2023 December Warrior web

WARRIOR THE The Official Publication of the East Central Community College Alumni Association Volume XXXII, No. 1 • December 2023

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HOCO ‘23

S ee P hotos and F eatures F rom T his Y ear ’ s H omecoming F estivities inside !

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A Message From the President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

As another calendar year ends, we reflect on how far we’ve come as individuals and where we hope to be in the coming year. The same holds true for our college collectively. 2023 has been a good year for the Warrior family. We’ve seen our students excel in the classroom and on the playing fields. We have witnessed hard work and dedication which led to championships and awards too numerous to mention. If you have been to campus this year, you will have seen several

With You In Mind

enhancements to our social spaces and there have been many upgrades that cannot be seen at first glance but have made a huge impact on the daily lives of our students including instructional equipment and air conditioning units. We recently completed the ADA accessible ramp to Huff Auditorium and broke ground on stadium enhancements to the Clark-Gay Baseball Complex that will also include ADA accessible restrooms. Perhaps our greatest endeavor this year and what we are most looking forward to has been the kickoff of the college’s first ever capital campaign. With an ambitious $4.1 million dollar goal, many of our alumni, friends and family have already pledged more than $3.5 million towards this five-year campaign which will culminate with the college’s Centennial Celebration in 2028. We need YOUR help to complete the goal which will fund much needed enhancements to Founders Gymnasium, Newton Hall, Vickers Fine Arts Center, and Tucker Applied Technology Center. No gift is too small! It’s what we do together that will make the biggest difference in our future. The greatest gift you could bestow East Central this Holiday season and in the New Year is to make a pledge to help us continue the work we do to enrich the lives of our students, alumni and friends. As you peruse the pages of this magazine, I hope you will enjoy reading about the great things happening on our campus and in the lives of our alumni and that you will consider ways you can be a part of East Central Community College

I wish you the happiest of holidays and a joyous new year!

Best regards,

Dr. Brent Gregor y President

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In This Issue

ALUMNI NEWS

5 7 10-13 34

EC Alums Publish Children’s Book Alumni House Update Homecoming Recaps Alumni Updates

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CAMPUS NEWS

18 21 22 25 27 28

EC Celebrates Completers Baseball Facility Expansion Dinner Theater Returns MHP Inks Agreement with ECCC ECCC Names SBA Officers Smith Takes Helm of ECCC Choir

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ATHLETICS

30 31 33

Post Season Football Honors Men’s Soccer players Named All-Conference Warrior Golfer Recognized

On the Cover: Warrior Cheerleaders sing along during the pre-game pep rally to fan favorite I’m So Glad I Go To Big EC .

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ACCREDITATION East Central Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate Degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of East Central Community College. NON-DISCRIMINATION East Central Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or qualified disability in its educational programs and activities, employment practices, or admissions processes. The following offices have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non discrimination policies of East Central Community College: Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI and ADEA are coordinated by the Executive Vice President, Walter Arno Vincent Administration Building, Room 171, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6202, Fax: 601-635-4011, Email: compliance@eccc.edu. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX and Section 504 are coordinated by the Vice President for Student Services, Eddie M. Smith Student Union Building, Room 101, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6267, Fax: 601-635-6247, Email: compliance@eccc.edu. Inquiries regarding compliance with ADA are coordinated by the Director of Student Success, Mamie Ethel Burton Memorial Library, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6228, Fax: 601-635-2150, Email: compliance@eccc.edu.

The Warrior is printed two times annually and is distributed to alumni of East Central Community College and other friends of the college. Editorial staff members include Office of External Relations personnel: Lucas Calvert, Maria McLeod, Larry Reed, Karen Robertson & Amy Thompson

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.edu www.eccc.edu.

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Find us on LinkedIn at East Central Community College.

www.facebook.com/EastCentralCC www.facebook.com/ECCCAlumni

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Deeply Rooted, Future Focused EC A nnounces M omentous C apital C ampaign

East Central Community College will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2028, and under the leadership of President Dr. Brent Gregory, the col lege launched its first-ever capital campaign in January. Now, 12 months later, the college is already well over halfway to reaching the campaign goal of $4,150,000. The campaign, called Deeply Rooted, Future Focused, specifically seeks funding to renovate Founders Gymnasium, Ovid S. Vickers Fine Arts Center, Newton Hall, and the Bradford J. Tucker Applied Technology Center. Funds raised will meet the need to create an even more sustainable college that serves the students, faculty, staff, and five county district. “We are fortunate to receive public funding from a variety of sources,” said Dr. Gregory. “However, to complete several projects, we must add private support to the equation. We are collaborating with alumni, friends, corporate partners and foundations to ensure that we have the resources to be future focused.” To date, the campaign has raised over $3.5 mil lion. Campaign leadership held a public announce ment ceremony celebrating this milestone and the

