2019-2020 President's Report

and artists, are historical exhibits; local, state, and national speakers and entertainers; and state university ensembles, among others. Huff Auditorium Renovations Huff Auditorium, originally constructed in 1953, was renovated in 2014 through funding from the Mississippi Legislature. New cushioned and upholstered chairs replaced the original seating in the auditorium, and additional space was made available between rows for more comfort. Sound panels were installed and a new handicap chairlift for entrance into the facility was added. Cross Hall Renovations A ribbon-cutting ceremony in September 2014

groups, various games and rides, food and drink, movies, a Nativity scene, and Santa Claus.

Paving, Lighting, Sidewalk Improvements

Officials from ECCC and the Town of Decatur officially dedicated the completion of paving, sidewalk, and lighting projects during a ceremony in May 2015. The projects were made possible by Surface Transportation Program and Transportation Alternatives Program grant funding provided through the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The improvements not only made

officially unveiled the reconstructed

and renovated Cross Hall. The $3.7 million project was funded using State Bond

the area more aesthetically pleasing, but improved the safety of students and others living

and attending classes on the South Campus.

Disc Golf Course ECCC officially opened a new Disc Golf Course in 2015, a challenging nine-hole course which wraps around the college lake and is open to the public, to increase opportunities for student involvement in campus activities and physical development. A Foot Golf Course was added in 2019. Renovated Male Dormitories Students returned to campus in August 2015 to two newly renovated male dormitories, Newsome Hall and Todd Hall. The renovations included new flooring, furniture, lighting, restroom facilities, and heating and air conditioning, among other improvements. Common spaces also were updated with new furniture and large-screen televisions. The $2.1 million cost of the renovations was funded by state of Mississippi bond funds. In summer 2019, the college continued its quest to make comfortable campus living a priority with the renovation of Neshoba, Scott, and Winston halls, which received new paint, flooring, and furniture. The rooms at Neshoba Hall and Scott Hall received new beds, desks, chairs, and wardrobes with drawers. Winston

Funds appropriated by the Mississippi Legislature. The “new” Cross Hall is now a 14,093 square-foot facility,

including two new tiered classrooms with a seating capacity of 100 per room, two new classrooms with a 60-person seating capacity, two newly renovated existing tiered classrooms that accommodate at least 30, a renovated chemistry lab, and additional office space. The facility complements Davis Hall, a state-of the art facility housing various science laboratories and faculty offices, which was completed in 2012. Warrior Wonderland Begins The college hosted its first-ever Warrior Wonderland in 2014 following the Decatur Christmas parade. The annual event has become a tremendous success in bringing campus and community together. Each year features fireworks, music by college and community

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