Warrior Magazine June 2019

WARRIOR THE The Official Publication of the East Central Community College Alumni Association Volume XXVII, No. 2 • June 2019

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1 ECCC’s rank among Mississippi community colleges in average grade-point average at baccalaureate graduation in spring 2018 of students who transferred to one of the state’s eight public, four-year universities. 1 ECCC’s rank among all 15 community colleges in Mississippi in percentage of students residing on campus for the 2018-19 academic year. 3.34 Average GPA at baccalaureate graduation in spring 2018 of ECCC students who transferred to one of the state’s eight public, four-year universities. 4 Number of years out of the last six that ECCC students who transferred to one of the state’s eight public, four-year universities had the highest average GPA at baccalaureate graduation among all Mississippi community colleges.

From the Desk of the President . . .

Greetings Warrior Family!

Since arriving at East Central Community College (ECCC) in July of 2012, I have heard several people use the phrase, “It’s a great day to be a Warrior!” I believe that statement has been true every day since September of 1928 when ECJC opened its doors to a freshman class of 20 students. And after seven years as president, I know that I can testify that it has certainly been true in my life.

Within the pages of this edition of The Warrior you will find information about the exciting things happening at your college. Since February of 2013 when the ECCC Board of Trustees adopted 2020 Vision , numerous individuals throughout our campus community have been responsible for implementing the Action Plans originally outlined in that strategic plan. I am convinced that through their efforts, the support of many individuals in the local communities we serve, and our college’s commitment to Student Success, Teaching & Learning, Community Partnerships, Resource Planning & Development, and Communication, we have witnessed the growth of a stronger and better institution. They have certainly positioned ECCC to provide outstanding educational opportunities for the citizens of our five-county service area and beyond. I trust that you will enjoy this issue of The Warrior and the good news it brings, as well as our new E-Warrior newsletter that is sent via email at least twice a year. If you did not receive the last E-Warrior in your email, you will find information on Page 4 about how to make sure you receive those college updates. Also, as you prepare to read this issue of The Warrior , I wanted to share with you just a few “numbers” that serve as small indicators of the progress that together we have made while implementing 2020 Vision . You can find those numbers in the column at right. Please know that while we continue to celebrate our college’s achievements, I am well aware that we have a future to plan for and consider. While it seemed so far away in 2013, the end of 2020 is only a year and a half from now. With that thought, I am convinced that our college’s storied past and exciting present is simply a prelude to a more wonderful future. I look forward to working with all college constituents as we soon embark on another strategic planning journey. It is my hope and my prayer that one of the results of this new plan will be that individuals on campus and throughout our communities can say with great enthusiasm and conviction, “It’s a great day to be a Warrior!”

42 Percentage of first-time freshmen enrolling at ECCC who graduated in academic year 2018 within 150 percent of the minimum length of a program of study. 23 Percentage of ECCC’s fall 2018 students taking dual credit courses in district high schools. 61 Percentage of first-time, full-time entering freshmen enrolling at ECCC who experienced a successful outcome of graduation and/or transfer in spring 2017.

28 Percentage of ECCC students residing in on-campus housing during the fall 2018 semester. 52 Percentage of spring 2017 graduating seniors from district public high schools who matriculated to ECCC within one year of graduation.

84 Percentage of ECCC’s fall 2018 student body residing within the college’s five-county district.

God Bless you and God Bless East Central Community College!

Dr. Billy W. Stewart President

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In This Issue...

CAMPUS NEWS

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Retirees plan to slow down and enjoy life Tuition, room/board hold steady President recieves PTK award PBL-sponsored food pantry opens College residence halls receiving improvements

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ALUMNI NEWS

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Evans enjoys career as hospital pharmacist Foreman enjoys woodworking hobby Thomas set to begin second season in NFL Alumni Updates

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18 21 ATHLETICS

Catching up...with Paul Nixon Fall Athletics Schedules

On the cover: Jaclyn Evans says she received a solid academic foundation at East Central Community, which she uses daily in her career as a hospital pharmacist. Read more about her life and career, including highlights of her travels both in the U.S. and internationally, on pages 12-13 of the issue. •

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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, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of East Central Community College. N ONDISCRIMINATION 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 persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non discrimination policies of East Central Community College: Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI, ADEA, and Title IX are coordinated by Dr. Teresa Mackey, Vice President for Instruction, Walter Arno Vincent Administration Building, Room 171, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6202, Fax: 601-635-4011, tmackey@eccc.edu. Inquiries regarding compliance with Section 504 and ADA are coordinated by Dr. Randall Lee, Vice President for Student Services, Eddie M. Smith Student Union, Room 201, Post Office Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327, Phone: 601-635-6375, Fax: 601-635-3247, rlee@eccc.edu.

