6 minute read
From the President
In August 1864, during the American Civil War, a U.S. Naval Officer named David Glasgow Farragut directed his troops to invade the heavily protected Mobile Bay in Alabama, regardless of the dangers, by shouting, “*amn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” Specific accounts as to exactly what happened that day vary, and of course, we certainly do not endorse the expletive profanation in the word that was used. However, the determination and passion in Farragut’s directive are employable by us during these precariously dangerous times.
Faced with the symbolic torpedoes of COVID-19, unprecedented demands for online learning, economic inflation, anxieties around vaccinations and boosters, the manifestation of the “Great Resignation,” and multiple variations of fear and universal unease, Coahoma Community College (CCC) has charged full speed ahead. At CCC, we only have two gears that are proverbial within the life of the institution. We are either in a moment of temporary pause, or we are moving Forward.
All of CCC’s actions and pursuits fall within the realm of moving Forward regardless of a pandemic or so-called normal times. Instruction and learning have continued—Forward. Safety and the welfare of our students and staff have remained at premium levels—Forward. We have flourished as it pertains to recruiting and retaining students—Forward. We have responsibly served as thrifty stewards of funds allocated for CCC—Forward. We have continued and sustained partnerships with our high schools and community stakeholders—Forward. We have successfully completed and reaffirmed our accreditation compliance status—Forward. We have remained on schedule with numerous facilities projects in an effort to bring our master facilities plan into fruition—Forward. Students have continued to complete their education goals and graduate— Forward. Each of our athletic teams is winning at historic levels— Forward. Our music and choral programs have fortunate to flourish—Forward. Financial contributions and support for CCC have remained steady—Forward.
Together, we can continue to move CCC Forward. Ironically, when CCC moves forward, our region as well as the state of Mississippi can move Forward too. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” May we continue to work together so that we can make CCC a place that moves everyone forward.
Valmadge T. Towner, Ph.D. 5th President
CONSTANT PROGRESSION & MOTION, MOVING
FORWARD!
Marriel C. Hardy, Editor Marriel serves as chief communications officer and branding identity within the Office of Communications and Marketing.
Hardy is an award-winning communications and marketing professional, with over eleven years of experience in higher education.
This issue of ROAR Magazine comes at such a transitional moment in Coahoma Community College (CCC) history.
As we emerge from the pandemic and continue to grow as a college, CCC is preparing itself for a successful next chapter—one that balances our 72-year past with a future that will likely look very different. Among all this change, our community seems to be asking, Who were we? Who are we? And who do we want to be?
This edition of the magazine features stories that I hope start to move us toward answering those questions.
CCC is a leader in its unique status as both an HBCU and a community college.
Our multifaceted mission is being extended by forward strides in athletics, flourishing health science programs, growing partnerships with industry, and a deliberate focus on student success.
CCC inspires critical thinkers and doers, like recent graduate Jurnee McLaurin ’21, who played a dynamic role in the Lady Tigers’ historic 2020-2021 campaign.
CCC is a family that pulls together in hard times, as lifelong Coahoman Charles F. Reid chronicles his 60-year connection with the institution.
And Coahoma is composed of a collection of change agents who made countless sacrifices to support the continuity of the institution amid the pandemic, moving the College forward.
Above all, CCC is a place that does its best to create a better future—not just for our community but for the world beyond. The impact of the institution’s investment in nursing education, for example, is shaping not only the future of its nursing students but the future of community healthcare in the region and state.
It’s been one strange and concerning period for us all, but I find myself inspired by the next chapters of the institution. After reading these pages, I hope you are as well.
I look forward to sharing our stories with you in this and future editions, and I hope you will share your Tiger Nation tales with me via email at announcements@ coahomacc.edu.
Marriel C. Hardy, M.Ed. Chief Communications Officer & Branding Identity
Roar MAGAZINE
FALL/WINTER 2021
CREDITS
President
Valmadge T. Towner, Ph.D.
Editor
Marriel C. Hardy, M.Ed
Copy Editor BulletProof
Editorial Staff
Karen Woods-Done Santana Lee Chaquina Griffin-Taylor Sam Miller Anthony Brooks Sheila Sanders
Graphic Design
Office of Communications & Marketing Staff
Photography
Austin Britt Trent Calvin
Special Acknowledgements
LaShasa Griffin Yolanda Miller Margaret Dixon
CORRESPONDENCE & ADDRESS CHANGES
Coahoma Community College Office of Communications & Marketing 3240 Friars Point Rd. Clarksdale, MS 38614-9359
announcements@coahomacc.edu
Website
www.coahomacc.edu/communications
Let us know what you think!
We want to know what you think of this issue of ROAR Magazine. To share your opinions, email us at: announcements@coahomacc.edu.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Coahoma Community College is an equal opportunity institution in accordance with civil rights and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities and employment opportunities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Michael Houston, Director of Human Resources/Coordinator for 504/ ADA, Title IX Compliance Officer, Office #A100, Vivian M. Presley Administration Building, 3240 Friars Point Road, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614, Phone: (662) 621-4853, email: mhouston@coahomacc.edu. ROAR Magazine is published by the Office of Communications and Marketing and shared with alumni, students, faculty, staff and other members of the Coahoma community. It highlights the many achievements and advancements of the Coahoma Community College family.
WEB SERVICES Ezra Howard ‘93
Faith, family, and function are part of Ezra’s strong wheelhouse that guides his life journey. His rational thinking and logic always help the team advance forward!
OFFICE SUPPORT Sharon Butler ‘83
Always dutiful and attentive, Sharon handles the clerical and office management of communications and marketing. She keeps the OCM office going!
COMMUNICATIONS Melody Dixon ‘13
Pen to paper is the artistic craft that Mel wields. As always, she is committed to bringing life to the written word. With creativity and interesting lead-ins at her disposal, she captivates audiences daily.
SPORTS INFORMATION Terrisa Mark
Moving on a path toward her dreams, Terrisa accepted a position as assistant sports information director at Alabama A&M University this summer. We wish her all the best and are confident that she will do well! Congrats!
RADIO PRODUCTION Kerry Lee ‘12
With his deep baritone voice, Kerry’s tone and robust greetings echo throughout the Coahoma campus! What a gift given by nature!
LET’S GET SOCIAL
Facebook: CCCTigers
Twitter: @_TigerNation
Instagram: @CCCTigers
Youtube: CCCoahoma
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
The Coahoma Community College Office of Communications and Marketing, is a unit of the Office of the President that provides leadership and support to the College in the areas of strategic communications, media relations, publications, marketing, special events, graphic design, and photography. The office is the official and first source of news and information about the College. Its mission is to represent and promote the college and its faculty, students, and programs to a variety of constituents, including employees, alumni, the media, government officials, businesses, students and their families. coahomacc.edu 5