largest fund-raising endeavor in college history. The event took place in Newton Hall on ECCC’s campus in Decatur on Tuesday, October 3. David Byars, the Campaign Chairman, presented a check to East Cen tral Community College Foundation Vice Chairman Aubry Cox in the amount of $3,548,754. “We are enthusiastic about the financial achieve ments we have witnessed in the campaign,” stated Byars. “Yet, it’s important to emphasize that this campaign goes beyond simply raising funds to en hance our programs and facilities. Campaigns ignite enthusiasm and enhance awareness. Deeply Rooted, Future Focused provides a chance to convey our present identity and our aspirations for the future. It has enabled us to connect with our alumni, culti vate supporters, and draw talented students to our campus.” Support for the campaign has been significant and East Central will continue to solicit donations until the campaign goal is reached. Leadership an ticipates all enhancements and renovations will be completed in the coming years. For more information, contact Dr. Stacey Holling sworth, executive director of the ECCC Foundation, at sholling@eccc.edu or call 601-635-6327.

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ECCC ALUMS PUBLISH NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK

Dekota Anthony Cheatham (’09) (left) and Krissy Winstead Long (’14) and have published their first children’s book titled “Watson Goes to the Fair!” It features a poodle and his adventures at the fair in Neshoba County. Cheatham said, “We had a very successful book launch back in early July at the local library. Our next book, Watson Goes to the North Pole, will feature scenes of prominent Mississippi geography. We chose to write children’s books because we are both mothers and educators. We are aware that the research says culturally relevant literature can have positive effects on children’s learning and reading habits. Our goal is to provide children in our state with exciting, fun, and culturally relevant literature so they will develop a desire to read!” Cheatham teaches biology and nutrition at ECCC and Long is a fifth grade teacher at Neshoba Central Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of The Neshoba Democrat)

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Tynes Team Takes Top Honors in EC Clay Shoot A team organized by Dr. Scott Tynes won the 2023 East Central Community College Clay Shoot Competition held September 15 at Bina chi Shooting Sports. The competition was a fundraiser to help restore the Alumni House on the Decatur cam pus, according to event coordinator Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, executive director of the ECCC Foundation. The winning team posted an 84 average for the win. Team members included Dr. Scott Tynes, Greg Tynes, Jay Tynes, and Cole Hoover. Second place went to PATH Company with a score of 77. Team members were Dennis Bent ley, Sam Lawrence, and Brandon Hardee. The team representing Aladdin took third place with a 74.5 average. Team members were Mark Jackson, Jason Frulla, Nathan Burns, and Preston Germany. Additional participants included teams sponsored by Dynasty Construction Services LLC, Southern AgCredit of Newton, First South Farm Credit and an additional team from PATH Company.

Tynes

PATH

Aladdin

ALUMNI NEWS

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The East Central Community College Foundation is selling Brick Tiles to raise funds to restore The Alumni House, which is the original president’s home located at the corner of Broad Street and North 7th Avenue on the front of the Decatur campus. The tiles will cover the surface of the east wing porch. The cost is $125 per tile, and patrons can include three lines of copy with 20 characters per line including spaces and punctuation. Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, executive director for The Foundation, said, “These brick pavers will not only enhance the aesthetics of the exterior of the house, but they are a wonderful way to honor or memorialize alumni, friends, family, favorite teachers, and others who have been associate with East Central Community College.” Once renovations are complete, the facility will house the Alumni

Relations and Foundation offices and serve as event and meeting space. Currently, the interior has been stripped of old ceiling and floor tiles, and the kitchen and bathrooms have been gutted. To get the interior of the home ready for use, the Alumni and Foundation office is seeking to raise in excess of $100,000 and another $25,000 to $50,000 will be needed to refurbish the exterior. There are a limited number of tiles available, so alumni and friends are encouraged to order early. For more information, contact Dr. Hollingsworth at sholling@eccc.edu or call 601-635-6327.

$125 - 4x8 Tile 3 lines of text, 20 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation)

MAIL FORM AND PAYMENT TO: ECCC Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 129 Decatur, MS 39327 MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: ECCC Foundation, Inc.

Name: ___________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ City: _______________________________ State: ________ Zip: _______________ Phone: ______________________ Email: ____________________________________________

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Alumni House Update N aming O pportunities A vailable in C ampus A lumni H ouse

The Alumni House, the original President’s Home as well as campus housing for other faculty, staff, and administration, continues to undergo significant renovations. We need your help to complete the work so that this historic home can once again welcome former students and the community to campus. Needed renovations to the house are extensive and the first phase renova tions to the interior of the house are estimated to cost $150,000. Room naming opportunities are

available for gifts of $5,000 or more. Remaining rooms available for naming include: • Alumni Association Office • Bedroom • Deck • Den • Porch Phase II renovations will include exterior improvements including vinyl siding, ADA accessibility upgrades, installation of a deck and patio area, and landscaping. Once renovations are complete, the

house will be a gathering place for alumni to network with one another and a place to host a variety of special events on campus. Gifts to the Alumni House Renova tion Fund can be made by online at https://www.eccc.edu/alumni-house renovations-fund or by contacting the ECCC Foundation Office at 601-635 6327 or at sholling@eccc.edu.