The Warrior is printed two times annually and is distributed to all alumni of East Central Community College and other friends of the college. Editorial staff members include Office of Public Information personnel: Bill Wagnon, Maria McLeod, Karen Robertson, Amy Thompson Contributing writer includes: David LeBlanc

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Martha Sibley

Joan Grimes

Charles Cleveland

Retirees plan to slow down and enjoy life

Following their retirements this summer, East Central employees Martha Sibley, Joan Grimes, and Charles Cleve land, all say they plan to slow down and simply enjoy life. Sibley, who for the past 10 years has served as the tran script specialist for the Office of Admissions and Records, has been employed at the college for 24.5 years. She began her employment in the Student Services area and also served a stint in the Financial Aid office. She said her best memories will always be the faculty, staff, and administration she has worked with and the friendships she has made. When asked her thoughts on retirement, Sibley said, “It’s a little scary thinking, ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ and ‘Should I work longer?’ But, my husband retired last year and we decided it was the right time. I will miss EC, but I look forward to starting a new journey.” She said in addition to taking time to enjoy her grand children, camping and fishing more, she and her husband have two trips at the top of their retirement agenda, an Alaskan cruise and the Colorado Rockies. Grimes mostly recently served as eLearning Coordinator, a position she held since 2016. She earlier served as the college’s Tech Prep coordinator from 2005 to 2011. She has also served as a classroom teacher in local high schools and has completed 34 years total in the field of education.

She said the best thing about working at East Central has definitely been the people, including the friendships which began at EC. She also had mixed emotions when giving her thoughts on retirement. “I’m happy, but sad to go. Leaving East Central is very bittersweet for me. However, I am excited to pursue some interests and endeavors which I have saved for retirement.” She, too, includes travel among her retirement plans and plans to catch up on some reading, and enjoy her family to the fullest. She added, “As a former Collegian, I have shouted the phrase ‘Once a Collegian, Always a Collegian’ many times. Now from the bottom of my heart I say, ‘Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.’ I will forever bleed Black and Gold.” Cleveland has completed nine years as an HVAC/electri cal specialist in the college’s Physical Plant Department after serving several years in the private sector. He says he is on more of a semi-retirement plan as he does plan to do some electrical and a/c work on the side. “But I’ll stay away from the phone as much as possible and only work when I want to,” he said. Cleveland said his plans include a lot of bream fishing and avoiding work as much as possible.

Coming Soon!

The Alumni Association’s E-Warrior newsletter is delivered to email boxes twice a year and contains brief updates of important ECCC and Alumni Association news. The next issue will arrive in the fall. If you didn’t receive the first issue, send us an update using the form at https://www.eccc.edu/alumni-news.

WARRIOR THE The Official Publication of the East Central Community College Alumni Association E

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New ECCC budget holds tuition, room and board steady for 2019-20 The ECCC Board of Trustees has approved the college’s 2019-20 bud get plan, which includes no increase in tuition or room and board for the upcoming academic year. ECCC will hold tuition and room and board steady for the 2019-20 academic terms, while one fee will increase and a new fee for proposed career and technical dual credit courses has been added to the budget. “We are always pleased when we do not have to raise the cost of tu ition, but especially this coming year as we have implemented increases the two previous years,” said ECCC President Dr. Billy Stewart. “We were also able to hold room and board rates steady for the second straight year. These recommendations were possible because of the anticipated increase in state funding and because of the effective fiscal planning and budget management by everyone at the college.” The board-approved budget plan for 2019-20 includes a $40 increase in the student activity fee, from $5 to $45, to support the college’s wellness program, as well as other student activities. The Warrior Well ness initiative was created in 2016 and supported through 2018 by two grants from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. The fee increase will help ECCC sustain the program, which provides a cam pus fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and fitness classes, a wellness coordinator, expanding intramural options, indoor and outdoor activity areas such as sand volleyball courts and disc and foot golf, and various other health-related student activities and programs that pro mote a healthier and more active learning environment. The plan also includes a new $35 per credit hour fee for Career & Technical dual credit courses that ECCC will begin offering to high schools in the five-county district in fall 2019. Dual Credit courses are those taught on the campus of the local high school by a local high school instructor who meets SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) faculty credential guidelines uti lizing the postsecondary curriculum and student learning outcomes. The $35 per credit hour fee does not include the costs of textbooks, tools, educational supplies, or certification testing. All costs associated with these items will be the responsibility of the student or the high school. The new budget was developed based on an anticipated $200,000 increase over last year in general education funds the college will receive from the state of Mississippi. Much of this additional revenue will be used to provide incremental salary and benefit increases for each em ployee classification at ECCC. In addition to general education funds for recurring costs, East Cen tral is also slated to receive $262,160 in repair and renovation funds and $1.3 million in bond funding to be used for campus construction and maintenance projects. Stewart said the new bond funds would be com bined with an existing $2.2 million in bond money to construct a new Band Hall on campus. “We’ve had bond money set aside for a much-needed Band Hall on campus for several years,” said Stewart. “We are very appreciative to receive the additional $1.3 million in bond money that we believe will now allow us to move forward with this project through the Bureau of Building, Grounds, and Real Property Management. The new facility will be located behind the existing Vickers Fine Arts Center and provide learning and practice areas for our various instrumental bands and vocal groups.” The 2019-20 budget goes into effect on July 1, 2019.

