Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College released the President’s List for the summer 2019 semester. Students who earn 12 or more semester hours with a 4.0 grade point average receive this honor.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College released the Vice Presidents’ Lists for the summer 2019 semester. Students who earn 12 or more semester hours with a 3.30 to 3.99 grade point average receive this honor.

The post MGCCC releases President’s and Vice Presidents’ Lists for summer 2019 appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus will host a Science Café on Native Wildlife in Mississippi on Tuesday, September 24, at 6 p.m. in the Barry L. Mellinger Student Center. 

Laura Leggett, an expert from Hattiesburg Zoo’s Education Department, will discuss a variety of animal species with the audience and will have animal ambassadors available for up-close viewing and touching.  Animal ambassadors may include king snakes, American alligators, gopher tortoise, barred owl, great horned owl, box turtles and red-tailed hawks. 

Leggett has worked at the Hattiesburg Zoo for three years. She started in the animal care department and took over the position of outreach coordinator in February 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from The University of Southern Mississippi. Animals and the conservation of wildlife have always been her biggest passions, and the Hattiesburg Zoo has given her an incredible platform to share this passion with others.

During the Science Café, the audience will be encouraged to participate in a discussion about the variety of animal species in the state, their habitats, and conservation efforts to protect those species that are threatened or endangered.

Science Café offers those with minimal background in science the chance to meet and discuss scientific issues in a relaxed social setting. The Learning Resource Center on MGCCC’s Perkinston Campus has partnered with The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Library, Harrison County Library System, Long Beach Public Library and Hancock County Library System to offer these events.

The post Hattiesburg Zoo animal expert to speak at MGCCC’s Science Café appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

The Healthcare Simulation Center located at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Bryant Center has received five-year national accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).  The accreditation is in the area of Teaching & Education. 

“All seven Core Standards and the four Education Standards were successfully met with minimal recommendations,” said Dr. Joan Hendrix, associate vice president of the Health Sciences Division. “As an accredited teaching and education training center within MGCCC’s Health Sciences Division, instructional health care opportunities at Gulf Coast are endless. Our students benefit from the exacting protocol and nationally approved curriculum used at the center. A huge thank you to all involved with making this happen. A special thanks to Dr. Stephanie Roberts, Simulation director; her team; and all others who regularly assist with simulation.”

Recognizing that simulation represents a paradigm shift in health care education, SSH promotes improvements in simulation technology, educational methods, practitioner assessment, and patient safety that promote better patient care and can improve patient outcomes.

“The Simulation Center offers an enhanced realistic environment for students to practice,” said Roberts.  “Multiple modalities are used within the Simulation Center to include standardized patients, role playing, high-fidelity manikins and task trainers. The Simulation Center immerses learners in a realistic holistic patient experiences where they can grow in critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills before going to a real clinical environment. This recognition allows MGCCC to demonstrate the extraordinary educational and simulation curriculum generated to enhance the graduate’s learning of health care.” 

Established in 2004 by professionals using simulation for education, testing and research in health care, the society boasts membership that includes physicians, nurses, allied health and paramedical personnel, researchers, educators, and developers from around the world.  SSH fosters the improvement and application of simulation-based methods such as human patient simulators, virtual reality, standardized patients and task trainers.

The post MGCCC’s Healthcare Simulation Center receives national accreditation appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Nine students from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus have been named Leaders of Promise Scholars through Phi Theta Kappa (PTK).  The students will receive $1,000 scholarships.

The students and their majors are as follows:

• Holly Baryo of Ocean Springs: Pre-Medicine
• Garrett Dobson of Hurley: Chemical Engineering
• Max Greenough of Hurley: Sports Administration
• Haleigh Hawkins of Pascagoula: Pre-Veterinary
• Andrew Hodges of Hurley: Civil Engineering
• Arlene Lopez of Ocean Springs: Biomedical Engineering
• Michael Pugh of Hurley: Mechanical Engineering
• Angel Rivera of Ocean Springs: Biochemistry and Pre-Veterinary
• Katelyn Winstead of Ocean Springs: Business

Recipients were selected by a panel of independent judges from nearly 900 applicants.  Selection is based on outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.

“We are so pleased to have these outstanding students recognized at a national level for their achievements,” said John Miller, Honors College director and Phi Theta Kappa adviser at the Jackson County Campus. “To begin the school year with such a large group of students recognized with scholarships is definitely a thrill for all of us.  I expect great things from this group in the year ahead and after they graduate.”

The Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, assists new PTK members in obtaining an associate degree and encourages participation in PTK programs. This year, 200 PTK members won awards totaling $200,000. 

The post Nine MGCCC Jackson County Campus students named Leaders of Promise Scholars appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus Fine Arts Gallery announces the opening of the exhibit “Come Home,” featuring the photography of Alex North.  The exhibit will be open to the public September 5-October 17, with a reception and Artist’s Talk at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 5. The exhibition will conclude with a music faculty recital in the Fine Arts Gallery at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, featuring MCCCC music instructors Kate Sawyer and Dr. Jonathan Mitchell and guest artist Jessica Meltz.

In 2010, Alex North, who is color blind, began his journey with photography when he purchased a “good” camera for his son’s high school graduation. After that, he vowed to learn how to use the camera and find his niche through the lens. 

His reputation for “all or nothing” soon applied to photography, so much so that his wife, Leslie, jokingly started telling friends he had a girlfriend named “Nikky” — a playful nod to his beloved Nikon. She approved of their relationship and gave her full support as Alex embraced his newly discovered passion. 

As a photographer, North said he strives to capture life in a way that celebrates its existence. Whether it is a smile, bloom, sunrise, bird or even a tear, his desire is for people to feel the emotion he felt when taking the photo.  He readily admits the scenes he shoots are not his to claim. He counts it a blessing to share his photos through the talent bestowed and the beauty provided. 

Marc Poole, Jackson County Campus fine arts instructor and gallery director, said, “I have a deep respect for Alex’s dedication to capturing effective compositions. His works involve a great deal of planning, strategy and timing. He captures the essence of the subject matter and presents it in a way to those familiar with the area reminds us of the beauty we live in every day. To those not from here, it gives a glimpse that might seem idealized, yet is the visual truth of that captured moment.” 

The exhibition will conclude with a concert featuring MGCCC faculty members Kate Sawyer, soprano, and Dr. Jonathan Mitchell, piano.  Guest artist Jessica Meltz will join the program on harp. The group will focus on the works of composer Claude Debussy and other French romantics.

Both the opening reception and closing concert are open to the public.  There is no cost to attend.

The MGCCC Jackson County Fine Arts Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information, contact Poole at 228-497-7684.

The post MGCCC’s Jackson County Campus Fine Arts Gallery hosts photographer Alex North’s exhibit “Come Home” appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College students Shanna Cramer and Lauren Powell were awarded the 2019 Merit Health – Biloxi Board of Trustees Full-Tuition Scholarship.  Each student will have their tuition covered for the 2019-2020 academic year.

“Merit Health Biloxi has been a great support over the past two years not only for our paramedic students but also our EMT students,” said Hillary White, EMS Clinical coordinator. “With the help of Dr. George Loukatos, MGCCC EMS Medical Director, we have been able to award two full-tuition scholarships for the last cohort and this cohort of students. We were also given additional money for lab equipment. They have been a great asset and we look forward to working with them for the years to come.”

Cramer and Powell, both of Gulfport, work for AMR Ambulance Service as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). They are currently in the Paramedic program at MGCCC’s Jefferson Davis Campus.

Cramer’s five-year career goal is to obtain her Critical Care Paramedic certification and become a department supervisor and eventually chief of the EMS service.  “I became interested in emergency medicine after noticing a need for more paramedics in the community,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of solving that need and giving back to my community.”

Powell plans to complete paramedic training and then spend a year volunteering with Global First Responder before beginning her career.  “I would like to complete the Critical Care Paramedic course and become a flight medic.  I’m very excited about beginning the program and making my goals a reality.”

The post Two MGCCC Emergency Medical Services students awarded Merit Health scholarships appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Morgan Rich, a student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County Campus, is one of 10 students in the nation selected to receive a Pearson Scholarship for Higher Education, a $5,000 award.

The Pearson Scholarship is awarded to Phi Theta Kappa members who are civically engaged in their community through service and who demonstrate leadership, academic rigor and excellence. Nearly 800 applications were received.

Rich, who was a contestant in Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality competition this summer, was selected for Top Speech Winner and in the top 10 overall.  She was awarded a $500 scholarship for winning the speaking category.

