Colinian Fall 2024

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Colinian

Volume 50 Issue II | Fall 2024

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Alumni Magazine

Homecoming set for September 26, 2024

The

Colinian Alumni Relations Staff

Table of Contents

Features

Angela Furr, Executive Director Julia Miller, Communications and Alumni Relations Coordinator Sarah Johnson, Finance and Scholarships Coordinator

Schedule announced

4

Alumni Association

Stephenie Sullivan (‘97), President Whitney Clark (‘11), Vice President Robin Mitchell (‘97), Secretary

Athletic Alumni Association Colby Calcote (‘98), President John Harper (‘09), Vice President Maurice Johnson (‘96), Secretary

Homecoming

Family Tradition

7

Softball binds generations

Band & Colette Alumni Chapter

Jessica Breazeale (‘04), President Geralyn Russell (‘01), Vice President Angela Smith (‘94), Secretary

$1 Million

Foundation Board of Directors

Brad Jones, President Elise Munn, Vice President Sarah Johnson, Secretary Charles Hart, Treasurer Shannon Aker, Roshanda Alexander, Susan Berry, James Brown, Andrew Calvit, Scott Christensen, Craig Davis, Stacy Fells, Jr., Craig Gilbert, Aimee Guido, Jaymie Heard, John Hughes, Melton King, Steve McNulty, Aaron Oberschmidt, Morgan Poore, Dr. Troy Stewart, Tammy Torrey, Barry Tyson, Dustin Walker, Marney Walker and Matthew Windham Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the college administration, faculty or students.

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New milestone reached

Inside

From the President Young Reunion Photos New Chapters Launched Director’s Letter Tracking the Classes

3 6 12 13 22

from the President As a new academic year begins, we at CoLin are given the opportunity to look back at the things we have done well and to look forward to the things we can do better.

During the 2023-2024 school year, we saw success throughout our athletic teams with football winning the Heart of Texas bowl game, baseball making it to the second round of playoffs for the first time in many years, tennis competing in the NJCAA tournament, and softball ending the year fourth in the nation. More importantly, our academics saw improvements with an increase in enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. We also had more than 100 student-athletes receive MACCC academic achievement recognition and 69 studentathletes named to the NJCAA all-academic team.

Our Natchez campus was named Business of the Month in May by the City of Natchez, Adams County Board of Supervisors, Natchez Business and Civic League, and NatchezAdams Chamber of Commerce. Natchez also welcomed new leadership as Dr. Pernell Goodwin stepped into the vice president role.

At the Simpson County Center, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $1.4 million in funding to establish an Upward Bound Program. This program serves high school students from low-income families and families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants

complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

It is a great opportunity for our local high Middleton school students and a great way for us to build relationships with the counselors and the principals in the districts our grants serve.

Campus upgrades continue to be at the forefront of our minds. We were able to make some improvements over the past year, including upgraded softball facilities and updated flooring in Copiah Hall.

Currently, MDOT is completing a project on campus that will improve pedestrian traffic. The primary areas needing these additions are high-traffic areas for vehicles and student walkers, including between Fortenberry Career-Technical Building and Stone Stadium. This area is the direct route from the residence halls to Stone Stadium, Fortenberry Building, and the Wesson Building and is walked daily by hundreds of students. There are currently no sidewalks in this area.

As we look to the future, we recently

received a FEMA grant of $1.6 million for phase one to construct a multi-use community saferoom. We have been working on this grant for two years. This facility will be the largest saferoom in the state of Mississippi. This facility will house our men’s and women’s basketball team. We will also hold our graduation ceremonies in this facility, and it will be the future home of our new women’s volleyball program that is coming soon. It is important for us to continue to provide students with quality facilities on all campuses.

Last year, I set a theme for our faculty and staff of “Endless Possibilities,” and they were able to make Co-Lin a better place.

This year, our theme will be “Building on Success.” I am challenging the entire Co-Lin community to leverage the accomplishments of this past year to drive continued growth and improvement. It highlights the importance of building a solid foundation, and it encourages us all to focus on moving the college forward. We all can assist with this effort by telling our story of why Co-Lin is truly the place to be. We have a great team in place. The future of Co-Lin is bright. Let us continue to work hard to build a better Co-Lin for the students and communities we serve.

Co-Lin’s leadership team gathered this summer to prepare for another great year on all three campuses. Pictured are (front, from left) Dr. Pernell Goodwin, vice president of the Natchez campus, Dr. Richard Baker, vice president of business affairs, Bryan Nobile, athletic director and assistant dean of students, JP McInnis, director of technology & information systems; (back) Scarlett Hart, director of communications and special assistant to the president, Julia Parker, director of human resources, Nikki Britt, administrative assistant to the president, Dr. Geanell Adams, dean of workforce education, Angela Furr, executive director of the foundation & alumni relations, Samantha Speeg, dean of students, Dr. Dewayne Middleton, president, Dr. Tiffany Perryman, director of institutional effectiveness and Title IX compliance officer, Dr. Sharolyn Magee, dean of career and technical education, Dr. Anika Floyd, vice president of the Simpson County Center, Jackie Martin, vice president of the Wesson campus, and Dr. Amanda Hood, dean of academic instruction.

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Homecoming Copiah-Lincoln Community College

September 26, 2024

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2

P.M.

ATHLETIC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION H-2, Henley Building

BAND & COLETTE ALUMNI CHAPTER

Natchez Room, Thames Center

3:15 P.M.