BLAINE, SCITZS NAMED MR., MISS ECCC Austin Blaine of Louisville (left) and Rebekah Scitzs of Collinsville were selected Mr. and Miss East Central Community College for the 2018-19 school year by a vote of the student body. Blaine was a member of Student Against Destructive Decisions, College Republicans, and secretary of the Student Body Association. Scitzs was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Warrior Corps, and a member of the Cheerleading squad this past year. Both students were Dean’s List scholars. Blaine will attend Mississippi State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education, while Scitzs will attend Mississippi University for women to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

CAMPUS NEWS

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Students, faculty, staff participate in first district-wide day of service ECCC Tennis Team manager Amia Henry and members Josie Hurst, and Isaac Santitto, help clean up at Northside Park in Philadelphia; top right, Judith Hurtt organizes books at the Walnut Grove Public Library; and bottom right, soccer player Hayden Sullivan paints the bathroom at Newton County Courthouse.

The first-ever EC Cares for our Community day, a time when East Central Community College faculty, staff, and students gave back to the communities in the college’s five-county district of Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Scott and Winston counties, was held Friday, March 8, 2019. The project, which the college hopes will become an an nual day of service, originated among members of the col lege’s Administration, Faculty and Staff Association (AFSA). More than 100 people volunteered for various service proj ects at locations throughout the district. “Community Partnerships is one of five institutional com mitments of our 2020 Vision strategic plan at East Central Community College,” said Dr. Billy Stewart, ECCC president. “When the idea was proposed to choose a day and allow our faculty, staff, and students to volunteer in the communities of our district, we knew that it was a great way to not only meet that strategic initiative, but to give back to and engage

the people in our communities as well. Although no one was required to participate, members of our campus community were given the opportunity to volunteer for a half-day of service, and we were excited at the number of people who were willing to give of their time and effort to serve others.” Service locations for our first EC Cares for the Commu nity day included Roxy Theatre in Newton, Newton County Courthouse in Decatur, EXCEL of Morton, We Care Missions in Morton, Northside Park in Philadelphia, Philadelphia/Ne shoba County Library, Trend Health and Rehab of Carthage, Walnut Grove Public Library, Carthage Public Library, and Hope Missions and Baptist Children’s Village, both in Louis ville. Service activities included cleaning and organizing, paint ing, landscaping, carpentry, shelving books, office work, and playing games and interacting with residents, among other requested tasks.

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EC DAY at the FAIR Monday, July 29 1 - 2 p.m. Founders Square Pavilion Neshoba County Fair Philadelphia, MS • Collegians • Cheerleaders •Centralettes • College Update • Give-a-ways and more

ECCC President Dr. Billy Stewart talks with PTK officers (from left) Anna Burns, Joshua Warnsley, and Marzell Triplett on campus.

ECCC President Dr. Billy Stewart receives PTK’s Gordon Award

President Dr. Billy Stewart received the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction dur ing the society’s annual convention April 5 in Orlando, Fla. PTK’s Shirley B. Gordon Award is presented to college presidents who have shown strong support of student suc cess on their campuses by recognizing academic achieve ment, leadership, and service among high-achieving students. Stewart was nominated for the award by student members of East Central’s Theta Xi Chapter of PTK on the Decatur campus. The Shirley B. Gordon Award is Phi Theta Kappa’s most prestigious award for community college presidents. “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award from Phi Theta Kappa,” said Stewart, who was named the eighth president of ECCC in July 2012. “The fact that I was nominated by our own East Central Community College PTK students makes this honor even more rewarding. Although I may be on stage accepting the Shirley B. Gordon Award, I will do so on behalf of the entire ECCC family who support and value the success of all of our students.” PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleg es and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. PTK has more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters the United States and nine other countries.

CAMPUS NEWS

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PBL-sponsored food pantry opens A ribbon cutting was held during the spring semester for a new campus food pantry sponsored by the college’s Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda. Warrior POST (Providing Others Support Together) provides free non-perishable food items and other life necessities to cur rently enrolled students with demonstrated need. It is located in the Tucker Applied Technology Center. The idea originated from ECCC academic counselors Lanette Hanna and Jennifer Savell, who recognized the need during con versations with students on campus. “After talking with dorm residents who are not able to go home every weekend, we realized that some of our students don’t always have access to food or a seven-day meal plan,” said Hanna. “We began tossing around the idea about how to estab lish a food pantry to accommodate these students.” Hanna and Savell reached out to PBL sponsor Christy Fergu son, whose student organization was more than willing to adopt the pantry as a service project. To apply for assistance, students must complete and submit an online application form, which is available on the Warrior POST website at www.eccc.edu/warrior-post. Any person or organization can make donations of non-per ishable food items and other necessities to the food pantry. A list of currently needed items is on the website. PBL is a national business education association for students interested in careers in business and business-related fields. It is the largest career student organization in the world.

Mail news to: The Warrior Magazine P.O. Box 129 Decatur, MS 39327 Email news to: mmcleod@eccc.edu

ALUMNI . . .

SEND US YOUR NEWS!

or dleblanc@eccc.edu Submit news online at: www.eccc.edu/alumni-news

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS Yes! I want to stay connected to East Central Community College by becoming an active member of the ECCC Alumni Association. Annual membership runs from July 1 to June 30 of each year. Check a box below to join the Alumni Association or to make an undesignated contribution. Single Membership: $25 Annual $200 Life Joint Membership: $40 Annual $250 Life I’m already a Lifetime Member, but would like to make an undesignated donation in the amount of $____________ to the Alumni Association. q q q q q

Name: ________________________________________________________ (Maiden): _________________________ Class Year/Years Attended: ____________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________________ To pay by credit card, join online at www.eccc.edu/estore or mail the above form with payment to ECCC Alumni Association, P.O. Box 129, Decatur, MS 39327.