“It did not surprise me to learn that Morgan finished in the top three in Miss Hospitality and had the most scholarship dollars earned,” said Dr. Brad Bailey, public speaking instructor at the Jackson County Campus.  “I was certainly not surprised that she won the speech award in the contest with 43 other girls. Morgan has already accomplished so much as a student and a person. She has unlimited potential. I cannot wait to watch and see what she continues to do in her academic, personal and professional endeavors.”

The oldest sibling in a family of five, Rich is used to hard work and getting things done. She not only maintains top grades in college, she is also a member of the Reflections Team, vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Pi Epsilon Chapter and executive president of the Student Government Association. She hosted Project Smile Drive, a campus project through which stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons are donated to the local sheriff’s department for officers to give to children they encounter who may have experienced some form of trauma.

“Receiving this scholarship will open many doors for me,” she said. “I know that to succeed in life, you have to be willing to work hard. I hope I have proven that I’m willing to roll up my sleeves, and I plan to continue doing the same.”

As a Pearson Scholar, Rich will receive $1,000 to complete an associate degree and $4,000 over two years to complete a bachelor’s degree.  Pearson Scholars are also paired with a mentor and will receive complimentary access to Pearson textbooks and online codes to support them as they complete their degrees.

The post MGCCC’s Morgan Rich one of 10 in country selected as Pearson Scholar appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi State University and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are expanding their Engineering on the Coast partnership. MSU President Mark E. Keenum and MGCCC President Mary S. Graham today [Sept. 5] announced a joint industrial engineering program will be added to the electrical and mechanical engineering majors already available at Gulf Coast’s Jackson County Campus in Gautier.

Through the programs, students can have an affordable option for earning a world-renowned education close to home. Students can earn a two-year associate’s degree from MGCCC before enrolling in engineering classes leading to a bachelor’s degree from MSU. The engineering classes are offered by MSU James Worth Bagley College of Engineering faculty working at MGCCC’s JC Campus. The curriculum also utilizes synchronous online delivery from MSU’s Starkville campus. Electrical engineering was first taught at the coast location in spring 2016, and mechanical engineering was implemented that fall.

“We are pleased to announce that we are adding industrial engineering, which we have chosen to satisfy regional industry needs. Students in this program will learn how to design, improve and control systems of people, materials, information, equipment, energy and capital to increase quality, safety and profitability,” Keenum said. “The partnership with MGCCC has been outstanding, and we are proud to have support from Dr. Graham and her excellent leadership team.”

Current MSU enrollment at Gulf Coast is at an all-time high of nearly 120 students, who are taught by five permanent MSU instructional faculty and supported by two staff members, all based at MGCCC.

Graham said MGCCC strives to offer students the best opportunities for achieving their educational goals close to home.

“With this expansion of our partnership with Mississippi State University, our students will have more opportunities to gain an education in a high-demand career field,” she said. “It also helps local industries by providing well-trained potential employees in career fields that are much needed in our region.”

The MSU and MGCCC partnership dates back to 2013, when Keenum and Graham began working together to implement the engineering programs. A market assessment was conducted with results indicating nearly 20,000 engineering jobs on the coast from New Orleans, Louisiana, through Mississippi, to Mobile, Alabama, with demand continuing to increase.

MSU’s hands-on curriculum includes laboratory experiences in industrial design, industrial ergonomics, manufacturing processes and a capstone senior experience. Students may enroll in the program in fall 2020.

MSU Dean of Engineering Jason Keith said the existing electrical engineering and mechanical engineering programs have had tremendous success.

“Introducing an industrial engineering component is a logical next step to meet the workforce demands on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our partnership with MGCCC has been tremendous and we would not be able to offer these programs without their complete support,” Keith said.

The MSU degree programs based on the coast are identical in quality to those on the main campus in Starkville, and current programs have been comprehensively reviewed by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology and received a full six-year accreditation action, in concert with MSU’s on-campus programs. The existing coast programs have benefitted from private support from Mississippi Power, Chevron, International Paper and The Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation.

For more about Engineering on the Coast, visit www.bagley.msstate.edu/coast/.

The post MSU, MGCCC expand offerings through Engineering on the Coast program appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will host a Hospitality Industry Job Fair at the Hospitality Resort Management Center (HRM) in Biloxi on September 17 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  The event is sponsored by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and MGCCC.

Job seekers should attend the job fair prepared to interview.