Wolf Hall, Thames Center 3:45 - Awards Program 4:45 - Alumni business meeting

Outside Stone Stadium Free food and entertainment

P.M.

P.M.

ALUMNI AWARDS RECEPTION

COMMUNITY-WIDE TAILGATE

6:30

2

CO-LIN vs.

SOUTHWEST

5

Stone Stadium Homecoming Court presentation at halftime

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P.M.

from the Alumni Association President Dear Fellow Colinians, Exciting things are happening at Co-Lin these days. From athletics to academics, success continues to be a theme around campus. We hope you’ll come back soon and see all the exciting things happening on campus.

Planning for Homecoming is well underway, and I look forward to seeing each of you in Wesson on Thursday, September 26 as the Wolves take on Southwest Community College. Keep an eye on the Co-Lin website and socials for more details as homecoming approaches. We will have plenty of fun for the whole fame. Our alumni awards reception at 3:15 p.m. in the Thames Center and the family friendly tailgate at 5 p.m. in Stone Stadium. We are especially looking forward to our Class of 1974’s golden anniversary, so spread the word! It is going to be a great day in Wesson that you do not want to miss!

Additionally, if your class or organization would like to plan a

reunion during Homecoming (or any other time), please contact the alumni office at 601-6438498. Angela, Julia and Sarah will be more than Sullivan happy to assist you.

Lastly, but certainly not least, your participation in the Co-Lin Alumni Association is greatly appreciated. I trust that as alumni we all value our special memories while at Co-Lin. Please join me by continuing to support Co-Lin through your time, your efforts, and most of all by joining the Alumni Association. Your financial support continues to provide experiences for current students that they will remember for a lifetime. This

alumni support ensures that Co-Lin remains “the place to be” for years to come.

We also have some exciting developments with new chapters. Coach Ray Ishee is leading the charge for a football players of the ‘80s chapter with the express goal of fundraising to support today’s football team. We are also in the early stages of developing a chapter for Natchez alumni. If you have a suggestion for an alumni chapter, please reach out, and the alumni office is happy to help facilitate.

Looking forward to seeing each of you in September!

Stephenie Sullivan Co-Lin Alumni Association President Class of 1997

Green inducted into the MS Sports Hall of Fame Victor Green (‘89) and one year with the New of Buford, Georgia, Orleans Saints. Green was was inducted into the inducted into the Co-Lin Mississippi Community Hall of Fame in 2017.

College Sports Hall of Fame Green is also known for in April. his philanthropic work, Green graduated with most notably his Victor an associate degree from Green Foundation, offering Green Copiah-Lincoln Community tutoring, mentoring and College, where he played educational services for football. He continued his kids in need. He was awarded education at Akron University, the Key to the City of Americus where he earned a bachelor’s (Georgia) because of his work degree in political science and in his hometown community. criminal justice. During his time Americus also named a street after on the Akron football team, he him, Victor Green No. 21 Drive. served as team captain in 1991.

Green was honored along with Green went on to spend 11 years President Jimmy Carter in a salute in the NFL, including nine years to “Americus Greats.” with the New York Jets, where he “You always like to be started as strong safety. He led the acknowledged for the work you’ve NFL in tackles in 1995 and 1996, done,” he said. “I’m grateful for and he set a team record with people that voted for me, and 20 tackles. He was named “Best I’ll represent the Mississippi Strong Safety” in Jets history and Community College Hall of Fame was honored by being placed on with the utmost respect.” the Jets Four Decades Team. He Green and his wife Esther is on the “Iron Man List” for 180 have three children, Kennedy, consecutive games played in his Victoria and Elijah, and three career. Green also spent a year grandchildren, Lincoln, Tatum and with the New England Patriots, Cairo.

Photo from 1989 Trillium

Defensive back Victor Green of Americus, GA, tries to cool off.

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Coach Gwyn Young Reunion

Former basketball players came back to campus to celebrate Coach Gwyn Young this past spring. He retired in 2023 after leading the women’s basketball program for 47 years and racking up more than 1,000 career wins. After the event held in the Thames Center, Coach Young was presented with a proclamation commemorating 1,000 wins by Senator Chris Caughman.

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SOFTBALL: A FAMILY TRADITION

by Julia V. Miller julia.miller@colin.edu In 1993, a teenage Renee Dunn stepped on Co-Lin’s campus excited about her new place as No. 24 on the Lady Wolves softball team.

She spent the next two years developing close friendships with her teammates, practicing in what they called the desert between the baseball field and what is now Copiah Hall, and focused on competing at the highest level possible. When her time on the team came to an end and she graduated in 1995, she never imagined that another softball team would ever mean quite as much to her as the 1994 and 1995 teams did.

That all changed in 2022 when her daughter, Abby Grace Richardson, made the decision to follow in her footsteps, picking up the same number for the same team.

“My parents did not want to affect my decision to come to Co-Lin,” Abby Grace said.

“They wanted me to go where I felt was best.”

It didn’t take long after the decision was made for Renee to start celebrating, though.

“I was tickled to death when she decided to go,” she said.

For both women, the success of their Co-Lin careers relied heavily on the talents of their coaches. Renee played for David Smith and Johnny Williams. In her freshman year, the team took home a state title and earned runnerup to the Region 23 crown.

She also was named the best defensive player. Her sophomore year, they earned

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“

[Abby Grace’s] determination, grit and tenacity amaze me, and I could not be prouder that she chose my alma mater.