ALUMNI NEWS

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ECCC Awards Numerous Scholarships

Thanks to the generous support of alumni and friends, businesses, and industries in the five-county district, the East Central Community College Foundation was once again able to distribute more than $142,000 to 161 students through privately funded scholarships for the 2023-24 college term. New Scholarships New scholarships awarded for the first time included the Nancy Heard Campbell Memorial Scholarship, General Martha Jo Leslie Scholarship, Claire Myers Memorial Scholarship, and the Haywood Reeves Scholarship How to Apply for Scholarships Foundation scholarship applica tions for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year are available for incoming

freshman and returning sophomore students through their myEC accounts. The deadline to submit these scholar ship applications is February 1, 2024. In-District Tuition Scholarships Through the In-District Tuition Scholarship program, the Foundation will also award $143,902 to students for the current school year. The In-District Scholarship is a gap-filler tuition scholarship established in 2012 by Frances Gaines Blum Slagle. Donate to These Scholarship Funds The college also has several scholar ship accounts which need additional funds before they can be fully es tablished and awarded. Scholarships needing funding include the Chris J. Clark Memorial Scholarship, Alford J. Deaton Endowed Scholarship, Sara L.

Heard Endowed Scholarship, George L. Mason Endowed Scholarship, and the Huey G. Stone Memorial Scholarship. Establish a Scholarship Annual and endowed scholarship can be funded through the ECCC Foun dation. An annual scholarship can be funded on a semester or yearly basis with a minimum $500 annual contribu tion. An endowed scholarship can be established will a minimum investment of $20,000. For More Information If you are interested in establishing a scholarship through the Foundation or would like more information on any of the above topics, please contact Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, Executive Direc tor of the Foundation, at 601-635-6327 or e-mail sholling@eccc.edu.

Alumni: Update Your Information Online & Send Us Your News! Have you recently moved or changed phone numbers or email addresses? Please update your information so we can stay in touch. Have you married, had a baby or grandchild, received a job promotion, won an award, or retired? Send us your good news to share with fellow alums. www.eccc.edu/alumni-news or email mmcleod@eccc.edu

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Foundation Awards Grants O liphant -M artin F aculty E xcellence F und G rants $5,000

The East Central Community College Foundation has awarded Oliphant-Martin Faculty Excellence Fund Grants to four academic departments for the 2023-24 year and each will receive $5,000 toward classroom enhancements to benefit teaching and learning. The English Department is the recipient of one award and will use the funds to purchase a mobile computer lab including Chromebooks and a charging cart. With many students not possessing their own laptops and a limited number of computer labs on campus, the addition of the Chromebooks would bet ter equip faculty as they assist students with in-class writing assignments. English instructor Rachel Laird said in her depart ment’s application that the addition of the mobile computer lab would allow students to work comfort ably in their classrooms while instructors can navigate around the room monitoring and offering feedback in real time without the need to rearrange the schedule of multiple classes for use of the computer labs. “We want to have equal access to Chromebooks for all of our students to use in English courses, regard less of income. This access will hopefully improve grades, provide more accurate assessment, simplify scheduling, and even improve retention and passing rates.” Receiving another of the awards is the chemistry department. Their request includes the purchase of updated equipment to enhance both lecture and labo ratory instruction. Amy Denson, chemistry instructor, said in her request, “The nearly 900 students served by the Sci ence Division each year may remember information taught through textbooks and lectures, but the same concepts studied through active learning will build functional understanding of topics and expand critical thinking skills well beyond ‘book smarts’ that will be used throughout their continuing academic careers.” The college’s Associate Degree Nursing program will use the funds from their award to purchase simu lated horizontal patient service consoles. Dr. Donna Everett, dean of healthcare education said, “Having simulated oxygen flowmeters, medical air flowmeters, and suction regulators would improve the students’ ability to practice and master the skills in using these devices in a safe environment prior to using them in a healthcare setting.” And finally, the Practical Nursing Program will Purchase IV pumps and poles with the grant funds

received. Teresa Cole, instructor and director of the practical nursing program, said, “Having functioning IV pumps with poles would improve the students’ ability to practice and master the skills in using IV therapy in a safe environment, as students have limited opportuni ties in the healthcare setting to use IV pumps.” The East Central Community College Faculty Excel lence Fund, established in 1997, was renamed in 2010 to the Oliphant-Martin Faculty Excellence Fund to ac knowledge the generous contributions of alumna Dr. Beverly Henry Oliphant-Martin (’58) and her husband, John Martin. Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, executive director of the ECCC Foundation, said of the couple, “They continu ally support East Central Community College through the Foundation and have always believed in the mis sion of the community college and what we provide our students and communities. We could not do what we do without the continued support of donors like the Martins.” When asked once why she gives to East Central, Beverly said, “My (Beverly) personal motivation to give TO East Central specifically came after my gift FROM East Central when I, literally penniless, begged entry as a 17-year-old high school graduate. I was afforded entry based on scholarships and good will found there. It offered the yeast for my professional possi bility. I became a better physician for having had both the hungering need for knowledge and for the gift of an education based on scholarships. I am forever grateful and the remembrance of that trust and faith in my possibility renews an inner ardor to “go and do likewise.” Selection criteria for the Oliphant-Martin grants included items such as the number of students/staff positively affected, creativity, and the impact on the institutions commitment to student success and teaching and learning. The Oliphant-Martins also support two Oliphant Martin Foundation Scholarships, the Classes of 57, 58, & 59 Foundation Scholarship, and various other Foundation scholarships annually in addition to the faculty excellence fund. For more information on how you can join the Martins in giving to East Central Community College, contact Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth, executive director of the ECCCC Foundation at sholling@eccc.edu or call 601-635-6327.

