WarriorMagazineJanuary2021

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WARRIOR THE The Official Publication of the East Central Community College Alumni Association Volume XXIX, No. 1 • January 2021

A message from the President

Dear Warrior Family,

I can’t express how grateful I am to be back home at East Central Community College. This place has been such an important part of my life and that of my family. Being president of my alma mater truly is the pin- nacle I’ve sought to achieve in my career in higher education. It was an interesting first fall semester back on campus to say the least. When I was selected as president in early March 2020, I had no idea that we would be facing a pandemic like COVID-19. But as always, the faculty, staff, and students at East Central have faced this challenge head on and made my first semester back in De- catur a great success. We instituted a hybrid system where classes were split with 50 percent of students at- tending class in-person while the other tuned in virtually and then for the next class meeting that week they swapped places. This has allowed our students to safely have face-to-face, yet socially distanced contact with instructors at least once a week, and it’s something we believe has helped greatly with the academic success of our students. Not only that, but we were able to host two home football games, outdoor and indoor movie nights, and other socially distanced activities to give our students the best possible semester in light of the pandemic. We again have our students on campus this spring and are allowing for the hybrid format. And as usual, we continue to offer online learning for those who desire this form of instruction. Along those same lines, I missed having the opportunity to invite alumni and friends to campus during my first semester, and I look forward to the day when we can safely resume normal activities such as Homecom- ing and other special events. One of my first priorities as president is the institution of a new strategic plan which will lead our college into the next decade. We have already begun the process of developing this new road map for the future, and I look forward to touring our five-county district very soon to gain input from each of you, our shareholders, on what’s most important to our community college and the path we want to take to get there.

Again, I look forward to visiting with all of you soon, and thank you for your continued support of our college.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brent Gregory President

In This Issue...

CAMPUS NEWS

4 6 7 8

College breaks ground on Thomas Carson Band Hall Homecoming Queen, court honored ECCC again leads in transfer GPA Gregory returns home to lead alma mater

ATHLETICS

16 18 21

Kicking specialist has standout year on the gridiron ECCC Athletic Schedules Save the Date for Warrior Golf Classic

ALUMNI NEWS

12 15 20

Hal and Emily Thompson serve local healthcare needs Kelly becomes highest ranking military official in Congress Alumni Updates

On the cover: ECCC alumnus Dr. Brent Gregory assumed his duties as the college’s ninth president on July 1, 2020. He began his tenure in the community college system in 2000 as East Central’s Director of Student Life and has also held stints at Mississippi Delta Community College and Southwest Mississippi Community College prior to his return to ECCC. Please see the article on pages 8 -10 for more information on Dr. Gregory. •

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 alumni of East Central Community College and other friends of the college. Editorial staff members include Office of Public Information personnel: Bill Wagnon, Lucas Calvert, Maria McLeod, Karen Robertson, &Amy Thompson

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College breaks ground on new Thomas W. Carson Band Hall

A groundbreaking ceremony in October marked the official start of construction on the new Thomas W. Carson Band Hall at East Central Com- munity College. The ceremony was held at the site of the future 13,000 square-foot facility on the north side of the Vickers Fine

Arts Center. The building will be named in mem- ory of the late Carson who was associ- ated with East Central for more than half his life, including two years as a student and 30 years as Director of Bands and music instructor. He passed away on May 6, 2013, at age 57.

The estimated $3.5 million band hall will house the Wall O’ Sound March- ing Band practice hall, music practice studios, music teaching studios, instru- ment storage, a music library, and office space. Construction is expected to be com- pleted within two years.

Participating in the groundbreaking for ECCC’s Thomas W. Carson Band Hall were (from left) Grace Everett of Decatur, Wall O’ Sound Band drum major; Zach Langley, ECCC director of bands; Dr. Jimmy Hollingsworth, chair of the college’s Board of Trustees; Dr. Brent Gregory, ECCC president; Brenda Carson, wife of the late Tom Carson; Carson’s sons Chris Carson and Jeremy Carson; granddaughter Margo Timidaiski; and daughter Jennifer Carson Timidaiski.

Annual Report Card again shows high marks for ECCC

In accordance with Mississippi House Bill No. 1071 from the 2010 legislative session, East Central Community College in Decatur has re- leased its academic year 2018-2019 Mississippi Community College Per- formance Profile, or Report Card. The bill created an Education Achieve- ment Council which was established to set education achievement goals for institutions of higher learning and community colleges in the state and to assist in monitoring progress towards those goals through the preparation of annual institutional and state report cards. The Community College Report Card, designed to reflect the unique mission of community colleges, incorporates measures closely aligned with the Voluntary Framework of Accountability developed by the American Association of Community Colleges. Therefore, each report card includes information for the specific community college, along with corresponding figures for the state system, which includes all 15 Mississippi community colleges. Information contained in the report includes student enrollment, degrees awarded, student success, student retention, student progress, workforce development information, and High School Equivalency and adult basic education statistics, as well as enrollment and success in development or remedial coursework (col- lege readiness). In the 2018-2019 Community College Report Card, ECCC was among the best in the state in the areas of Student Success, Student Progres- sion, and Remediation Success. In Student Success, ECCC ranked among the state’s elite in percent- age of full-time freshmen graduating within three years. The college was also a state leader in overall Student Success, consisting of aggre- gate graduation and transfer rates. In Student Progression, ECCC was above state norms in full-time stu- dent progression toward degree completion by the end of the second enrollment year. In Remediation Success, ECCC was a leader in reme- diation of mathematics students to successful completion of college algebra. Other strengths for East Central proportionate to college enrollment were the number of students completing university parallel associate degrees and the number of students trained through non-credit work- force programs. The 2018-2019 Performance Profile (Report Card) for ECCC can be found on the college’s website at www.eccc.edu/consumer-information. In addition, a copy can be obtained from the Office of the President.