”

Renee Richardson Class of 1995

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Left: Renee Dunn Richardson prepares to bat during her time on the Co-Lin Softball team. Right: (From left) Abby Grace Richardson, Johnny Williams, and Renee celebrate Co-Lin’s first national championship

the best division record in the state and finished fourth in the state tournament.

“They both made sure that we had a good time, and that we took it seriously.

We couldn’t slack off.

For Abby Grace, playing for Meleah Howard was a dream come true.

“Coach Mel coached against me when I was in 7th and 8th grade, and I knew then that I wanted to play for her one day,” she said. “I felt like she would grow me to get me to my best potential to move on to the

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next level.”

The past two years have been unprecedented in Co-Lin softball with the 2023 team bringing home Co-Lin’s first national championship and the 2024 team making it to the top 4 in the national tournament after securing the 2024 MACCC regular season championship.

In her time at Co-Lin, AG was the 2024 MACCC Player of the Year, a three-time MACCC player of the Week, two-time NJCAA Third Team All-American, NJCAA

Tournament MVP & Most Outstanding Offensive Player, two-time First Team All-MACCC & All-Region 23, NFCA All-South Region and First Team AllAmerican. Richardson also finished her two years academically with a 3.80 GPA and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-American team.

“Winning a national championship was very unreal,” she said. “We started from the beginning of the season knowing that

was the end goal — it’s obviously everybody’s end goal — but us actually accomplishing that and getting there, still doesn’t feel real.”

In addition to quality coaches, the two women also shared a close connection with their teammates.

“I am still friends with those girls to this day,” Renee said. “We were in each other’s weddings.”

This camaraderie is what Abby Grace will miss most as she prepares for her next steps.

“You’ll always love and miss the girls,” she said. “We talk to the sophomores from last year, and I still see the freshman from this year. They will always be in my life, and they will always be a big part of my success. For that, I’m very grateful.”

“And her and Madison [Moak] played together since they were seven,” Renee added. “So that’s about 12 years. That’s been fun to watch them for so many years grow up together.”

For Renee, seeing her daughter perform competitively for the same team she once dedicated her time to has been a beautiful experience, even though she is quick to point out that it is much harder being a parent than a player.

“I’m beyond proud of her,” she said. “She has a God given talent, and she takes every opportunity of her success to give Him the glory.

Her determination, grit and tenacity amaze me, and I could not be prouder that she chose my alma mater as a platform. I’m so excited to see what this next step of her softball career holds, and I’m incredibly thankful to have a front seat to it all.”

During the years that separated the two women’s teams, many aspects of the game have changed, but there is one thing that Renee says remains the same.

“Even when I played, people supported the program,” she said. “The school was very supportive of the program, and that has done nothing but grow since I played. That support base from the administration down is still there, and I do believe that contributes to their success.”

After graduating with an associate’s degree in 1995, Renee Dunn Richardson enrolled in the ADN program at Co-Lin graduating again in 1997.

Abby Grace graduated from Co-Lin this spring and intends to pursue a degree in biological cell science at Mississippi State while competing on their softball team.

Top: Renee Dunn Richardson and Abby Grace Richardson celebrate AG’s record-breaking home run ball. Above left: Renee and the 1994-1995 softball team. Above right: Abby Grace and her 2024 softball team. Opposite page, left: Renee runs home. Opposite page, center top: Renee fields a ball during practice. Opposite page center bottom, Abby Grace tosses a ball during a game.

Opposite page, right: Abby Grace hypes up her teammates.

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Goodwin named Natchez Campus VP Copiah-Lincoln Community College has named Dr. Pernell Goodwin Vice President of the Natchez Campus effective May 1, 2024. Dr. Goodwin boasts over a decade of experience in post-secondary education.

“We are excited to officially welcome Dr. Goodwin to the Co-Lin family,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in higher education which will serve as an asset as he looks to strengthen and grow the Natchez campus. I feel confident that the future is bright for CoLin in Natchez.”

Dr. Goodwin has most recently served as Executive Director of Student Engagement at Belhaven University. He supervised all student development departments including student events, community service, Goodwin organizations, student leadership, and international care. He served as the principal and leading executive management team member to the Vice President for Student Development and initiated special projects to engage and retain students. In previous roles at Belhaven, Dr. Goodwin served as Director of Students Events and Professor.

Dr. Goodwin’s experience also includes serving as Director of Upward Bound at Hinds Community College — Utica Campus; Coordinator of Graduate and Transfer Admissions and Senior Admissions Counselor/Recruiter at Mississippi Valley State University; and Academic Advisor and Professor at Jackson State University. He also served our country as Crew Chief in the United States Air Force.

Dr. Goodwin earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Jackson State University, a master’s degree in higher education administration from Mississippi College, and a doctorate degree in urban higher education from Jackson State University.

He was a 2023 honoree of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Higher Education Administration master’s program at Mississippi College. His professional affiliations include Alpha Epsilon Lambda Honor Society, Association of Christians in Student Development, and Mississippi Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers.

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Two new alumni chapters established Over the summer, two new alumni chapters were created to help support the college. Coach Ray Ishee is looking for former football players to join a chapter that he hopes will support today’s football program. Natchez staff and alumni have also joined to create a Natchez area alumni chapter to help support their local campus.

decade of football players.

Natchez Area Alumni For more than 50 years, Co-Lin has operated a campus in Natchez, and now leadership at the campus is looking for a formal way to connect with local alumni.

The chapter is open to alumni from any Co-Lin campus that currently reside Coach Ray Ishee’s Football Players of in or around Adams County. The goal the 1980s of this group is to support the local The idea for the ‘80s football players campus by increasing visibility in the chapter has been community and spearheaded by Ray assisting with the Ishee, who coached annual Natchez the Co-Lin Wolf Golf Classic.