“We encourage job seekers to dress for success, bring multiple copies of their resume, and be prepared to fill out applications and have conversations with employers,” said Lisa Bradley, director of Business Development at the HRM. “This is an industry that is hungry for good employees. We fully expect that good candidates who are well-prepared will walk away from this event with solid job prospects and even scheduled interviews. This is an opportunity for job seekers to make a positive first impression, which is crucial in the hospitality industry.”

The event is offered at no charge to job seekers and is open to the public. The HRM is located at 420 Debuys Road, Biloxi.

For more information about the event, contact Lisa Bradley at 228.897.3971 or lisa.bradley@mgccc.edu.

What:             Hospitality Industry Job Fair

Where:           Hospitality Resort Management Center, 420 Debuys Road, Biloxi, MS  39531

When:            Tuesday, September 17, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Details:          No cost to job seekers. Open to the public

The post MGCCC to host Hospitality Industry Job Fair appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Jefferson Davis Food Pantry and Professional Closet on Tuesday, September 17, in front of the food pantry, located in the Eula Switzer Allied Health Building.  The pantry and closet will provide food and other items to students in need, along with professional attire they may need for interviews, academic competitions and other events.

“More and more college campuses are establishing food resources for students in need as a result of studies that indicate that many college students cannot afford to attend school and eat well,” said Dawn Buckley, director of Enrollment Services. “Almost half of all college students worry that food will run out and skip meals or eat less than desired to save food and students are often not able to afford balanced meals.”

A food drive for the Jefferson Davis Campus food pantry will be held September 16-20. Donation boxes will be located in the Cyber Café, Student Services and outside the Food Pantry. Contact Dawn Buckley or Monica Donohue for donation drop-off locations during other times.

The SGA officers are working out hours of operation for the food pantry and professional closet, but students in need of assistance can contact a faculty member, Monica Donohue or Dawn Buckley using the Early Alert system. A food pantry staff member will meet with student to assess needs and provide any additional resources. Additional resources include bus passes, meal tickets, gas cards or community resources for housing, mental health, and utility support.

Monetary donations can be made to the MGCCC Foundation – JD Early Alert Fund.

“Opening the food pantry and professional closet has been a long-term goal for us,” said Buckley.  “We are so happy that we will be able to offer a variety of resources for our students that will help them succeed and put them on a path to reach their educational goals.”

For more information, contact Dawn Buckley at 228.897.3835 or dawn.buckley@mgccc.edu or Monica Donahue at 228.897.3762 or monica.donahue@mgccc.edu.

The post Jefferson Davis Campus holds ribbon cutting for food pantry and professional closet appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Mississippi University for Women signed a Memorandum of Understanding for new bachelor degree pathways between the two institutions on September 20 at MGCCC’s Hospitality Resort Management Center.  The MOU will provide for students in certain degree areas to transfer up to 90 credit hours to MUW after graduating from MGCCC. 

“We are so excited to expand our current partnership with The W,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president. “The opportunity for our students to be able to transfer up to 90 hours allows them to maximize their education at MGCCC before transferring to the university.”

The degree areas included are Business Administration Management, Culinary Management, Business Administration Management Information Systems, Business Administration Health Care Management, Early Childhood Education, and Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Advanced Placement Option.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with MGCCC,” MUW President Nora Miller said. “We are building great partnerships with Mississippi community colleges to increase the educational attainment of Mississippians.”

For more information about the programs covered in the MOU or about transfer of credits, contact 228.896.2536 or questions@mgccc.edu.

The post MGCCC and MUW sign Memorandum of Understanding for new degree pathways appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

MGCCC biology students to hold Rooted in Rare event to benefit United MSD Foundation

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College biology classes at the Jackson County Campus are participating in the Rooted in Rare Birthday Celebration for Willow on Saturday, October 5, from 9-11 a.m. at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.  The event benefits the United MSD (Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency) Foundation.

Hands-on activities about genes, DNA and cells, a birthday party for Willow Canaan, and access to the discovery center are all part of the fun.  The theme for the birthday party is pirates and mermaids.

Lynn Zimmerman, science instructor at the Jackson County Campus who is spearheading the event, said that Willow’s mother established the United MSD Foundation, the first foundation for the disorder in the nation.  It is a collaboration with scientists, doctors and parents connected by the disease to drive research forward and to advocate for awareness about MSD. 

