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ICC Community Relations team earns more than 20 statewide awards

The Community Relations team at Itawamba Community College earned more than 20 awards during the annual conference of the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi recently held in Senatobia. The conference brings together marketing and communications professionals representing Mississippi community colleges, public universities and private universities to recognize excellence in higher education communications, marketing, media relations, graphic design, photography and digital content. In addition to multiple category awards, ICC received a Grand Award in electronic media for a documentary produced, filmed and edited by CJ Adams, director of marketing. “The recognition reflects the creativity, dedication and teamwork of a group that works every day to tell the story of ICC and the people we serve,” said Dr. Jay Allen. “Our Community Relations team continues to elevate the college through strategic communication, innovative storytelling and meaningful engagement across our campuses and communities.” Members of the ICC Community Relations team include CJ Adams, director of marketing; Cal Brown, athletic creative content coordinator; Leah Caldwell, strategic office specialist; Maggie Caldwell, marketing specialist; Adam Gore, director of sports information and media relations; Morgan Henry, graphic design specialist; ...

Spring 2026 President's List and Dean's List released by ICC

Itawamba Community College has announced the students named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester. The President’s List includes full-time students with a semester grade point average of 3.8 to 4.0. The Dean’s List includes full-time students with a semester grade point average of 3.5 to 3.79. Students named to the President's List include:  Aberdeen - Katelyn B. Atkins, Haidey Dawn Blevins, Karry Elizabeth Linley, Sierra B. Lochala, Victoria Lynne Noe, Joshua K. Schrock, Gracyn H. Seydler, Tinisha Quinshay Smith, Zoe Alexa Valsamakis, Gracie Linett West; Algoma - Maggie C. Caldwell; Amory - Jordan Isaac Allred, Anna Grace Barker, Jolie Anna Bishop, Aggie Elizabeth Boykin, Ella K. Browning, Keith Byars, Jacob Carson, Christopher Ryan Christian, Zora Grace Dillard, Jakayla Lashay Franks, Lauryn D. Gillon, Micah R. Green, Dakota M. Harlow, Annabelle L. Holman, Erin E. Jackson, Matthew Blaine Johnson, Bailey Kaye Knight, Marion E. Lockhart, Dakotah Brianna Mackey, Lexie Olivia May, Walker P. McDaniel, Aseanti McIntosh, Emma Claire Moore, Brandy Nichole Morris, Brooklyn G. Owen, Anna Sanders, Lauren Jae Taylor, Shaylee Gray Weeks, Madison Avery Whitt, Georgia Nicole Williams, Fiona Rickel Wilson; ...

ICC Construction Management graduates commit to careers, university transfers

Itawamba Community College hosted its annual Construction Management Technology Signing Day ceremony prior to commencement exercises on Friday, May 15, recognizing graduating sophomores as they officially committed to the next step in their careers and education. The event was organized in partnership with North MS FORGE, a regional network of construction industry employers focused on promoting workforce development and increasing awareness of career opportunities within the construction industry across local schools and communities. During the ceremony, 23 graduating second-year Construction Management Technology students signed letters of intent representing employment commitments with industry partners, transfer plans to four-year universities or their continued pursuit of careers within the construction workforce. Students participating in the Signing Day ceremony included Jorge Avina, Avina Construction; Austin Blake, MasterCraft Builders; Balin Bishop, Century Construction and online transfer to the University of Southern Mississippi; Eli Burciaga, Worsham Brothers; Aubrey Cox, Cook and Son Construction; Colby Craig, FLCrane and transfer to Mississippi State University; Hayden Denley, Liberty Electric; Lawson Glover, commitment to the construction industry; John Hanna, Hanna Construction; Reece Kentner, Mississippi Pavement Solutions (MSPS); Daniel Lira, Brasfield & Gorrie; ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

ICC honors area students at 2026 Awards of Distinction ceremony

Itawamba Community College recognized student achievement during its annual Student Awards of Distinction program held Monday, April 27, on the Fulton Campus. The program honored students for excellence in academics, leadership and service across a wide range of disciplines and campus involvement. Recipients and their awards include:  Aberdeen — Austin Blake, Construction Management Technology; Karry Lindley, Hall of Fame and History; Sierra Lochala, Music; Amory — Ella Browning, Radiologic Technology; Bailey Knight, Political Science; Lexie May, Modern Foreign Language; Brayden Rowland, Physics; Olivia Salisbury, Early Childhood Education Technology; Melanie Wise, Paralegal Technology; Belden — Karastan Gamble, Sociology and Social Science Division; Blue Springs — Linda Wages, Precision Machining; Bruce — Noah Morgan, Economics; Charlie Ann Spradling, Biology; Coldwater — Brooklynn Rich, Criminal Justice; Columbus — Kyle Green, Forestry Technology; Brady Hogan, Computer Networking Technology; Corinth — Madden Butler, Health, Physical Education and Recreation; Teena Jones, Public Health; Ecru — Cason Westmoreland, C.O.R.E. Graduate; Eldridge, AL — Kylie Long, Theatre; Etta — Tristen Hearn, Occupational Therapy Assistant; Eupora — Logan Wright, Business Statistics; Fulton — Laken Brown, Phi Theta Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter Outstanding President; Ava Lentz, Social Work; Hagen McDonald, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology; Shawna Pullen, Business and Marketing Management Technology; Aubrey Smith, Physical Therapist Assistant; Golden — ...