for them as they take their place ...
• ICC, Baptist College of Health Sciences sign articulation agreement

  An articulation agreement between the Baptist College of Health Sciences and Itawamba Community College will give students in ICC’s Public Health Technology program another transfer pathway.  ICC President Dr. Jay Allen and Baptist College of Health Sciences President Dr. Betty Sue McGarvey signed the agreement at the ICC Tupelo Campus recently. “Baptist College is excited to partner with Itawamba Community College and its Public Health Technology program,” McGarvey said. “This articulation agreement allows ICC graduates to enroll in our new Population Health bachelor’s program. Population Health is an expanding field in the health care industry and is experiencing substantial job growth in the region. Baptist Memorial Health Care consists of 22 hospitals and 190 clinics. Several Baptist hospitals are in close proximity to Tupelo, including facilities in Booneville, Columbus, New Albany and Oxford. Baptist College desires to prepare these students to fill the upcoming needs in this field and help meet the Population Health job demands in our region.”  “Itawamba Community College appreciates this significant partnership with the Baptist College of Health Sciences,” Allen said. “This agreement will provide a significant opportunity ...
• ICC to offer four innovative scheduling options for fall

             With classes set to begin Aug. 17, Itawamba Community College is one of the only two-year institutions in the state to offer four innovative course schedule offerings for the fall semester.             “In an effort to allow for physical distancing in the classrooms and assist with enhanced cleaning procedures, classes will be taught using one of the four instructional methods,” said Dr. Michelle Sumerel, vice president of instructional services.             The offerings include face-to-face only, face-to-face hybrid, face-to-face Zoom and online only. These instructional methods ensure that all students who registered for a face-to-face class will have 50 percent or more of that class taught in that delivery system each week. Face-to-face only courses are delivered in a traditional format on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays at all three of the College’s locations, Fulton, Tupelo and Belden. Sumerel said that all classrooms have been reconfigured with desks positioned six feet apart, and typically larger classes have been relocated to spaces that will accommodate more students to enable physical distancing. All face-to-face classes continue to be ...