ALUMNI NEWS

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Harriet Laird P ublic R elations S pecialist N amed A lumna of the Y ear

In recognition of her outstanding contri bution to the field of educational public rela tions and her continued dedication to East Central Community College, Harriet Vickers Laird (’84) of Starkville was selected the col lege’s 2023 Alumna of the Year. Laird expressed both shock and excite ment when notified of her selection. “I have such a long and memorable history with East Central and it just was thrilling to get that call from Dr. Gregory,” she said. Laird currently serves the Office of Public Affairs at Mississippi State University as se nior associate director within the Division of

truly a gift. “I had to work and improve over the years, but I think I’ve always had that gift,” she said. “When choosing a career, news writing appealed to me so I majored in journalism at USM (University of Southern Mississippi). Then I discovered public relations was an option and stayed to complete my master’s with that focus.” While completing her degrees, Laird participated in internships with Mississippi Power’s headquarters in Gulfport, The Laurel Leader-Call newspaper, and East Central Community College. She said she was fortu nate to have had great teachers and role-models who enhanced her writing and PR knowledge. She said, “To

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Strategic Commu nications, having previously served as associate direc tor since 2008. In her role at MSU, Laird helps

EC was home to me . I spent my childhood and grew up there . I did everything on campus ...

lead and coordinate projects across the office, providing guidance to the branding, news, social media, graphic de sign and photography units, and monitoring adherence to the university’s visual and verbal identity standards. Sid Salter, Vice President for Strategic Communications and Director of Public Affairs at Mississippi State Universi ty, said, “I can think of no one more deserving of this honor than Harriet Laird. Her family’s investment in ECCC has been phenomenal and her work at Mississippi State reflects the lessons she learned watching her parents serve at East Central. Harriet is the consummate professional and none of the success we have enjoyed in our part of the university administration would have been possible without Harriet’s strong influence. I count on her. She is my good right arm, and she and her husband Jim are an integral part of the MSU administration.” In addition to her MSU duties, Laird has been an active member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, serving as a CASE District III board member for many years and as a conference chair and committee mem ber. She also is serving the College Public Relations Associa tion of Mississippi as its 2023-24 vice president. Laird’s longtime relationship with East Central Communi ty College began when her parents, the late Ovid and Carol Vickers, brought her home from the hospital to the Decatur campus where he was an English instructor and Carol was a junior high school teacher. She and her mother become just the second mother and daughter duo to both be named Alumna of the Year, some thing Laird admitted made this award extra special. Having grown up with parents who were both writers, Laird said she felt she was born with an innate ability to write. She said it took many years to realize that writing is “

be a good public relations practitioner, you must be willing to be in the background. Your job is to put others or the institution in the spotlight while you stand back and watch them have success, all the while taking pride in your work as a support system and promoter. There is a satisfaction in being the person who works behind the scenes to make institutions and other people be the best they can be.” She began her career in 1988 as a copywriter at McRae’s Department Stores’ headquarters in Jackson before accept ing a director position at Copiah-Lincoln Community Col lege in Wesson, which would be the catalyst for a longtime career in educational public relations. “Education was familiar to me because I had grown up on campus at East Central and it was just a natural fit. Mother taught in the public school system for years, and I was con stantly around educators and instructors.” Beginning in 1992, following four years at Co-Lin, she served 13 years as public relations director for Hinds Com munity College. She followed that with a move into the corporate sector as communications coordinator for Nissan North America in Canton where she said she “gained im measurable experience in internal communications” before joining MSU in 2008. Laird said, “With educational public relations, I had most ly focused on external communications. My almost three year term with Nissan taught me so much about employee communications and getting accurate information to those in the workplace.” She said she has been blessed with exceptional mentors during her career, surrounded by administrators and co workers who have truly enriched her life. One such advisor, teacher and friend is Jackie Granberry,

–LAIRD continued on page 14

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Chief Cyrus Ben MBCI T ribal C hief N amed A lumnus of the Y ear

