2000

May 7, 2000

A well-deserved recognition

Retiring East Central Community College President Dr. Eddie Smith received a well-deserved salute by the ECCC family yesterday as the college's new student union facility was formally dedicated . The "Eddie M. Smith Student Union" is a significant brick-and-mortar acknowledgement of Dr. Smith's remarkable leadership of his alma mater. This week Dr. Smith noted "Had it not been for East Central I would have never started out with my education. They made it possible for me to go to school." Dr. Smith's education was a great investment for the taxpayers of the ECCC district and the state of Mississippi. During the past fifteen years, he led an exceptional transformation of the Decatur-based college. During his tenure, East Central Community College has grown in both scope of programs and enrollment while remaining among the community college leaders in academic quality. The physical development of the Decatur campus has kept pace with enrollment and program growth. Dr. Smith's leadership has extended beyond his college district to the entire state and region. He has served Mississippi's community and junior colleges in a variety of roles. He has given leadership to Mississippi's interests in issues of regional accreditation of colleges. He has received national accolades for his work with Phi Theta Kappa, the community college scholastic organization . He has remained close to his Newton County and Winston County roots. East Central is a much better college because of his service. Our part of Mississippi is a better place to live because of his leadership at ECCC. The Meridian Star joins the East Central Community College family is saying "well done, Eddie Smith." t

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CARTHAGINIAN_ _ _ ___ _ NESHOBA DEMOCRAT____ _ NEWTON RECORD_________ MERIDIAN STAR _ _ /~--- CLARION-LEDGER _ _____

LAKE MESSENGER___________ SCOTT COUNTY TIMES_ _____ UNION APPEAL _ ______________ WINSTON COUNTY JOURNAL_ _____ SPIRIT OF MORTON_______

NEWTON MESSENGER