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Diesel Equipment Technology to be offered fall 2019 ECCC will offer a new program in Diesel Equipment Technology in Philadelphia beginning in Fall 2019, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Motors plant, will provide students with competencies required to maintain a variety of industrial diesel equipment, including agricultural tractors, commercial trucks, and construction equipment. It will include instruction in inspections, repair, maintenance of engines, power trains, hydraulic systems and other components. Wayne Eason, director of Career and Technical Education, said, “We are excited to offer Diesel Equipment Technology at ECCC. Businesses and industries in our district have expressed a great need for these technicians. We look forward to training our future workforce and filling this need with qualified technicians.” Students can select between several pathways, including a career certificate, technical certificate, or an Associate of Applied Science degree. Coursework will include Fundamentals of Equipment Mechanics, Electrical/Electronic Systems I, II, and III, Hydraulics I, Diesel Systems I, II, and III, Preventive Maintenance and Service, Transportation Power Train, Air Conditioning and Heating Systems, Advanced Brake Systems (Air), Steering and Suspension Systems, and Heavy Equipment Powertrain. According to recent statistics by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, experienced diesel technicians in the ECCC area can earn up to $26.12 per hour or $54,324 annually. To be considered for the program, prospective students must complete the online ECCC application for admission at www.eccc.edu, and submit all official high school and college transcripts or an official high school equivalency diploma. For more information, contact Eason at weason@eccc.edu. The instructional program, which will be located at the previous U.S.

HUMANITIES INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR Guitar instructor Chas Evans (center), who also serves as chair of the Division of Fine Arts, was recently selected as the college’s “Humanities Instructor of the Year.” He was recognized and presented a special program titled “Song Anatomy,” in which he discussed the art of songwriting and popular music in general. Evans is pictured with Molly McMillan (left), who represented the Mississippi Humanities Council, and Dr. Billy Stewart, ECCC president. Evans, who is an ECCC graduate, also received a $400 cash prize.

KEEN SELECTED ECCC MOST BEAUTIFUL Sophomore psychology major Iris Keen (center) of Louisville was crowned East Central Community College’s Most Beautiful 2019 at the college’s annual beauty pageant in March. Also named beauties were (from left) Marla Hudson, a sophomore nursing major from Louisville; Ramiah Johnson, a sophomore English major from Morton; Rebekah Scitzs, a sophomore nursing major from Collinsville; and Shelby Greenwood, a sophomore speech pathology major from Philadelphia.

CAMPUS NEWS

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18 th Annual WARRIOR GOLF CLASSIC For the first time ever, the Warrior Golf Classic had to be canceled due to inclement weather. But thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners and alumni, the tournament still raised more than $10,000 for the alumni scholarship fund and all 24 teams

received vouchers to play at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. Bruce Lee of Louisville was the winner of the La-Z-Boy door prize. 2019 Sponsors: Milton Walker & Associates Tyson Foods Southern Pine Electric Merrill Lynch Duro-Last Roofing

Mayo Law Firm Anderson Retail Constellation / Acts Energy GlassWorx Smith Seckman Reid Piggly Wiggly of Collinsville Weaver Tax Service Eley Guild Hardy Architects ESCO Sequel Electric Massey’s NAPA Tandis Centiva / Tarkett Dallas Printing Rush Health Systems Boswell Media Prince Oil Company Industrial Training Solutions

McLain Plumbing Community Bank SouthGroup Cox Trustmark Bank IN Sports Brown Bottling Group Educational Furnishings Citizens Bank of Philadelphia RJ Young Valley Services Bank of Forest Howard Technology La-Z-Boy Marshall Ford First Financial Bank Neshoba General Hospital Great Southern Bank Robinson Family Dental

John Boutwell ’64 Jerald Everett ’64

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FIRST CLASS COMPLETES LINEMAN CERTIFICATE The initial cohort of students has completed ECCC’s first 16-week course in Electrical Utility Lineman and were honored during a ceremony held May 23 on campus. Those completers were (kneeling, from left) Issac Blalock of Decatur and Zachary Rowzee Hickory; and (standing, from left) Jacob Clark of Newton, Tre’Jan Bogan of Union, Cole Morgan of Eupora, Zykeri Merrell of Philadelphia, and Drew Moore and Cole Harris, both of Morton. Also pictured (back row, at right) is instructor Curtis Bradley. ECCC’s next Electrical Utility Lineman class begins Aug. 5, on campus. For more information, contact Chris Clark, workforce development coordinator, at cclark@eccc.edu.

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Three college residence halls receiving improvements for fall 2019

East Central Community College is con tinuing its quest to make comfortable cam pus living a priority with the renovation of several men’s dormitories over the summer. According to Artie Foreman, superinten dent of the ECCC physical plant, Neshoba, Scott and Winston halls will see improve ments including new paint, flooring, and furniture. “The rooms at Neshoba Hall and Scott Hall will have new beds, desks, chairs, and wardrobes with drawers. Winston Hall, which has built-in study and closet areas, will have new beds and chairs. All three will have new flooring and paint,” said Foreman. Work on the project began on May 6 and the first phase will include Scott Hall and the first floor of Neshoba Hall. This will allow Scott Hall to be ready when football players arrive for summer school in July. Phase two will include Winston Hall and the second floor of Neshoba Hall. All work is scheduled to be completed by July 31.