Pack during that No one can tell decade. He joined the Co-Lin’s story team as defensive better than the coordinator in 1979 people who have and was promoted been impacted by to head coach and Co-Lin, whether athletic director in that is in Natchez, 1985. He remained Wesson, or in that position until Simpson County. he was named dean Area alumni of students in 1990. may be asked In five seasons as to represent head coach, Ishee Co-Lin at the led the team to a 37many events 17-1 record. Co-Lin held throughout made the playoffs Natchez four times in five The chapter years under Ishee’s will also assist leadership, winning the Foundation’s division titles in annual golf classic 1986 and 1989 and which is held in both the MACJC April at Beau Pre’. championship and Funds raised at East Bowl in 1985. this event directly Ishee recognizes benefit the the giving potential Natchez campus. that many of his Dues for this former players have chapter are $10 a to support today’s year.

Photos from past Trillium editions football program.

“We are excited Top: Coach Ray Ishee leads the From equipment to to launch these Wolves to a successful season in scholarships, the two new alumni 1987. Bottom: Typing and other chapter’s purpose chapters,”said business courses are offered at Co- Julia Miller, will primarily be Lin Natchez in 1974. to fund raise. He’s alumni relations calling on former coordinator. “We players to remember what they were are always looking for ways to engage able to accomplish through dedicated with Co-Lin’s alumni, and we appreciate teamwork and look at this as another the initiative of individuals to create opportuniity to work together for Cothese two new groups. We have had Lin. many people support the college over the The chapter’s dues are $50 and years, and we’re looking to help connect additional giving is encouraged. As a the next generation of Co-Lin alumni.” member of the group, you will be the For more information about joining first to know about any events and the Alumni Association or one of these reunions that are scheduled for this chapters, visit www.colin.edu.

from the Director Hello Alumni and Friends, It’s a wonderful day to be a wolf! The Foundation recently celebrated the end of the fiscal year with another recordbreaking year of donations received and direct support given to the college. As you will see in the story on page 18, the Foundation exceeded one million dollars in donations for the first time since the late nineties. This milestone is especially remarkable because this year’s total did not include lump-sum gifts like the transformational Taylor and Pitts family gifts in the ‘90s, but instead came from a variety of sources including individual donations, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events. This reflects the effort of our whole team at Co-Lin, including the Foundation’s staff, alumni chapters, coaches, faculty, staff and board members.

Unprecedented giving means we are able to provide

The Foundation office celebrates $1 million in donations during the fiscal year ending June 30. more support to the college than ever before. This past year, the Foundation awarded more than $1 million to the college through scholarships, instructional and athletic support and building projects on all three campuses. That is why we do what we do, and it would not be possible without

you, our generous alumni and community supporters.

Foundation giving has continued to increase over the past ten years, nearly doubling where we were five years ago.

Thank you for supporting CoLin! I can’t wait to see where we go from here.

As we look ahead to a new

academic year, we welcome the opportunity to cultivate the next generation of CoLin alumni. We want our new students to have the same memorable experience at Co-Lin that you and I did.

To do that, we humbly ask for your continued support.

Whether that includes your presence at a campus event, your involvement in the Alumni Association, or your financial support through the Foundation, we need you. I hope you will join us as we strive to keep Co-Lin the Place to Be.

Angela Davis Furr (‘02) Executive Director of Foundation | Alumni Relations

The 2024-2025 Foundation Board of Directors gathered for their first quarterly meeting in July. Present were (from left) Angela Furr, executive director of the Foundation, Dr. Anika Floyd, vice president of the Simpson County Center, Dr. Pernell Goodwin, vice president of the Natchez campus, Barry Tyson, Roshanda Alexander, Elise Munn, Aaron Oberschmidt, Dr. Richard Baker, vice president of business affairs, Brad Jones, board president, Dr. Dewayne Middleton, Co-Lin president, Charles Hart, board treasurer, John Hughes, Melton King, Dustin Walker, Shannon Aker, Craig Gilbert, Andrew Calvit, Jaymie Heard and Dr. Troy Stewart.

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Six inducted into Hall of Fame The Co-Lin Foundation inducted six new members into its Hall of Fame this spring.

Those inducted for the 2023 class were Dr. Stephanie and Mr. Brent Duguid, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Farmer, Pam Jones Reid, Susie Jones Patrick, Leisa Stuart McElreath, Mary Primos, Rex Lumber and Richard Womack Construction.

Two Hall of Fame members were also recognized for reaching new giving levels.

Mary Jane James was elevated to Visionary, and Barbara Ann Richardson was elevated to Benefactor.

Dr. Stephanie and Mr. Brent Duguid Dr. Stephanie and Brent Duguid were honored for their contributions to the Marjorie Aiken Rector Memorial Scholarship established in memory of Stephanie’s mother.

Dr. Duguid is a speaker and professional development specialist for her own company, Do Good Leadership, focused on Exponentially Elevating the Impact of Women in Educational Leadership.

Brent is a part owner of Grace Foam Solutions, a Wesson company.

The Duguids have been married for 26 years and have three children: Jocelynn, Brendon and Dalton.

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dunn Chris and Morgan Dunn were honored for their contributions to the Back the Pack capital campaign for athletics.

Dunn attended Co-Lin where he earned an associate’s degree before attending William Carey University to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in finance and economics.