VANCE RETIRES AFTER 24 YEARS

Jeannie Vance (right), who served since 1996 as administrative assistant to the faculty at East Central Community College, retired in December 2020. College President Dr. Brent Gregory presented Vance a resolution on behalf of the college’s Board of Trustees.

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HANNA RETIRES, RECEIVES EXCELLENCE AWARD

Congratulations to ECCC Instructional Counselor Lanette Hanna for being awarded the college’s 2020 Excellence with Class Award as the outstanding staff member, along with a $500 check from the ECCC Foundation. Hanna

ALUMNI . . .

SEND US YOUR NEWS! Mail news to: The Warrior Magazine P.O. Box 129 Decatur, MS 39327

was notified of the award on her final day in office before retiring after 26 years.

Email news to: mmcleod@eccc.edu Submit news online at: www.eccc.edu/alumni-news

CAMPUS NEWS

2020 HOMECOMING QUEEN AND COURT HONORED

In top photo, members of the 2020 Homecoming Court at East Central Community College included (from left) freshman maids Emma Fulcher of Louisville, Kenayzha Germany of Union, Carlie Kitchings of Decatur, and Alex Weir of Newton; 2020 Homecoming Queen Courtney Gill of Carthage; and sophomore maids Olivia Adams of Philadelphia, Jasmin Brooks of Collinsville, Maurin Dooley of Meridian, and Alana McMullan of Decatur. The queen and her court were presented during a special ceremony in November at Bailey Stadium. In right photo, sophomore Courtney Gill (center) of Carthage was crowned Homecoming Queen at East Central Community College during ceremonies in November at Bailey Stadium. Gill received her crown from College President Dr. Brent Gregory (right). At left is 2019 queen Parker Breland of Union who presented the new queen with a bouquet of roses. Gill, who was selected by vote of the student body, is a civil engineering major who attended Leake Academy.

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BIEWER LUMBER COMPANY DONATES TO ECCC CARPENTRY PROGRAM Biewer Lumber Company in Newton donated a bundle of 2 x 4s to East Central Community College’s Carpentry Technology program to be used by students as they learn how to frame structures. Pictured are (left to right) James Boykin, ECCC Carpentry Technology instructor, Wayne Eason, ECCC Director of Career and Technical Education, and Jason Otto, Plant Manager at Biewer.

Submitted Photo

ECCC leads state in transfer GPA for 4th straight year

East Central Community College is the best in the state for the fourth straight year in preparing students for success at four-year public universities in Mississippi. Students who transferred from ECCC to a public four-year institution earned the highest cumulative grade- point average (GPA) of all community college transfers in the state of Missis- sippi in 2020. According to data released by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), students who trans- ferred from East Central to one of the state’s eight public, four-year institu- tions earned a 3.32 GPA at baccalaure- ate graduation in 2020. Students from the community col- lege with the second highest GPA in

2020 earned a 3.30, and the average GPA for all 15 community colleges combined was a 3.20. This marks the fourth year in a row, and the sixth time in the past eight years, that all students who trans- ferred from ECCC to a public, four- year university in Mississippi earned the highest GPA at baccalaureate graduation of all the state’s commu- nity colleges. The report also showed that com- munity college transfer students performed academically as well in university courses as students who began their education at the senior institutions. The overall average GPA at graduation earned by all community college transfers and all IHL students was a 3.20.

“This again is fantastic news for the East Central Community College family,” said ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory. “The success of our students remains the top priority for our col- lege and this latest report from IHL is a testament to the fact that ECCC is the very best at preparing students for the next level. “I congratulate our ECCC faculty and staff who work so hard every year to assure our students succeed in whatever they do after they leave East Central Community College, whether it is pursuing a higher degree at a four- year university or entering the work- force. I am also proud of our students for their efforts and congratulate them on their successes.”