Dr. Billy Stewart, ECCC president, said, “We are the most residential community college in the state of Mississippi based on the percentage of students living on campus. Therefore, it is important that we continually enhance the on-campus liv ing experience, which plays a significant role in the overall success of our students.” Newsome Hall and Todd Hall underwent extensive renovations during summer 2015 and a new women’s residence hall opened in fall 2017.

Several contractors were awarded for the work. Painting is being completed by In novative Performance of Jackson. Flooring is being installed by Anderson Design of Hattiesburg. Furniture is being installed by Leeder Furniture of Lake Forest, Ill.

CAMPUS NEWS

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Evans enjoys career as pharmacist, spends leisure time traveling

A passion that began as a young girl helping care for her grandfather spurred Jaclyn Evans to seek a ca reer in the healthcare profession. And the academic path to that career began as a freshman at East Central Community Col lege in 2001. Today, she works as a hospi tal pharmacist in Jackson and when she’s not working, she can typically be found fulfilling her other passion of travel. “As a young child, I have vivid memories of watch ing my paternal grandmother taking excellent care of my grandfather and his post-military medical needs,” Evans said. “I remember that, through all of the medical appoint ments, prescription refills, daily vital checks, and household checklists, my grandmother cared for my grandfather with a loving heart, kind words, and a sympathetic mindset. Seeing this, I, too, wanted to help with his treatments, therapies, and medications in any way that I could. Due to the fact that my grandfather suffered upper limb amputations, I asked my grandmother if I could help give him his medica tions. Under her very watchful eye, she allowed me to do so. Even with the small role that I provided in his care, it was then that I knew that I wanted to have a large, active role in helping others receive the best medical care and treatment options possible.” Evans, who grew up in Bay Springs, began working as a student volunteer at the local nursing home and medi cal clinic during high school. It was during that time she witnessed the collaborative efforts of medical providers and pharmacists and the knowledge and training necessary for a pharmacist to do his or her job. She soon realized she, too, wanted to provide that same care for patients one day. She said East Central provided her with a solid academic foundation in the areas of mathematics, biology, and general and organic chemistry, which are four key areas she said she uses daily in pharmacy practice. As with most EC alumni, Evans said her best memories of East Central are the lifelong friendships she made with both fellow students and faculty/staff members. “Some of my most cherished friendships to this day are those that I formed while at East Central Community Col lege,” she said. Evans was also selected as one of six inductees for the ECCC Hall of Fame in 2003 and said it is an award that will always be special to her. “That award remains close to my heart, not only for what it represents, but also because it was an award in which inductees were nominated and chosen by a panel of ECCC faculty members.” When asked who some of her favorite professors were at ECCC, Evans said it was difficult to choose because she felt

as though every instructor at the college played an integral role in helping to mold her into the person and pharmacist she is today. There were a few, however, who stood out and remain as personal and academic mentors today. “The late Ron Davis, who served as my biological sciences instructor, academic counselor, and Sigma Sigma Mu Tau (biological sciences academic organization) advisor, taught me that the cornerstone for a successful healthcare career is kindness. He taught his students, who were training for different careers in healthcare, that we would never truly understand what patients and their families were going through in making life-altering decisions; and for that rea son alone, the best “medicine” we could give them is a kind word or gesture. “Dr. Bettye Sue Hennington, who served as my General Chemistry I and II instructor, instilled in me my passion for chemistry. She had an infectious way of teaching us the fundamentals of general chemistry, without making it seem like work. “Gloria McRae, who served as my Calculus I and II instruc tor, heightened my passion for mathematics by allowing me to see how I could incorporate my passions for mathematics and pharmacy together.” After completing her Associate of Science Degree at East Central in 2003, she continued her education at Mississippi State University where she received the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, both in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2005 and 2008, respectively. She was awarded the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the McWhort er School of Pharmacy at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., in 2012. As a hospital pharmacist, Evans says her job is very complex; and, in addition to routine responsibilities such as entering physician orders and checking medications prior to administration, there are also responsibilities that change frequently. “As one of the nightshift pharmacists, I oversee daily re nal adjustments of patients’ medications, provide treatment recommendations to providers, work collaboratively with providers on appropriate therapy and dosage questions, and review home medication orders. I attend all hospital emer gency (Code 99) patient codes, in which I work alongside the hospital physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists and provide STAT medications for the purpose of life-saving measures. Lastly, I oversee all medication needs for cardio vascular surgery, neonatal intensive care unit, and labor and delivery for my shift,” she said. While she says the most challenging aspect of her career is having to be involved in terminal patient care develop ments/outcomes and the effect it has on a patient’s family, she said “The best part of my career is being able to follow a patient’s medical progress, based on any of my medicinal recommendations, and being able to see the positive out comes.” Evans said her best advice to students considering a