He is a 2005 graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking, conducted at the University of Mississippi. In 2012, Dunn earned a Master of Business Administration degree from William Carey University.

He also completed studies at the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending, held at Vanderbilt University; and the Graduate School of Banking, conducted at Louisiana

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State University. In 2013, he completed the National Commercial Lending School at Southern Methodist University.

Dunn currently serves as the Senior Lending Officer for Peoples Bank in Magee, where he has worked for 17 years.

His wife Morgan, owns Vestra, LLC, a healthcare company located in Magee. They are also the owners of Zip’s Restaurant which has been in their family for over 60 years.

The Dunns reside in Magee with their three children: Sawyer, Ava and Wynn. Sawyer is currently a member of the Co-Lin baseball team. They attend Goodwater Baptist Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Farmer Gene and Marie Farmer were honored for their contributions to the Gene and Marie Farmer Scholarship.

Gene graduated from CoLin in 1955 before attending Mississippi State University, where he received a degree in engineering. He worked in three different research groups at Caterpillar: transmission performance and endurance; controls and fluid mechanics; and engine development and cooling systems. A highlight of his career was conducting the first air conditioner test for all Caterpillar machines.

Marie graduated from CoLin in 1956 before attending Mississippi College for Women and Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she received a degree in home economics. She worked as a pre-school teacher for 10 years.

After retirement in 1989, they moved back to Mississippi where they raised cattle until 2004, then planted pine trees. Gene is a long-time member and past president of the Boggan Ridge Water Association. They are both active members of Strong River Baptist Church in Pinola. The Farmers have four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Pam Jones Reid and Susie Jones Patrick Pam Jones Reid and Susie Jones Patrick are

CUTLINE: The Co-Lin Foundation inducted six new members into its Hall of Fame at a banquet held March 30 at the Thames Center on the college’s Wesson Campus. Members of the 2023 class pictured were (front, from left) Mark Isbell, Rex Lumber general manager, Ed Weiner, Rex Lumber operations manager, Michelle and Richard Womack, of Richard Womack Construction, Barbara Ann Richardson; (second row) Lorraine Stephenson, Rex Lumber HR manager and Joe Dan Leggett, Rex Lumber procurement manager, Leisa Stuart McElreath; (third row) Mary Jane James and Dr. Stephanie and Brent Duguid. being honored for their contributions to the Tommie and Mary Ellen Jones Memorial Scholarship,established in memory of their parents.

Tommie Jones attended Co-Lin in 1948, and he and his daughters and each one of his six grandchildren are Brookhaven High School graduates. Reid and Patrick were both employed at Co-Lin, Reid as humanities instructor and division chair, and Patrick as college navigator. Reid retired in 2016 after 25 years of service at the college and Patrick retired after serving 10 years in education.

Reid and her husband, Terry, live in Wesson. Patrick and her husband, Stan, live in Hattiesburg.

Leisa Stuart McElreath Leisa Stuart McElreath was honored for her contributions to the Ellis A. Stuart, Sr. and Myrtis W. Stuart Scholarship.

McElreath, originally from Hazlehurst, is a graduate of Copiah-Lincoln High School, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Phillips Junior College, and the University of Mississippi. She is currently completing a graduate degree at Delta State University.

She is a successful business owner and community leader.

She currently serves as the Chair of the Mississippi Crime Stoppers Advisory Council, member of the Oxford Lafayette County Crime Stoppers Board and the Copiah–Lincoln Community College Alumni Association.

She also volunteers her time serving in organizations on the local, state, and national levels for veterans’ concerns.

She is married to Dr. David H. McElreath, a professor at Ole Miss who currently serves as vice chair of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board. The McElreaths live in Oxford and have three daughters and three grandchildren.

Mary Primos Mary Primos was honored for her contributions to the Co-Lin Foundation’s annual fund.

Primos, originally of Strong Hope, graduated from CoLin in 1973 before attending Mississippi State University.

She continued her education at Mississippi College where she graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in education.

Induction continued on page 22

Foundation Golf Classics

This spring, the Foundation hosted three golf tournaments to raise money and support efforts on Co-Lin’s three campuses. With more than 200 golfers participating, these tournaments were able to bring in $22,000.

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Hole in One

A highlight of the Natchez Golf Classic was when Grant McDonnieal, who played on Taylor Power’s team, hit a hole in one, winning a $10,000 cash prize.

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Foundation reaches $1 million in donations

“

Each dollar given to the Foundation allows us to meet the growing needs of the college whether it be through student scholarships, purchasing much needed equipment for our academic and career-tech programs, or updating our technology and facilities.

Dr. Dewayne Middleton, Co-Lin President

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”

The Co-Lin Foundation recently celebrated $1 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Those present for the celebration included (from left) Foundation Executive Director Angela Furr, Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton, Foundation Board President Lauren Adkins, Foundation Vice President Brad Jones and Foundation Treasurer Charles Hart.

The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation received more than $1 million in donations during the 2023-2024 fiscal year for the first time since the late ‘90s. The Foundation’s Board of Directors and college administrators celebrated following their July Board meeting.

The annual total did not stem from lump sum gifts, which was the case of the transformational Taylor and Pitts family gifts to the college in the ‘90s, but instead came from a variety of sources including individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events and athletic camps. Giving to the Foundation has increased steadily over the past ten years, nearly doubling its total from five years ago.

“I am thrilled to reach such a big milestone this year. This is the result of a great effort of our whole team at Co-Lin,” said Angela Furr, who has served as executive director of the Foundation since 2018. “I am especially thankful for the hard work of our Foundation staff, coaches, board members and all those who have helped us reach this point.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, alumni and corporate partners who continue to support the college and our students.”

