Cynthia Logan

The Board received the President's report detailing institutional updates, staff recognitions, and grant achievements. Key actions included the approval of full-time faculty employment for the 2026-2027 academic year, the establishment of a new course on child maltreatment and advocacy, and the revision of the athletic drug testing policy. Additionally, the Board authorized a utility easement for the Kemper County Board of Supervisors and conducted initial reviews of the upcoming academic year's college catalog and student handbook.

The meeting included reports from the President covering legislative updates, appropriations for community project funding, and grant activities. Key business items approved included the acceptance of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding, engagement of WGK Engineering for the Scooba Campus parking lot project, and an easement offer from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Additionally, the board conducted an initial review of the revised Athletic Drug Testing Policy, received a presentation on the FY25 Audit, and set the date for the upcoming May board meeting.

The meeting included reports from the President regarding legislative updates affecting community colleges, SACSCOC accreditation processes, updates on football scheduling, student achievements, and information on upcoming campus events. The Board established the Finance Committee and approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar. Additionally, trustees were reminded of the upcoming deadline for filing statements of economic interest and the date for the next board meeting was set.

This Strategic Road Map for East Mississippi Community College outlines its long-term direction, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities across university-parallel, career-technical, and workforce programs. The plan aims to establish the college as a standard of excellence, guided by core values of leadership, excellence, access, and freedom. It addresses key environmental factors and is structured around three strategic priorities: Instructional Excellence, Organizational Effectiveness, and Community Engagement & Outreach, with objectives to ensure quality instruction, optimize facilities, support staff, and foster strategic partnerships.

The East Mississippi Community College Strategic Road Map, Journey 2025, outlines strategies and objectives for the period 2019-2024. The plan focuses on three strategic priorities: Academic Excellence (improving student learning and fostering a student-centered culture); Organizational Effectiveness (ensuring financial stability, maintaining infrastructure, streamlining processes, and supporting employee growth); and Community Engagement & Outreach (strengthening external communication, fostering partnerships, and enhancing alumni engagement). The plan addresses challenges such as declining population, low workforce participation rates, and the need for stronger K-12 partnerships. It emphasizes providing quality instruction, academic support, and wraparound services to students, while also leveraging technology and innovative course delivery models. The plan aims to establish EMCC as the standard of excellence for comprehensive community colleges in Mississippi.