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career in pharmacy is to seize every academic opportunity, while maintaining a proper balance between academic and personal life. “As an ECCC student, I became involved in various academic organizations, such as Mu Alpha Theta, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, Phi Theta Kappa, President’s Coun cil, and the Warrior Corps recruiting team,” she said. “By being actively involved in these organizations, I began crafting my future role as a pharmacist through public service opportunities, leadership roles, and public speaking engagements.” She also encourages students to research and familiarize themselves with the various areas of pharmacy that are available to them as a career. She said after beginning her career as a hospital pharmacist, she was amazed by the number of people who were not aware that careers could expand beyond that of retail phar macy. “Most individuals are only familiar with retail pharmacists simply because those are the only pharmacists they interact with from a public standpoint. Most other pharmacy career opportunities, such as a hospital/clinical pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, hospital administration, and oncology pharmacy, are seen from a ‘behind the scenes’ perspective. “Even though a large number of pharmacy students graduate pharmacy school with the intent on pursuing retail/community pharmacy as their profession, they should know that there are other available pharmacy career options.” Outside of her pharmacy career, Evans has varied interests. She is an active member of Antioch Christian Church in Hickory where she participates in a variety of activities. She is also an avid reader of biographical and autobiographical books, enjoys watching new romantic comedy movie releases, writing old-fashioned letters to family and friends, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid traveler, both domestic and international, and said she ac quired the “travel bug” while an undergraduate at Mississippi State. “I had the opportunity to fly to a medical conference. Once I returned home, my family and I planned an air-travel trip to New York City; and, as they say, the rest is history!” She has traveled to 34 states within the United States and hopes to see the other 16 in the next few years. Her excursions have included New York City, a birthday trip to Philadelphia, Pa., and she has also visited many of the Ivy League Schools in the U.S., including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Brown. In 2010, she traveled with her pharmacy school class to London for a two-week course in which she studied the similarities and differences between U.S. Healthcare and Great Britain Healthcare. “During our time there, we had the opportunity to visit the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Kensing ton Palace, The Coca-Cola London Eye, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, House of Parliament, Windsor Castle, St. George’s Chapel, the Crown Jewels, and the Changing of the Guard. On our weekend off, I, along with three of my best friends, were allowed to travel to Paris for the weekend. We were able to visit the Eiffel Tower for dinner, take a cruise on the Seine River, and visit many historic sites such as the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Notre Dame.” In addition to London and Paris, she said other favorite places she has visited outside the U.S. include Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada; Dublin, Ireland; and Edinburgh, Scotland. She often travels with her family, and in 2015 they celebrated her parents’ 36th wedding anniversary in Honolulu, Hawaii. She and her aunt took a trip to San Francisco where they visited The Golden Gate Bridge, and many other tourist spots. She and her family have also traveled to multiple cities in Texas and numer ous historic sites and landmarks in the United States, including The Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Yellowstone National Park, and others. Along her journey, Evans has also been able to meet numerous famous people. Among her favorites are former First Lady Laura Bush, former First Daughters Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush Coyne, country music star Car rie Underwood, and HGTV’s Home Town stars Ben and Erin Napier, who are from Mississippi. She has also had the opportunity to hear multiple U.S. Presi dents speak at different conferences, including current U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

ALUMNI NEWS

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ECCC Physical Plant Director enjoys woodworking hobby

A rtie Foreman of Little Rock physical plant, where he is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the college’s physical plant, grounds and transportation equipment. He’s been employed at the college since 1993. When he is not taking care of the ECCC campus, Foreman, a member of the ECCC class of 1990, enjoys a very successful woodworking business. For now, he says, it’s a hobby; how ever, in a few years, when he retires, it’s something he says he might consider as a primary job. His hobby began in the late 1980s, but it stemmed from childhood, and working with wood is somewhat of a family tradition. Foreman said, “I’ve always been interested in working with wood. My Granddaddy had a sawmill when I was around five or six and I’ve had several great uncles who worked with wood, so I guess you could say it runs in the family.” Foreman said he also learned a lot about the trade as a student at Beulah Hubbard High School. “Mr. John Smith was my Ag teacher and he had a big im pact on me. I learned a lot from him,” he said. Among his homespun items are hand-turned bowls, dough bowls, cabinets, bird houses, wood kitchen utensils, wall decor, tables, benches, chairs, barn doors, swings, Christmas ornaments, flags, decks, and porches. In addition, he said he has incorporated aluminum with his wood pieces to make some wall decor and occasionally uses his son’s (Peyton) blacksmith forge to make door pulls. Mainly he sticks to wood creations. He said he doesn’t really have a favorite item to make; however, his favorite tool is his wood lathe and he enjoys turning items on it. “I love making things from God’s creation,” he said. “I like to look at a tree and just picture what can be made from it. That’s what I like about turning on my lathe, most of the time I don’t have a plan for it. I just start turning and when it’s finished it’s a unique piece because it’s the only one like it. You try to explain to some people what something is going to look like and they can’t see it like I can.” Foreman said he uses all kinds of wood including pine, oak, persimmon, sassafras, magnolia, cherry, beech, cedar, black walnut, maple, ash, and others. “I don’t really have a favorite kind of wood, because each one is unique,” he said. “Most of the wood I use to turn bowls is either given to me, or I come across it from a tree being cut down. I usually don’t cut trees just to turn something.” One of Foreman’s most recent projects was an oak televi sion entertainment center and a china cabinet that someone had commissioned. serves as superintendent of the East Central Community College