This past year’s giving has assisted in unprecedented support for the college.

During the year ending June 30, the Foundation awarded nearly half a million in scholarships to students and faculty, more than $250,000 to athletics and $150,000 in other direct support of the college. Furr said she looks forward to seeing the Foundation provide even more support to the college in the coming years.

Co-Lin Foundation President Lauren Adkins echoed Furr’s sentiments. “This milestone represents an unprecedented level of support for the Foundation and its mission to enhance educational opportunities for all students thanks to generous alumni, community members and corporate partners,” Adkins said. “The Foundation’s board of directors, faculty and students extend their heartfelt thanks to all contributors for their unwavering support.

The generosity displayed will make a lasting difference in the lives of countless students, opening doors to new opportunities and enabling them to reach their full potential.”

These gifts help make it possible for the college to continue creating new programs, providing scholarships to students, and making improvements to its campuses.

State funding and tuition revenue does not cover all the costs associated with running the college, and the Foundation helps bridge those gaps.

The Co-Lin Foundation staff and our generous donors are vital to our success here at the college,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Each dollar given to the Foundation allows us to meet the growing needs of the college whether it be through student scholarships, purchasing much needed equipment for our academic and career-tech programs, or updating our technology and facilities. Without the support of our donors, we simply could not do all that we do to make Co-Lin The Place To Be.”

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New Scholarships

Danny Moseley Memorial Annual Scholarship established Peoples Bank, headquartered in Mendenhall, recently established the Danny Moseley Memorial Annual Scholarship with the Co-Lin Foundation.

Moseley, who passed away in 2023, was a 1974 graduate of Co-Lin and worked as an insurance executive and real estate developer.

Moseley was active in numerous business and economic development endeavors. He and his business partner, David Keyes, founded Insurance Associates in Magee in 1977. Moseley served in leadership roles in numerous community and industry organizations. He served 20 years on the Simpson County Economic Development board, including two terms as president. He was president of the Magee Chamber of Commerce and the Magee Lions Club. He served on the Charter HealthTrust Board of Magee General Hospital and as President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi. He was most recently the Chairman of the Board of Peoples Bank.

He was a former member of Dry Creek Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher and a member of the choir.

He later became a member of First Baptist Church of Magee.

The Danny Moseley Memorial Annual Scholarship was recently established with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation by Peoples Bank. On hand for the presentation were (from left) his children: Melanie Moseley Rankin, Charity Moseley Wallace, Ashley Moseley; Peoples Bank President/CEO Dennis Ammann; Co-Lin President Dr. Dwayne Middleton, Co-Lin Simpson County Center Vice President Dr. Anika Floyd, and Co-Lin Foundation Executive Director, Angela Furr.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to three students attending the Co-Lin Simpson County Center. Each student must be a graduate of an accredited high school in Simpson County and have achieved at

least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. These students must be on an academic track to achieve a two-year degree or plan to transfer to a four-year institution following the completion of their coursework at Co-Lin.

Rotary honors Mark Anderson with scholarship The Mark Anderson Memorial Annual Scholarship was recently established with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation by the Brookhaven/Lincoln County Rotary Club. The scholarship was established to benefit a graduate of a high school in Lincoln, Copiah, Franklin or Lawrence counties with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Anderson was an executive in the telecommunications sector. While employed there, he lived and worked in several parts of the world including Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the former Soviet Union for almost 15 years. After rising through the management chain in the Fortune 500 corporate world working at Nortel Networks, he established his own successful telecommunication company with office headquarters in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan that provided international satellite communication

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services to major U.S. and foreign oil and gas companies in the Caspian Sea region.

He retired at age 50 and settled in Brookhaven with his wife Dr. Shahla FataliyevaAnderson, where he dedicated his time to the Brookhaven/ Lincoln County Rotary Club.

Anderson joined the Rotary Club of Brookhaven in 2000, was a Paul Harris Fellow, and lived out the Rotarian motto of “Service Above Self.” Being selected to serve as Rotary District 6820 Governor was not only an honor, but his personal mission to give back to those who had given to him.

Foundation Executive Director Angela Furr is a past president of the club and spoke about Anderson’s legacy while recognizing his wife Shahla at the July 11 club meeting.

“Mark was so passionate about Rotary, and I think we all can agree this club is better because of him,” Furr said. “I know he would be pleased that students will benefit from this

The Mark Anderson Memorial Annual Scholarship was recently established with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation by the Brookhaven/Lincoln County Rotary Club. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Angela Furr, Foundation executive director; Dr. Shahla FatliyeveaAnderson, Anderson’s wife; John Burns, Rotary president; and Clyde Sbravati, Rotary past president. scholarship in his memory.”

“He was quiet but would surprise you with the small things he remembered,” said club member Clyde Sbravati.

“If you put time and energy into this organization, you get a lot out of it. Friendships, like I had with Mark, are the most important benefit I’ve had.”

Foundation Board

New members elected to Board of Directors The Co-Lin Foundation recently elected six new members to its board of directors: Roshanda Alexander, Craig Davis, Craig Gilbert, Jaymie Heard, Aaron Oberschmidt and Matthew “Zip” Windham.

Roshanda Alexander Roshanda Alexander, of Sontag, is a 1997 graduate of Co-Lin, a 1997 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and a 2003 Alcorn State University graduate, where she received a Master of Science in nursing education. She currently works as an instructor in Co-Lin’s Associate Degree Nursing program.

