2019-2020 President's Report

Record Donation Received In October 2013, the estate of 1950 graduate Frances Gaines Blum Slagle presented the college’s Foundation with approximately $2.68 million in cash, stocks, and certificates of deposit to be used to establish student scholarships. Since that day, the total amount of the donation exceeds $3 million. The gift represents the largest single donation ever received by the institution and one of the largest gifts ever received by a community college in the state of Mississippi. Tony Dungy Headlines Fundraiser Tony Dungy, former Super Bowl champion head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America,” was the keynote speaker for “Laying the Foundation: An Evening with Coach Tony Dungy” in March 2014 at the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia. The sold-out event served as a fundraiser for a proposed new football operations center at ECCC and included a silent auction with autographed items from major figures from the world of sports. New Turf Football Field Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in June 2014 for a new

by the ECCC Warrior men’s and women’s soccer teams, along with donations provided through memberships in the EC Warrior Soccer Club. The fence improved the aesthetics of the field and created a more favorable place for intercollegiate soccer competition. Re-Pavement of Walking Trail The re-pavement of the Dick Livingston Walking Trail that encircles the college’s lake in 2014 was made possible thanks to a grant from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The walking trail serves the wellness needs of both the college and local communities. Institution-Wide Planning Process ECCC implemented an institution-wide planning process in 2014 which ties budget requests and approvals to research data and performance metrics. All college budget units request funding based on measurable goals and clearly defined benchmarks. This allows decision-makers to allocate resources towards high-impact and successful initiatives supported by evidence. To

synthetic turf field at ECCC’s Warrior Field at Bailey Stadium. Funding for the installation of the turf field was provided in part from net

support this process, an online planning

tool was developed and deployed that is accessible by all personnel. Cultural Arts Series

proceeds of “Laying the

18 ECCC kicked off a Cultural Arts Series during the 2014-15 academic year as a way to bring performing artists and visual artists to the campus throughout the year for both students and the community. Among the events each year, in addition to college performing groups RESOURCE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Foundation: An Evening with Coach Tony Dungy” in March 2014. New Fencing at Soccer Complex The college’s soccer complex was enclosed with a new fence in 2014 thanks to various fundraisers