“The work they are doing to push forward research and to provide funds for that research is just incredible,” Zimmerman said.  “Public awareness is key in all of this, of course, as that allows the Foundation to attract more resources and to focus on innovative and collaborative research.”

During the event, seven interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M.) stations will showcase the importance of medical research, clinical geneticists, genetic counselors and many support roles in the field. Participants will be given real-world examples of how their S.T.E.M. interests can be utilized in the fast-paced, cutting-edge field of genetics.

All school-aged children are invited.  Cost is $15 and includes a birthday party loot bag filled with prizes from S.T.E.M. stations and full access to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.

To register, call 228.295.7084 or contact korth@curemsd.org.  Preregister at bit.ly/RootedInRare2019.

The post Celebrating Life appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been recognized as a 2019 Great College to Work For®. This year, 236 institutions participated in the survey, with 85 institutions recognized. Of those, 25 were two-year institutions.

“At Gulf Coast, we recognize that employee engagement leads to student success,” said Dr. Mary S. Graham, MGCCC president. “We have always been very intentional in preserving and enriching the culture at MGCCC, creating a positive and family-oriented atmosphere for both employees and students. We know that our employees are a tremendously important asset, and we value their contributions to making Gulf Coast a nationally recognized institution.”

Now in its 12th year, the program is regarded as one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country, recognizing higher education institutions that get top ratings from their faculty and staff regarding workplace practices and policies.

Based on employee surveys and other data, MGCCC was recognized for four categories, including Compensation and Benefits, Respect and Appreciation, Work/Life Balance, and Supervisor/Department Chair Relationship. Gulf Coast has been recognized on the survey for the past eight years, with three of those years on the Honor Roll.

For more information on the survey or results, https://greatcollegesprogram.com/list/colleges/Mississippi-Gulf-Coast-Community-College/.

The post MGCCC recognized as 2019 Great College to Work For appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will hold its annual Homecoming October 4-5. The celebration will culminate on Homecoming Day, October 5, with the Bulldogs playing the Southwest Mississippi Bears at 2 p.m. at A.L. May Memorial Stadium on the Perkinston Campus.

On Friday, October 4, MGCCC will recognize Alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame, Spirt of Gulf Coast and Sam Owen Award inductees at a dinner and awards ceremony in their honor at the IP Casino Resort Spa in Biloxi.

The honorees will also be recognized at the pep rally at noon and during halftime activities on Homecoming Day, October 5.

The 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame honorees are Isaac Brown, basketball; Eddie Gifford and Danny Kelley, football; Tommy Snell, golf; Tony Sipp, baseball; Bary Thrash, soccer; Nick Georgian, tennis; and Kaitlin R. Lee, softball.
The 2019 Spirit of Gulf Coast recipient is Brandon Walker.

The 2019 Alumni Hall of Fame honorees are Dr. Adreain M. Henry, Jackson County Campus; Billy Thornton, Jefferson Davis Campus; and Dr. Greg Loose, Perkinston Campus.

The 2019 Sam Owen Award recipient is Liz Joachim.

MGCCC Homecoming 2019 Schedule of Events

Friday, October 4
Clem Dellenger Memorial Golf Tournament
Hickory Hill Country Club, Gautier – 8:30 a.m.

MGCCC Alumni & Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards
IP Casino Resort Spa – 6 p.m.

1960s Reunion
IP Casino Resort Spa – 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 5

Registration • Harrison Hall, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Archives Exhibit • Alumni House, 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Alumni Art Show • Malone Hall, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Chapel Service • Gregory War Memorial Chapel, 11 – 11:30 a.m.

Cookout, Pep Rally & Introduction of Honorees & Homecoming Court
Bell Tower, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

MGCCC vs. Southwest • 2 p.m.
Halftime Presentation of Homecoming Court, Recognition of Honorees, Performance by Band of Gold & Perkettes

For more information, contact the MGCCC Alumni and Foundation Office at 601.928.6344 or visit mgccc.edu/homecoming.

The post Rockin’ 60s: MGCCC set for Homecoming 2019 on October 4-5 appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Portraiture is one of the oldest genres in fine art, beginning 5,000 years with the Ancient Egyptians. While portraits were once reserved only for the upper class and painted in an idealized manner, the art form evolved over time to celebrate the everyday person and capture a subject’s unique characteristics.