“I like to think that all my projects are good, but those two really turned out great, I think. And one of my other favor ites, and one of the most unusual I’ve made, is a bowl that is round and all one piece but has a square lip around it.” Like any longtime artist, he’s also had pieces that didn’t turn out quite right, including the time that he glued some thing up and then later realized he had put it together back wards. But, thankfully, he says those kinds of mess ups don’t happen too often. There have even been a few times when a mistake turned out better than the original idea. Foreman says most ideas he comes up with on his own, but some people put in special requests. “Most of my work is original, but I do look on the internet from time to time and some people send me pictures of what they want me to build.” He said most of his sales come from people who have ei ther seen his work or heard about it from others. In addition to special orders, Foreman also sells some of his designs on Facebook. “It’s hard to sell some items in this area, like hand-turned bowls, because people think it’s easy to do, and when you put a price of fifty or sixty dollars on it they think that’s too high,” he said. “But, although I enjoy making things, it’s time consuming from the time you find a piece wood to use, make the blank, get it roughed out, do a final sanding, and finish coat. Some pieces take many hours to complete.” For more information or to see additional photographs of Foreman’s designs, visit his Facebook page at Foreman Wood Designs.

ALUMNI NEWS

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ECCC alumnus Sam Rutigliano joins Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame

East Central Community College alumnus Sam Rutigliano, who coached high school, college, and professional football teams over a combined 46 years, includ ing the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, was inducted into the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame during a special ceremony held in April at the Clyde Muse Center on the Rankin Campus of Hinds Community College. Rutigliano came to East Central Junior College in January 1950 from Brooklyn, N.Y. He played football and basketball at East Central and went on to play foot ball at the University of Tennessee and the University of Tulsa. He was selected to the ECCC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. Rutigliano was head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 1978 to 1984, being named NFL Coach of the Year in 1980. He later went on to be a football analyst for NBC Sports and ESPN. In 1988, he became head coach at Liberty University and was there for the next 11 years becoming the winningest coach in school history. He would then go on to be an assistant coach under Jack Bicknell for NFL Europe teams the Barcelona Dragons and the Scottish Claymores.

While he served as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Rutigliano helped es tablish an innovative approach to helping athletes confront substance abuse. He teamed with Dr. Gregory Collins, a psychiatrist with the Cleveland Clinic Founda tion, to be the first NFL coach to work with players in combating substance abuse. Together, they formed the Inner Circle, an anonymous support group to help Browns players. The Browns Inner Circle continues to serve as a template for all NFL teams today. Perhaps most notably, Rutigliano established Coach Sam’s Inner Circle Foundation. Providing elementary students with the opportunity for greater lifetime success, the Foundation strives to develop a well-rounded child by instilling the neces sary skills to succeed in school and beyond.

October 17 Follow us on social media and the website to see details as they become available. @ECCC_MS • www.eccc.edu Save the Date! 2019

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EC’s Thomas set to begin second season with Texans

Jordan Thomas was a standout athlete at Sumrall High School, but like many small school prospects, he didn’t get too many looks from the college ranks. So, he chose to go the JUCO route and signed with Ken Karcher’s East Central Community College Warriors. Thomas, who was a tight end on the ECCC football team in 2014 and 2015, had an exceptional career as a Warrior. At 6-5, 280-pounds, he was instrumental in helping the Warriors to an 8-3 record in 2015, including an MACJC play off spot and an invitation to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl in Copperas Cove, Texas. He finished as the No. 1 tight end in the MACJC.

it. Still today, after my first season, I just can’t believe it. I went from Sumrall, only one JUCO offer to play, to Missis sippi State and now the Texans. It’s just really surreal.” Thomas said to this day, it’s just crazy to have gone through the process and to play against Tom Brady and other guys he grew up watching play NFL football. He even admitted to being a bit “starstruck.” “People think I’m a celebrity now, but no, I’m still just a regular old guy. It’s been cool to meet some of my own foot ball idols, including “Gronk” (Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots). He’s the guy I want to be like.”

“ ” I don’t get tired of the pictures or the autographs. I may be tired from practice, but I do it anyway because I realize how special it is to get to be a part of all of this.

Thomas says he’s still the same guy he was as an EC student and is quick to note that the roles could have easily been switched and it could have been someone else getting this opportunity. “I don’t get tired of the pic tures or the autographs. During camp, lots of people are watch ing us and I try to get around