Recognizing his personal achievements and his tireless dedication to his culture and community, Cyrus Ben (’98), Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was named Alumnus of the Year at East Central Community College. When notified of his selection, Chief Ben said, “I am humbled to be selected for this honor. To be viewed as someone worthy of this award is amazing. It is a great honor to be recognized as an academic and cultural Warrior.” Ben, who recently began his second term, is the fifth elected Tribal Chief of the Mis

Chief Ben has also been recognized in Indian Country as an emerging young leader. In 2009 the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development named Chief Ben to the “Native American 40 Under 40” class. He is a board member for the Missis sippi Commission for Volunteer Service. He also serves as a delegate on the Health Re sources and Services Administration Tribal Advisory Council, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity Tribal Advisory Committee. He was named the 2022 Citizen of the Year by

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sissippi Band of Choctaw Indians, a federally-recog nized tribe of over 11,100 members living on or near 35,000 acres of

M any of the events that occurred in my life during my two years at E ast C entral helped prepare me for situations I would have to overcome in the future .

the Philadelphia Neshoba County Community Development Part nership and was

tribal lands in east central Mississippi. Chief Ben has a 14 year record of public service to the Choctaw Tribal govern ment and Tribal business leadership, including 8 years as Pearl River community’s representative on the Tribal Council prior to being elected as Tribal Chief in July 2019. He served four years as the Tribe’s Secretary-Treasurer and three years as the President of Choctaw-Ikhana, a Tribally chartered corporation. Ben has always looked for ways to give back to his com munity and to the Tribe. It was with careful consideration and encouragement from fellow Tribal Members that he decided to pursue the Office of the Tribal Chief, a position he doesn’t take lightly. He said, “From a member standpoint, I think of us as a great Tribe. From where we have come from to where we are now, I hope to be part of history in leading the Choctaw People forward so that the next generation can build upon our successes.” During his first term, Ben worked to strengthen relation ships with state officials which led to the passing of several bills including the Regalia bill, Tribal ID bill, and the Tribal car tag. He also served on the state flag commission. Chief Ben’s younger sister, Cheriena Ben, who also served as Pearl River representative on the Tribal Council and works closely with Policy and Legislative Affairs for the Tribe, said, “Chief Ben is the epitome of leadership. He leads with love and compassion. The reason I believe in Chief Ben is due to him walking his talk. He could work for any group, any state, any government, however he chose MBCI. His loyalty to his people is strong and pure. His ethics are real. He cares. He is threaded into family. He is every stitch in every tribal motif we display. I couldn’t be prouder.” “

presented the 2022 Order of the Golden Arrow award by Mississippi College which is presented to graduates who have accomplished outstanding personal and/or profes sional achievements during their lifetime. Chief Ben is an advocate for education and said he is thankful for the Tribal Scholarship program created under the leadership of the late Chief Phillip Martin that allowed Tribal youth to receive full scholarships to college. It was an opportunity that he took advantage of himself and became a first-generation college graduate. He encourages others to do the same, saying, “Whatever challenge may have been there for others, you can break the barrier and get a degree. Know you have the opportunity of a local community college that you can go to and obtain your goals and dreams. Use it to create your foundation and as a stepping stone to create your next accomplishment.” He gives much credit to his parents, Jimmy Ben and Kar en Ben, for teaching him the importance of working hard and helping him build a strong work ethic. And he said he was fortunate to have teachers and coaches along the way who also helped to shape him as a person. Ben said East Central offered him not only the oppor tunity to pursue his education, but to also play a sport he loved, and remain close to home. He was a member of the Warrior Corps student ambassadors and played on the 1996 Warrior football team that won the Golden Isles Bowl and finished 5th in the nation. “Many of the events that occurred in my life during my two years at East Central helped prepare me for situations I would have to overcome in the future.” –BEN continued on page 15

ALUMNI NEWS

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Jason Willis S tandout P itcher I nducted in to A thletic H all of F ame

Jason Willis (’99) of Philadelphia honed his skills as a pitcher and helped propel the 1998 East Central Community College Diamond Warriors to the college’s first ever baseball championship before being drafted by the New York Yankees. In recognition of his outstanding career, he joined an elite group of men and women in the ECCC Ath letic Hall of Fame. “I’m beyond excited,” Willis said of his induction. “This is such an honor at a place that has been such a special part of my life.” Willis spent two years at East Central as a member of the Warrior baseball team, led by

Following that record-setting game against Northeast Mississippi Community College in the Region 23 Tournament, Coach Clark was quoted in the newspaper saying, “My only gripe with Willis is that his momma and daddy didn’t have twins when they had him. Eighteen strikeouts and two walks in a playoff is almost unbelievable. There is not a whole lot you can say other than when we offered him a scholarship two years ago, maybe we made the right decision.” Earlier in the 1999 season, Willis threw a no-hitter against Southwest Mississippi Community College, the first no-hitter for an

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then head coach Jamie Clark and assistants Neal Holliman and Lee Eady. “East Central was the only place

EC pitcher since 1996. That game was his fourth career shutout, an ECCC record at the time. In addition to

