Mississippi Community College Board

The board approved two memorandums of understanding with Hinds Community College for self-managed construction projects and received updates on the legislative session, appropriations, and bond bills. Additionally, the board discussed various grants, including the Connecting Talent to Opportunity Challenge Grant and the SCC6 Grant. Financial approvals were granted for general fund disbursements, education enhancement fund disbursements, and CTE advantage program disbursements. The board also authorized a new off-campus site for Northwest Mississippi Community College, reviewed athletic reports, approved new academic programs and locations for Pearl River Community College, Mississippi Delta Community College, and Northwest Mississippi Community College, and convened in an executive session to discuss an ongoing investigation.

The board discussed institutional presentations from Pearl River Community College, updates on state appropriations and agency funding legislation, and a demonstration of the new agency website. Other key topics included federal wage and workforce Pell guideline implementation, federal funding for nursing instructor stipends, preliminary enrollment data, and policies for self-managing construction projects. The board also approved financial disbursements, a bridge contract for online proctoring services, and an athletic report covering various sport rankings, as well as holding an executive session regarding an investigation.

This strategic plan outlines the mission of the Mississippi Community College Board (MCCB) to advance the community college system through coordination, support, leadership, and advocacy. The plan aims to foster an environment of excellence to promote world-class education and job training for a prosperous Mississippi. Key strategic pillars include providing leadership and guidance, ensuring effective oversight and direction for its divisions, managing financial and administrative responsibilities, and coordinating various educational programs such as workforce training, career and technical education, and adult education. The plan emphasizes leveraging technology and innovation, fostering accountability and continuous quality improvement, and being responsive to stakeholder needs to deliver accessible, world-class education and job training.

Key discussions centered on the Executive Director's report, which included updates on the 2026 legislative session, budgetary priorities presented during Senate appropriation hearings, and a request for judges for post-secondary student organization competitions. The MACC report highlighted plans for Holmes Community College to open a flight school. The Finance agenda involved the unanimous approval of several disbursements, including General Fund, Education Enhancement Fund, and CTE Advantage funds for January and February 2026. Contract approvals included renewals for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) participation and a revision to the Brainfuse tutoring contract to increase hours. Final approval was also granted for curriculum revisions across several technology clusters to be submitted for Secretary of State review. Travel authorizations for board members were approved, and the session concluded with an executive session to discuss an ongoing investigation.

This document presents comprehensive performance report cards for community and junior colleges across Mississippi. It details metrics across various aspects including student enrollment, degrees awarded, student success (graduation, transfer, and retention), academic progress, workforce development, and community engagement. The report also highlights wage gains for graduates and trainees, and college readiness assessments for students.