He went on to play two years at Mississippi State University under head coach Dan Mullen, where as a senior in 2017 he was moved to wide receiver and had 22 catches for 263 yards and three touchdowns. It was at Mississippi State

where the Houston Texans took notice of Thomas and selected him as the 37th pick in Round 6 of the 2018 National Foot ball League draft in April 2018. He completed his rookie season in the NFL with 20 recep tions for 215 yards and averaged 10.8 yards per carry. He also had four touchdowns. “I think I had a pretty good rookie season, although it wasn’t as good as I wanted,” Thomas said. Thomas recently spent his three-month “off season” visiting family, working out and preparing to report back to Houston in April. When asked how he felt about being drafted and play ing in the NFL, Thomas said he was grateful to those who helped along the way to get him where he is today. “Looking back, East Central was one of the best parts of my life. I am grateful, thankful for everyone here who had a part in making me who I am today. I met great friends at EC. “There was change at every level. After I got to Mississip pi State, the classes were bigger, the team and campus were bigger. I met a lot of good friends there too and enjoyed my time there. I really didn’t know I had a chance to be drafted until the last two games at State. “Then going through the combine was incredible. I was looked at by Buffalo, Arizona and several other teams. On the plane ride home, I was like ‘Dang, I’m fixing to get drafted!’” Thomas said he watched the draft from his home in Sum rall with his family, including his parents, Robert and Mo nique. There was no party, but just waiting and watching. “Then I got the phone call and my heart just dropped,” he said. “I knew my life was about to change. The Texans GM (General Manager) called and told me I was about to be drafted. I was just so thankful. And I was just struck by

to them all. I may be tired from practice, but I do it anyway because I realize how special it is to get to be a part of all of this.” Thomas said the biggest lesson he has learned in the past year is simply how to be a professional athlete. It’s some thing he says he’s still learning, even in the off season. “I’m learning from veteran players, not just about the game, but how to take care of my body during the off sea son. I’m doing everything from yoga to strength training to eating right so I’ll be ready to go when we report back.”

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Catching Up . . .

with Paul Nixon

Paul Nixon assumed his duties as East Central Community College’s Director of Athletics last June, taking over leadership of the college’s nine varsity sports teams upon the retirement of Dean of Personnel Services/Athletics Chris Harris. A native of Clinton, Nixon was a longtime women’s collegiate basketball coach, including eight years as head women’s coach at Columbia University of the Ivy League. With 12 months under his belt at helm of ECCC athletics, The Warrior sat down with Coach Nixon for his take on the state of the college’s varsity athletics program.

THE WARRIOR: How would you describe your first year as director of athletics at East Central Community College? PAUL NIXON: My first year has been very rewarding. I’ve met great people who support our athletics programs, many of whom graduated from East Central, and they are excited about the direction our teams are headed. The first year has allowed me to develop good working relationships with our coaching staff and many others on our campus who are also highly invested in the success of the Warrior athletics programs. THE WARRIOR: What do you see as some of the most important athletics program accomplishments over the past academic year? PAUL NIXON: The fall was exciting as our football team held its own against a very tough schedule, and then we were able to break ground on Warrior Hall. The winter and spring saw all six of our other varsity teams qualify for postseason play with women’s basketball, softball, and both tennis squads ending their seasons ranked nationally. The men’s tennis team qualified for the NJCAA Division I National Championship, and won several matches in its first trip to nationals as a team. THE WARRIOR: How do you gauge the success of ECCC athletics, and based on that how did the college’s teams perform this year? PAUL NIXON: We measure success on the performance of our student-athletes both within and outside of their playing venues. Many measure their success based solely on athletic performance, and by that standard, we had a good year as noted above. We look at success beyond the competitive arenas, and for this past year, we had an outstanding athletic season. Team grade-point averages were good across the board, and we had almost 100 percent of our sophomore student-athletes to graduate. Many of those sophomores signed to continue playing their respective sports at four-year schools, at all levels both in state and out of state. THE WARRIOR: East Central is one of the smaller schools in the MACJC, but continues to be competitive in all sports. What do you attribute that success to? PAUL NIXON: There are a number of factors that go into East Central remaining competitive in all our sports, but it starts at the top. Dr. [Billy] Stewart, our president, has been very supportive of our efforts to hire outstanding head coaches who believe in our approach to building

successful teams with high character student-athletes. The student-athletes who have chosen to become Warriors and Lady Warriors have bought into our

mission and this has led to their successes in the competitive arenas, in the classrooms, and throughout our campus. THE WARRIOR: While the Warriors and Lady Warriors remain competitive on the playing fields and courts, they are among the state and national leaders in the classroom. To what do you attribute that academic success? PAUL NIXON: The young women and men who choose East Central want a college experience in which they will be challenged in the classroom and held to a high standard, not a different standard just because they are athletes. The instructors here push the student-athletes in their classes in the same way that the coaches push them in their sports, to be the best they can be, and our Warriors and Lady Warriors rise to meet that challenge. THE WARRIOR: You traveled the state from Senatobia to Perkinston this year to support the Warriors and Lady Warriors. What is your early impression on the quality of athletics in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges? PAUL NIXON: The competition in this league in all sports is at a very high level. There are little to no easy games for any of our teams, and many student-athletes throughout the state have understood the benefit of coming to a community college to hone their skills against great competition as opposed to going straight to a four year school and fighting for minimal playing time as a freshman or sophomore. I don’t know the exact figures, but there was a large number of student-athletes in the MACJC who signed to play at the next level following their sophomore seasons this year. That is reflective of the quality of play in this league. THE WARRIOR: As you begin your second year as director of athletics, what are some future short-term and long term initiatives Warrior fans might expect? PAUL NIXON: Due to the ever-increasing level of competitiveness across the state, we are committed to providing our student-athletes and fans with the best

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