I’ m forever grateful for the time I had in D ecatur ...I’ m proud of the family and the life we have built , and it all started at EC!

that offered me a scholarship. Coach Clark believed in me and he seemed to get the most out of his players. He told me before my freshman season that if I would listen to him, he would get me where I wanted to be. For some crazy reason, I believed him!” Willis said. After prepping at Neshoba Central High School, he was a member of the 1998 team that won the college’s first State Championship and the Diamond Warriors made back-to back trips to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament during his two-year stint and finished as runners-up in 1999. Neal Holliman, current ECCC head baseball coach and as sistant on the 1998 team, said, “I think Jason’s selection to the Hall of Fame is very well deserved. He is one of the most talented pitchers I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching, and while his stats on the field speak for themselves, what truly sets him apart is the person he has become off the field. What speaks to his true character is his devotion as a husband and father, and his work as a youth pastor and with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is having a profound impact on the young people of his community.” A right-handed pitcher/first baseman, Willis boasted a 10-2 record during his freshman season at East Central while earning East Central’s and the MACJC South Division’s Most Valuable Player Award. He was named All-State and All-Region. He also posted a .337 average at the plate with 13 home runs and was a 24th-round draft pick of the New York Yankees. During his sophomore season in 1999, Willis finished with a 10-5 record and led Region 23 in strikeouts with 127. Willis set a Region 23 Tournament record by striking out 18 men in a single game. He allowed only four hits and two walks during that game and also hit a two-run homer. He was again named All-State and All-Region. “

outstanding little league and high school coaches, Willis had a phenomenal support team at home and said his parents, Linda Willis and the late Derrell Willis, never missed a game in high school and hardly ever missed a college game. But he said ECCC coach Jamie Clark will always be the one that pushed him the farthest in baseball. “I don’t think I would have made it as far as I did without his influence. He just seemed to pull every bit of talent out of me. As a team it was all go and no quit from day one. I remember it was raining the first day of practice my fresh man year. We were gathered in the locker room and Coach Clark came in and said ‘Do y’all know what we do when it’s raining? We get wet!’ That was the mindset. We will be working when all the other teams around the state are sit ting in their dorms.” Reminiscing about his playing days, Willis said there are countless memories that pop up of specific games or plays, former players and special moments, including winning the championship on East Mississippi’s field in Scooba and the record-breaking game at MCC. He said there are tons of things that made that place and those team special. “Setting the K record couldn’t have meant more to me at the time. Just a couple days before, I got knocked out of a game against Delgado after the first inning. Coach Clark told me to get my head together that he would need me again in a couple days. The next game came against North east came and I was able to redeem myself. It felt great!” Multiple members of the 1998 squad went on to play at the next level. Willis, who originally signed with Ole Miss, opted to sign with the Yankees and spent several years in the organization’s minor league including being part of the NY Penn League’s 2001 Championship squad. –WILLIS continued on page 14

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Marty Cooper C hampionship B asketball C oach J oins A thletic H all of F ame

Marty Cooper played point guard on a very successful high school basketball team in Ohio. Although he wouldn’t get an op portunity to play college ball, his work ethic and passion for the game would lead him to become one of the most successful coaches in the Mississippi community college league and only one of two to win a men’s basket ball state championship at East Central Com munity College in Decatur. In recognition of his outstanding success, he was inducted into the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame. When notified of his selection, Cooper expressed his excitement and gratitude.

“We inherited an excellent group of kids. The players on that first team had a lot of respect for Gulf Coast and the first time we played them we won 75-52 and from that point on the players and coaches believed in each other. We won the South Division, South Division Tournament, and finished State Runners-Up. We went 27-5 and had to jell so quickly. That team had the talent to make it to the National Tournament and win some games.” The following year would consist of a young team, also full of excellent players, in cluding future NBA draft pick Marcus Mann. “We all know how great Marcus was as a player. Marcus is an even better person. He also had good teammates. We

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“This is special!” he said. “This is where Jennifer and I started our lives together 32 years ago. It was my first head

S o many great memories at ECCC from the players we coached , to the people we met , and the positive impact ECCC had on our lives .

coaching job. It is where Jennifer started helping me as an assistant coach. So many great memories at ECCC from the players we coached, to the people we met, and the positive impact ECCC had on our lives.” Cooper’s journey to the college coaching ranks took a un conventional route compared to many of his colleagues. He admitted, “I wasn’t good enough to play college basketball,” and although he had an opportunity play baseball at a small NAIA school, he really didn’t have the heart for baseball like he did basketball. So, he quit school and went to work. He tried various jobs, from working on an assembly line at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Plant to being a janitor at the phone company and serving as assistant editor for the local newspaper. He said wasn’t good at any of those jobs. He would discover his true calling through his volun teer work as a coach for a basketball youth league team of fourth through sixth graders. His high school counselor, Tom Perry, who had a son on Cooper’s team encouraged him to return to school and earn his degree. Cooper took his advice and received his degree from Rio Grande College in Ohio at the age of 28. Cooper initially thought he would be a high school coach until he went in for his college exit interview and was encouraged to obtain a master’s degree to be able to coach at the college level. He took a job as a graduate assistant teacher in the Physical Education Department at Miami (Ohio) University in Oxford, Ohio, where he would hone his skills and lay the foundation for his career. Cooper served three years as an assistant at Miami, a Division I school, before taking the reins of the Warrior basketball program in fall of 1991. Cooper would see success early in his career with a tal ented group of players he described as impressive. “

