Warrior Magazine June 2019

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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