Featured artists in “About Face” are incorporating portraiture tradition with modern styles and sensibilities.

Helen Simpson describes her style as classical, using techniques that require “patience and perseverance.”

Chad Brown prefers a more outside-the-box approach, experimenting with techniques, such as applying acrylic paint with a Q-tip.

Tracy Williams draws her subjects on paper plates, enjoying their format and portability. “There is something that makes them a more appealing alternative to a sketchbook to me,” she said.

MGCCC alumnus Anthony Badon has taken what he learned from his art courses at the college and combined it with his own style. “My style is a mixture of realism and Pop art. I love bright colors. When I paint portraits, I try to capture intimate moments that move your heart,” he said.

Carolyn Busenlener, best known for her nonobjective style, “uses the power of color and loose brushstrokes to create an environment from which figure evolves.

“I want it to be a good painting first, and a portrait second. I am not interested in creating traditional portraits,” she said of works such as “Jimmy and Karen,” which features her children.

Herb Willey is watercolorist who primarily paints Coastal landscapes. “I spent a lot of time on watercolor portraits this last year, and it’s a challenge. I really want to continue devoting time to them,” he said.

His painting “Super-Agent Serena” features his wife dressed in a black trench coat in a playful, spy-like pose. “I try to capture an image that best portrays them as I see them,” he said of his approach to the portraiture. “I think I captured Serena’s ever-busy mind and her concentration on whatever occupies it.”

Sherry Phillips Carlson creates and teaches art in a variety of mediums and subject matter. “A portrait is so much more than a collection of features,” she said. “I’m all the time telling my students, ‘You don’t just jump right into the eyes, nose and mouth. You can tell who a portrait is of before you even add those if you get the structure right.’”

Participating artists include Sherry Phillips Carlson, Russell Hice, Anthony Badon, Jaszy Smith, Joely Corban, Tracy Williams, Zach Petersen, Carmen Lugo, Chad Brown, Tessa Rose Stockstill, Bronco Sloan, Helen Simpson, Herb Willey, Cecily Cummings, Rhonda Herring, Carolyn Busenlener, Sadako Lewis, Hannah Livingston Robinett and Catie Daniel.

There is no charge for the exhibit, and it is open to the public. The Jefferson Davis Campus is located at 2226 Switzer Road in Gulfport. The art gallery is located in the Fine Arts building, Building D.

Gallery hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

For more information, contact gallery director Cecily Cummings at cecily.cummings@mgccc.edu or 228.897.3909.

The post MGCCC Jefferson Davis Campus Gallery Hosts “About Face” Portrait Exhibit appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

The Jefferson Davis Players will present Ken Ludwig’s “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jefferson Davis Campus Fine Arts Theatre October 31-November 2 at 7:30 p.m. and on November 3 at 2 p.m. The production is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.

With a cast of 14, The JD Players season will open with the swashbuckling comedy that is packed with thrills, romance, laughter and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck and Maid Marian. “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless powers that be. Get ready to duck a quarterstaff or two because you won’t want to miss a moment of the swashbuckling fun! This will be a wonderful evening of entertainment for both those who are familiar with the story of Robin Hood and those who are not.

The cast are Devin Stevenson as Robin Hood; Raylen Ladner as Maid Marian; Kenny Yocom as Friar Tuck; Jeb Vonderbruegge as Little John; Bailey Smith as Deorwynn; Bau Tran as Sir Guy of Gisbourne; Alex Carrington as The Sheriff of Nottingham; and Charles Mock as Prince John. The ensemble includes Claire Milligan, Katarina Carr, Rachel Eaton, Rowdy Green, Christopher Clemens and Anthony Pyle. Lily Singleton is the understudy.

The crew are Torie Helton, stage manager; Raven Johnson, assistant stage manager; Carrie Wedgeworth, lights; Bridget Long, sound board operator; Coral Pizzetta and Elessa Harvey, set construction; and Katie Tully, Kailee Pizzetta, Tiffany McKay and Katie Tully, props/costumes crew.

The play is open to the public. Regular admission is $10. Admission for students and children (4-17) is $5. To purchase tickets, call 228.897.3931 or visit mgccc.edu/jd-players.

The post Jefferson Davis Players to present “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will host Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat events at both the Jackson County and Jefferson Davis campuses on Wednesday, October 30. Both events provide entertainment for all ages, with activities for both children and adults.