had talent, but we had great people. We had some tough kids as well. We played in the state championship game again that year. We were down 19-2 to start the game at Gulf Coast. I remember calling time out and looking into the eyes of our players and saying, ‘Hey, they are pretty good (Gulf Coast).’ I told them Gulf Coast would give us an opportunity to get back in the game. They did and Stacey Miller hit a shot to put the game in overtime and his high school teammate, Anthony Coleman, hit the game winner.” Cooper holds a 116-81 overall record at ECCC that in cludes two South Division Championships, two South State Tournament Championships, and the 1993 State Champi onship, which was the first and only since 1953. His teams played in three straight state championship games from 1992 to 1994. He was named 1992 Clarion Ledger Coach of the Year and 1993 MACJC Coach of the Year. He said, “What was so wonderful about the state cham pionship is the support we had from the faculty, staff, and community. Dr. (Eddie) Smith loaded a bus and got everyone down to Perk. I think we had as many fans as Gulf Coast. It was a close group of young men, and they did everything we asked of them. It is always great to hear from one of them and I know winning that state title is still very precious to them.” His ECCC career was filled with outstanding games, exceptional players, and big wins, but the true measure of success is the fact that of all his players at East Central graduated and most went on to senior college and are still very productive citizens today. Terry Underwood who is a former head football coach –COOPER continued on page 17

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LAIRD

news of Jesus. I feel like our society is in a place where young people are looking for hope and light of any kind. I’ve seen the goodness of God in all my life and I want to share that with them. Former teammate BJ Morrow said Willis was a key part of East Central winning the State Championship in 1998. “We had a lot of experienced players on the team, and he found a way to contribute both on the mound and at the plate. Willis is deserving of induction into the ECCC Athletic Hall of Fame due to his contributions to the baseball program and the school dur ing his two years as a student athlete. However, he has also been supportive of the program as an alumnus and now being able to work with the current players as the team FCA representa tive, he will continue to help encourage and teach lessons that will long outlive their playing careers.” Willis reflected on how his faith had changed his perspective gave new meaning to his baseball accomplish Having a parent as instructor might have been difficult for some, but Laird happily signed up for her father’s leg endary English and literature classes which she said were akin to watching a theatrical production. “I loved my dad’s class and I felt about it like others did. He made the • and I had play practice on the same night. I had to go to play practice, but it bothered me so much that I had to choose.” She was a member of the Warrior Corps student ambassadors, student council, theater productions, intramu ral sports and Spring Fling committee. Her sophomore year, she was selected for the Student Hall of Fame, the high est honor one can receive. “I think I’m one of just a few people who have been able to experience a community college the way I did. EC was home to me. Not only did I com plete my associate’s degree and later an internship at East Central, I spent my childhood and grew up there. I did everything on campus, from ‘play ing house’ as a little girl to riding my bicycle and playing hide-and-seek to gathering on the old tennis courts with my high school friends.”

ments. He said, “I understand how God has used so many things in my life to give me a platform to be able to make much of the name of Jesus. The MVP awards and championship games mean something completely different than they did before. I had always worked hard and knew baseball was going to be a lifelong pursuit of mine, but now this game gives me the opportunity to get in front of people and proclaim the gospel. I’m forever grateful for the time I had in Decatur and the time spent in the minor leagues.” Willis also met his wife, the former Crystal Cooley at ECCC, which he said is another reason the Decatur campus is such a special place to him and his family. They have been married 24 years and have three daughters: Cam bre Willis Mayo, also an ECCC gradu ate, Jaci, and Claydi. He said, “I’m proud of the family and the life we have built, and it all started at EC!” information so vivid and brought it to life,” she said. After the death of her parents in 2020, Laird, along with her sister, Nona, and additional family members spearheaded an event in memory of the Vickers that raised thousands of dollars designated for the Founders Gymnasium Renovation project. What would the Vickers think about their daughter’s ECCC honor and her continued commitment to the col lege? She said, “I think they would just be beside themselves. Nothing meant more to them than East Central besides their family.” Laird is a member of the Epis copal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville and is involved in the church’s Oktoberfest that raises money for the underprivileged in the Starkville area. Laird and her husband, Jim, have two daughters. Hannah is a first-year resident in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and Harper is an admissions counselor at Missis sippi University for Women.

