2023 December Warrior web

MHP at ECCC ECCC I nks A greement with MHP for P referred C andidate P rogram

East Central Community College of ficially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for a Preferred Candi date Program in collaboration with the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) on November 16 in Decatur. This initiative marks a significant partnership. Dr. Brent Gregory, Presi dent of ECCC, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “East Central Community Col lege is thrilled about this collaboration with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Based on studies and other community colleges in Mississippi with this pro gram, completion of a college degree significantly enhances the knowledge and skills of officers across various do mains. We are excited to be part of this program in central Mississippi.” Under the terms of the agreement, enrolled individuals can pursue either an A.A. or A.A.S. degree in ECCC’s Criminal Justice program. They will have the opportunity to engage with an MHP recruiter and apply for the MHP Preferred Candidate Program, allowing

them to receive preferred candidacy when applying to the Mississippi High way Patrol. To successfully graduate from the MHP Preferred Candidate Program, students must complete two or more semesters of the MHP Candidates on Rapid Entry curriculum, obtain an as sociate’s degree from ECCC, fulfill the C.O.R.E. Patrol School PT requirements, and undergo an MHP application and background check. The MHP C.O.R.E. program is tailored for students focused on a Criminal Justice degree, offering a direct path to employment with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Recruiters from MHP will collaborate with ECCC’s instructors to introduce a two semester curricu lum, including topics such as Trooper responsibilities. The C.O.R.E. program will serve as an additional credit course attached to select Criminal Justice classes, overseen by a class instructor. MHP C.O.R.E. Instructors will also administer a weekly PT program for

C.O.R.E. candidates, preparing them for Cadet School. Additionally, recruiters will visit classes and host recruiting tables during the spring to attract stu dents to the program. Students must register for the MHP C.O.R.E. program, meet specified requirements, and sign a waiver before participating in the semester curriculum. Upon completion, sophomores will be encouraged to sub mit an MHP application upon gradua tion from ECCC. ECCC’s Criminal Justice Technology is a comprehensive two-year degree program offering specialized training in various aspects of law enforcement. This agreement is effective for 2024 and automatically renewable for suc cessive 12-month periods. • In above photo, from left are Missis sippi Highway Patrol officers Lt. Col. Malachi Sanders and Col. Randy Ginn, ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory, and ECCC Director of Career & Technical Education Cody Spence.

ECCC ALUMS VISIT CAMPUS

CAMPUS NEWS campus, Captain Reed Harrington (’94) of Brandon, Director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Training Division, and Corporal Heath Mullins (’09) of Hernando, assistant director of the CORE program. East Central Community College recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a Preferred Candidate Program in collaboration with the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP). Among the highway patrol officers present for the signing were ECCC alumni (from left) Trooper Blake McClendon (’17) of Morton who will serve as MHP’s CORE (Candidates on Rapid Entry) instructor on the ECCC

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