Alexander was a member of the 2023 MS Department of Education curriculum writing team for health sciences, a MS HOSA executive board member in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and a member of the MS HOSA competitive event management team since 2016. She was named the MS HOSA Advisor of the Year in 2019 and 2022, the Lawrence County Technology and Career Center Teacher of the Year in 2019, the Lawrence County High School Star Teacher in 2018, the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year in 2015 and the Tobacco School Nurse of the Year in 2006.

She and her husband, Cedric, have two children: Halle and Caleb Alexander.

Craig Davis Craig Davis, of Monticello, is a 1983 Co-Lin graduate, a 1985 graduate of the Mississippi State University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, and a 2010 graduate of William Carey University, where he received a Master of Education. Before retirement, he was a teacher at Lawrence County High School.

Davis received the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award by the D.A.R. in 1992, the Lawrence County School District Teacher of the Year in 2005, and the Mississippi Economic Council Star Teacher in 1992, 1997, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2016. He also served as an alderman for the Town of Monticello from 2005-2013.

He and his wife, Rachel, have three children: Joseph Summers, Zachary Summers and Payton Davis.

Craig Gilbert Craig Gilbert, of Natchez, received an associate’s degree from Hinds Community College where he was named drafting/ surveying student of the year in 2014. He works as operations manager for Good Hope Recovery and a real estate agent for National Land Realty.

Gilbert is a member and vice president

The Co-Lin Foundation welcomes new board members: (from left) Craig Gilbert, Roshanda Alexander, Aaron Oberschmidt, Jaymie Heard, Matthew “Zip” Windham, and (not pictured) Craig Davis. of the Beau Pre’ Country Club and Homeowners Association. He and his wife, Lynsey, have two children: Tripp and Baylor.

Jaymie Heard Jaymie Heard, of Wesson, is a 1999 graduate of Co-Lin, and received three degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi: a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2003, a Master of Nursing Executive in 2009, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2012. He is the Chief Nursing Officer at King’s Daughters Medical Center.

Heard is a member of the Mississippi Hospital Association’s Organization for Nurse Leaders and nurse extern program, the American Hospital Association, the Mississippi Nurses Association, National Association of Healthcare Quality and Clear Branch Baptist Church. He was also named Nurse Leader of the Year by the Mississippi Hospital Association.

He and his wife, Amy, have one son: Jackson.

Matthew “Zip” Windham Matthew “Zip” Windham, of Magee, is a 2007 graduate of Co-Lin where he was selected to the student Hall of Fame and was voted Mr. Co-Lin and student body president. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Mississippi College. He is an administrative director for Simpson General Hospital in Mendenhall.

Windham is a Boswell Regional Center’s Friends & Family Association board

member, Simpson County Development Foundation member and Mississippi Rural Hospital Alliance member.

He and his wife, Meggan, have three children: John Prince, Asher and Magnolia Grace.

Aaron Oberschmidt Aaron Oberschmidt, of Wesson, is a 2003 graduate of Co-Lin, where he was a member of the baseball team. While at Co-Lin, he was named a Distinguished Academic All-American & All Region 23. He received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2005 and a Master of Business Administration from USM in 2013. He graduated from the University of Mississippi’s School of Banking in 2011. He is market president at Trustmark National Bank in Hazlehurst.

Oberschmidt is a member of the Copiah County Economic Development District board and Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and he is the treasurer for the Wesson Athletic Foundation. He previously was a council member of the MS Young Bankers Association.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have two children: Slade and Elliot.

“I am excited to add these new members to our board,” Angela Furr, executive director of the Co-Lin Foundation, said. “Each one brings a unique skill set and network to the table that I look forward to utilizing in our efforts to support the college.”

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Tracking the classes Congratulations

Dain and Morgan Poore (‘09) welcomed a baby girl, Margo Louise, on Feb. 12, 2024. Morgan currently serves on the CoLin Foundation Board of Directors.

Jessica Bueto Breazeale (‘03) was awarded the 2024 Bud Kirkpatrick Practitioner of the Year Award from the Pine Belt Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi.

Tripp Case (‘18) has been named Co-Lin’s head tennis coach.

Breazeale

Chandler Dillard (‘18) has been named head coach of Ridgeland High School’s baseball team.

Adam and Emily Chamblee welcomed a baby girl, Mary Leighton, on March 27, 2024.

Adam is the head baseball coach at Co-Lin.

Case

Stacie Reid Case (‘99) was honored as the MDE Teacher of the Year for Topeka-Tilton Attendance Center.

Dillard Franklin

Mary Catherine Franklin (‘10, ‘16) has been named Co-Lin’s cheer coach and enrollment services specialist.

Reed

Jake Reed (‘12) has been named head coach of Columbia High School’s boys basketball team.

New Arrivals

Beeson

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Freeman

Calcote

Cupit

Nobile Kyle (‘19) and Katy Cupit (‘19) welcomed a baby girl, Ally Lanelle Cupit, on May 23, 2024. Grandmothers Shanna Clark and Amy Cupit are both instructors at Co-Lin.

Bryan and Shelby Nobile (‘13) welcomed a daughter, Ella Browning, on July 5. Nobile is the athletic director at Co-Lin. Nobile

Jamie (‘09, ‘18) and Rebecca Lambert welcomed a baby boy, Dunaway Bryson Isaiah, on Jan. 3, 2024.

Jamie is a computer science instructor.

Adam (‘16) and Rebecca Hamilton (‘16) welcomed a baby girl, Adeline Cate, on Feb. 6, 2024.