– Continued from page 10

“Getting drafted was exactly what it seems like it would be…an answered prayer, a dream come true. The deci sion to play in the SEC or professional ball was a tough one, but one that I had to make quickly. I chose to sign and play for the Yankees. The minor leagues are brutal! Long bus rides, short sleeps in hotels and never ending nights at the park. But it was awesome!” Following his baseball career, Jason returned home to Philadelphia where he owned and operated a sporting goods store for a number of years. He later served as a youth pastor at Trin ity Baptist Church. He now represents the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Neshoba County and with the ECCC baseball team. “Taking a role that combines sports and ministry, I get to go into schools with FCA and impact and encourage even more students with the good retired Executive Director of the Hinds Community College Foundation, who said, “Harriet is the total package— wife, mother, ultimate professional. I admire her greatly and she is so very deserving of this amazing honor. She is the posterchild for Mississippi community colleges. No matter what college signed her check, she was an advocate for all community colleges wherever she went, and I am sure she continues to advance community col leges in her role at MSU. However, it was always evident that East Central held her heart.” Laird said attending East Central was a natural progression, having spent her entire childhood on campus. She thrived as an active and engaged student and some days it was difficult to fit all her activities in her schedule. “I played intramural basketball and Dan Sullivan from Louisville was our coach. I looked forward to those games every week. I was also in the musical that year, ‘Man of La Mancha.’ At bas ketball practice one day Dan told us when the next game was going to be, WILLIS – Continued from page 12

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CLIBURN CROWNED HOMECOMING QUEEN East Central Community College crowned Molly Catherine Cliburn as the 2023 Homecoming Queen during halftime of ECCC’s 28-21 overtime victory over No. 9 Northeast Mississippi Community College. Cliburn, a graduate of Union High School, is the daughter of Gene and Sherri Cliburn. The sophomore serves as the captain of the Centralettes dance team, vice president of the student body association, secretary of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and president of the Encore Players. She was escorted by Bryce Chisolm, the son of Jeff Chisolm and Beth Forman of Walnut Grove. Cliburn was crowned by East Central Community College President Dr. Brent Gregory and was presented a bouquet of flowers from 2022 Homecoming Queen Nahriah Brown of Decatur. Freshman maids included Madelynn Cook of Union and her escort Eli Ridgon of Union, Kera Grace Easley of Philadelphia and her escort Markus Porche of Philadelphia, Miriam Prince of Philadelphia and her escort Reed Young of Carthage, and Destiny Williams of Stonewall and her escort Logan Lyons of Choctaw. Sophomore maids were Maggie Bounds of Decatur and her escort Kolton Cockerham of Union, Regan Bryan of Meridian and her escort Parker Martin of Brandon, Madison Buckley of Union and her escort Marvin Jackson IV of Jackson, and Kaithlyn Jackson of Little Rock and her escort Wilson Jackson of Little Rock.

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BEN

Native Big Brothers Big Sisters Organi zation. He has been a long supporter of Local Boys and Girls Club organi zations. His work with Tribal youth promotes peer and elder mentorships, personal goal-setting and an apprecia tion of Choctaw Self-Determination. In 2020 Chief Ben was announced as a recipient of the Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award recognizing his volunteerism within the State of Mississippi. Tribal Chief Ben was a small busi ness owner in Neshoba County for 16 years (Choctaw Office Supply). He con tinues to work with local government and state agencies to help provide bet ter way of life for all citizens, not just his tribal communities. This includes but is not limited to law enforcement and business opportunities. ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory said, “Chief Ben is an outstanding alumnus who represents his fam ily, his community, and East Central Community College well. He continues to partner with the college today in educational advancements that benefit

both the tribe and the surrounding areas.” Tribal Chief Ben can be found most weekends at a ballfield as a coach, parent, or supporter, sometimes at the same time. It is not uncommon to find him in the stands of local school games. Chief Ben knows the impor tance of supporting Choctaw students and athletes locally and across the country. An enrolled member of the Missis sippi Band of Choctaw Indians and a fluent speaker of his native Choctaw language, Chief Ben is a life-long resi dent of Neshoba County and the Pearl River community, where he resides with his wife TaRita, who is also an ECCC alumna, and their children, Bro die, Eden and Selah. A graduate of Mississippi College, Chief Ben earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management in 2001. He earned an Associate’s degree in Business from East Central Community College in 1998.

– Continued from page 11

An active member of his communi ty, he serves as a coach and mentor for local youth sports teams. As an avid supporter for local youth sports and activities, he has served as a volun teer coach and team/field sponsor at Northside Park for soccer, baseball and softball. He has been a volunteer coach for Native American Youth Baseball and Softball teams. He also provides volunteer services and is an advocate for youth with special needs. Chief Ben is a supporter and advocate for the Diamond Dreams program and as part of his commit ment to disable youth, he ensured the Choctaw Sportsplex park area was completely ADA compliant, the only park of its kind in the State of Missis sippi. He was a volunteer coach for Warrior Youth Football its inception year. He and his wife served as youth leaders at First Pentecostal Church of Philadelphia for 10 years. Chief Ben was a National Board member for the

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