The Jackson County Campus Fall Festival will be from 5-8 p.m. at the campus in Gautier. The event includes the annual trunk or treat, children’s games and activities, a selfie station, arts and crafts, face painting, and a children’s train. A display of scary art will be in the Fine Arts Building, with works submitted by first-through-sixth-grade students in the Jackson County area. In addition, the campus is collecting toilet paper for Sue’s Home in Ocean Springs. Donations may be dropped off at the festival entrance.

The Jefferson Davis Campus Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat will be held from 6 -8 p.m. at the campus in Gulfport. The event will include arts and crafts, a balloon artist, outdoor movie, photobooth, hayride, pumpkin patch, games, laser tag, and a haunted trail.

All activities are free with MGCCC ID. The Trunk or Treat events are free to the public as well as some other activities. Cash-only concessions will be available.

For more information about Fall Festival activities, email brandi.martino@mgccc.edu at the Jackson County Campus and rachelle.murphy@mgccc.edu at the Jefferson Davis Campus.

The post MGCCC to host fall festival and trunk or treat events at Coast campuses appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

We have had a busy fall with Homecoming, Bulldog Day, announcements and signings with both Mississippi University for Women and Mississippi State University, and an incredible football season. While we have enjoyed those successes, we still have so much to accomplish, so let’s DO MORE through the rest of this semester!

One of the things I’ve been working on over the past few weeks has been State of the College addresses in each of the four counties in our district. The last of those addresses is scheduled in George County on November 4. I also met with business and industry leaders in a roundtable discussion about the college’s future in August. During each of the events, we discussed our preparation for population growth on the Coast and the establishment of new programs designed to get students ready for the workforce. In preparation for Strategic Plan 2030, we are also asking for input from our constituents about what issues, programs, and projects they felt was important to the future of MGCCC. Work on the strategic plan will become more intense over the next several months, culminating with its release in 2020.

Of course, most of you know that our SACSCOC visit is scheduled for October 21-24. I know that you are all prepared for the visit and that it will be a great success. One of the key aspects of our accreditation is the QEP. If you have not visited our QEP website, please do so. You can view the video that has been shown to all our students, learn about the process for developing the QEP topic and about the students who developed both the topic and the logo. As the Implementation Committee, led by Dr. Brad Bailey, and our Career and speech instructors move forward, they will need all of our support in preparing our students with the essential skills necessary for employment.

While it is a very busy year, it is one full of so much potential for MGCCC. Thank you so much for your dedication to making our college the very best it can be and for your commitment to our students.

The post A Message from Dr. Mary S. Graham appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

The 2019 Innovator’s Award winners are two teams that proposed ideas that will encourage student success and retention. This year’s winners are “Engaging Dual-Credit Faculty” and “Science AR Advancement.”

The “Engaging Dual-Credit Faculty” team members are Dr. Debra Atkinson, Susan Bosarge, Andrea Clark, Dr. Jeremy Daughtry, Monica Donohue, Jennifer Leimer, Adrienne McPhaul and Steve Roberts. The project is a coordinated effort to include dual-credit faculty at area high schools in the normal flow of information/training that occurs with full-time on-site faculty. Dual-credit faculty are at a marked disadvantage because they do not have the guidance or support of fellow college-level instructors and campus resources. Students enrolled in dual-credit courses are also at a disadvantage due to the reduced awareness of college learning resources and support. The first workshop for dual-credit faculty was held in August.

The “Science AR Advancement” team members are Dr. Kelly Rouse, Dr. Angela Bruni, Jeff Siegel, Dr. Kathryn Morris, and Robert Baughman. The project aims to utilize iPads in the science classrooms to enhance student engagement and motivation. A site license will be purchased that allows access to Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas which includes fully interactive 3-D anatomical models of every human body system, a variety of animations, cadaver interactions, pathology applications, and Augmented Reality. Augmented Reality is a highly engaging platform that allows students to see the real-life environment right in front of them with a digital augmentation overlaid on it. It will allow the instructor to place a medically accurate augmented cadaver on the lab table and dissect it in front of students and a variety of other laboratory-type scenarios. The Atlas Site License will be integrated into the MGCCC website for open access to all students and teachers to allow students to have access to this amazing technology at all times. This program will be implemented on all campuses this semester.

The post 2019 Innovator’s Award winners announced appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

The post In the Blue honorees appeared first on Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.