Jonathan and Claire Freeman (‘14) welcomed a baby girl, Ava Jane, on April 22, 2024.

Grandfather JP McInnis (‘88) is the director of technology for the college.

Rials

Sidney (‘19) and Laura Leigh Chaffin welcomed a baby boy, John Houston, on June 3, 2024.

Seth and Amber Beall welcomed a baby boy, Hugh Franklin, on Dec. 13, 2023. Amber is the assistant softball coach.

Caleb (‘14) and Susanna Dunaway (‘14) welcomed a baby girl, Heidi Anne, on Dec. 14, 2023.

Jake (‘16) and Abby Rials (‘17) welcomed a baby girl, Clary Jean, on April 22, 2024. Abby is the culinary instructor on the Wesson campus.

Chamblee

Brett (‘17) and Taylor Calcote (‘19) welcomed a baby girl, Loxley Taylor, on April 28, 2024.

Wedding Bells

Jon Beeson (’08) and Huntleigh Foster (’20) were married on Oct. 21, 2023.

Riely (‘20) and Laina Case (‘20) welcomed a baby girl, Parker Alane, on March 25, 2024.

Grandfather Daniel Case is the director of physical plant for the college.

Lambert

Send your alumni news and photos to Julia Miller, at julia.miller@colin.edu.

Please provide class year(s) and a phone number for verification.

On the Cover Just in time for football season, the Co-Lin wolves have had a makeover. Come help Mr. and Miss Wolf cheer on the Wolf Pack during homecoming festivities on September 26.

In Memoriam

Robert Howard Smith (‘50) passed away Nov. 19, 2023.

James Ewing (‘54) passed away Jan. 20, 2024.

Vivian Lovie Plunkett (attended) passed away May 3, 2024.

Joe Frank Robbins (‘66) passed away Dec. 7, 2023.

Heather Alison Karcaka (attended) passed away Jan. 28, 2024.

Bishop Cantrell Quinteze Durr (attended) passed away May 4, 2024.

Smith

Jean Marie Lewis (attended) passed away Dec. 9, 2023.

Shirley Selman Kirby (‘72) passed away Jan. 11, 2024.

Harold Morris (attended) passed away Jan. 11, 2024.

Roy Laron Russell III (attended) passed away Jan. 28, 2024.

Robbins

William David Garrett Jr. (attended) passed away Jan. 19, 2024.

Garrett

Vallie Clark Prestridge (attended) passed away Feb. 29, 2024.

Karcaka

Johnny Campbell (‘66) passed away March 15, 2024.

Brown

J Carmon “Sandy” Cowart (‘55) passed away Jan. 20, 2024.

Samuel “Eric” Storm (‘83) passed away April 21, 2024.

Mary Louise Batton Williams (‘41) passed away May 24, 2024.

Plunkett

James C. Nix (‘55) passed away May 26, 2024.

David Addison “Bubba” Reed (attending) passed away April 17, 2024.

Cowart

Storm

Marilyn Brumfield Mullins (attended) passed away May 11, 2024.

Aaron Jerome Brown (attended) passed away March 2, 2024.

Mark Samuel Eady (‘77) passed away Jan. 12, 2024.

Robert “Bob” Freeman (attended) passed away Jan. 17, 2024.

Ewing

Reed

Mark LaFrancis (‘72) passed away June 7, 2024. LaFrancis was the former Director of Public Information for the Natchez campus.

Marcie Parrett Errington (‘04) passed away July 20, 2024.

Nix

Errington

Induction continued from page 14 After a career in radio, marketing and advertising, Primos is retired. She enjoys teaching Reformer Pilates, gardening, cooking, horseback riding, traveling, calling elk and elk hunting. She was honored as Co-Lin’s Alumna of the Year in 2013. She and her husband, Will, live in Madison.

Rex Lumber Rex Lumber was honored for its contributions to the Robert and Kathryn McRae/ Rex Lumber Annual Scholarship.

W. D. McRae established Rex Lumber Company in 1926 in Graceville, Florida. The mill started out as a Cypress

Sawmill and later became an Oak Flooring manufacturer.

Three of the McRae sons — J. C., Wilson and Robert — continued to run the business.

Upon the retirement of J.C. in 1969 and Wilson in 1971, their interests were sold to Robert’s children – Robert, Jr., Finley and Suzanne.

In 2009, Rex Lumber purchased a Southern Yellow Pine Sawmill in Brookhaven, Mississippi and upgraded the facility for improved high quality, high volume Southern Yellow Pine lumber manufacturing and is now leading the industry in safety, quality and production.

Richard Womack Construction Richard Womack Construction was honored for its contributions to the Donald Womack Legacy Scholarship.

Richard is a 1989 graduate of Magee High School. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology. He served in the Mississippi Air National Guard and served on active duty during Operation Desert Storm.

Womack gave his life to Jesus Christ in 2003 and shortly after assisted in planting Overflow Church in

Magee and Embrace Church in Forest. He started a nonprofit organization called One:Ten Vision which planted 26 churches in Peru, Kenya and Uganda. It also established an orphanage in Kenya that provided a home for up to 34 children.

Womack founded Richard Womack Construction in 2006 and has completed several projects since then including the Co-Lin Simpson County Center building addition in 2019.

The Womacks have three children: Crystal Cook, 28, Garrett Boone, 26, and Hannah Womack, 24.

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P.O. Box 649 • Wesson, MS 39191-0649

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Contact the alumni office at 601-643-8498