ECCC’s Case to Present Humanities Teacher of the Year Lecture Feb. 24 •

East Central Community College English instructor Paige Case has been named the college’s 2020 Humanities Teacher of the Year and will present “Awakenings: Surpris- ing Intersections between Jonathan Edwards and Ralph Waldo Emerson,” a special program beginning at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. Due to COVID-19, the public is invited to view the presentation on live stream on the Black Channel at www.eccclive.com. During her presentation, Case will present a compari- son/contrast of Jonathan Edwards and Ralph Waldo Emer- son, key figures in early American literature. Case said, “As theologians, the two could not have been more different. In fact, one Emerson scholar writes, ‘There can be no doubt that Jonathan Edwards would have abhorred from the bot- tom of his soul every proposition Ralph Waldo Emerson blandly put forth in the manifesto of 1836, Nature.’ This language is strong, but true, making the commonalities be- tween the two quite unexpected. This presentation explores their ‘surprising intersections’ as well as how these connec- tions led to their stark differences.” Case is a native of Brookhaven and graduated cum laude from Millsaps College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In 1999, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree with an emphasis on literature from the University of West Alabama. During her career, Case has taught English and literature at the junior high, high school, community college, and

Case

university level. Her literary emphasis has been American literature, specifically early American literature. She has held her position at East Central Community College since 2015. Her primary focus at ECCC is composition, and she currently serves as lead instructor for Developmental English. She and her husband, David, have three children, Eliza- beth (Drew), Catherine (Brian), and Mary Madelon, and one granddaughter, Camille. CAMPUS NEWS

E ast Central Community College is a place deeply rooted in the life of Dr. Brent Gregory (’96), who was named the college’s ninth president this past July. For Dr. Gregory, his new role is more than just the next step, it’s what he calls the pinnacle of his career. It’s coming home to a place which he and his family have loved for a long time. “East Central Community College has played an enormous role in my life and that of my family,” Gregory said. “It’s hard to put into words the elation I felt knowing that I would have the opportunity to make a difference at an institution that I care so deeply about.” A native of Nanih Waiya, Dr. Gregory’s family ties to East Cen- tral date back to 1970 when his parents, Larry and Glenda Jones Gregory, met in Sullivan Center, the former student grill and a popular spot for students to gather. He enrolled as a student in 1994 and the following year shared a room with his brother, Bart, in Winston Hall. East Central is also where Gregory met the young lady who would become his wife, the former Christi Lee (’95) of Philadel- phia, who he met while both were employed at the college, and where they began their life together. “I brought both of my children home from the hospital to faculty/staff housing and they took their first steps on this cam- pus,” said Dr. Gregory. “My daughters, McKinley and Mary Lee, have gotten the opportunity to learn and hopefully appreciate the feelings that Christi and I share for the college. “The word ‘home’ can be thrown out casually at times, but I The pinnacle: Gregory returns home to lead alma mater

hope that I convey how much ECCC means to me. Saying this, ECCC is not just a single loca- tion but our district as a whole. In addition to being a native of Winston County I also have family ties in Leake, Neshoba, Newton, and Scott counties. I consider this district my home and plan to work diligently to give all of our service area the attention it deserves.” After receiving his associate degree from ECCC, Gregory earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s degree in workforce training and development from the University of Southern Mississippi and his doc- torate in community college leadership from Mississippi State University. He began his tenure in the community col- lege system in 2000 as East Central’s Director of Student Life. Prior to joining the EC staff, he served as an instructor and coach for the Lou- isville Municipal School District. He is a third

generation educator. “My family roots are tied deeply to education in the East Central area of the state,” he said. “My grandmother was an elementary school teacher in Scott County. My mother followed her footsteps and was also an elementary school teacher for 17 years before beginning a second career with the Mississippi State Extension Service. My uncle, Dr. Bill Wade, was a school superintendent for the Union School District as well as the Louisville Municipal School District. Education has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. These individuals not only gave me insight into the profession but have served as invaluable resources in my development.” Dr. Gregory’s experience includes seven years as associ- ate vice president for enrollment management at Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead, where he was the college registrar and supervised the offices of admissions, counseling and recruiting, financial aid, distance learning and online education, dual enrollment, disability services, and work-based learning, as well as the Career Center, Cen- ter of Learning and Tutoring Services, and library. He also oversaw Predominately Black Institution program grants in excess of $7 million.

His most recent tenure was as vice president for student services at Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit, where he served as Title IX coordinator and su- pervised the offices of counseling and recruiting, financial

aid, campus housing, campus police, college publications, disability services, and student activities, as well as all judicial affairs of the institution. With such a wide range of experiences in numerous areas of the community college sys- tem, Dr. Gregory has been able to learn invaluable informa- tion that would help him in his quest for the presidency of East Central. “I have had the opportu-

“ ” Dr. Gregory’s years of experience in college administration provide the perfect blend of fresh ideas with our great traditions of excellence that will continue to make East Central the ‘best of the best’. –Jerry Nance, ECCC Board of Trustees member

nity to work in or supervise areas as diverse as academics, student affairs, and also workforce education. The lessons I obtained from this have been invaluable. In planning, I al- ways try to ask ‘How does this decision affect the college as a whole?’ The time that was spent in each of these areas has given me a unique insight in that each decision impacts all of the college and not just one part. I feel blessed that I have had the opportunity to learn and now put those lessons to use leading this institution.”

CAMPUS NEWS

Dr. Gregory said he remembers a high school coach once saying “If you put in the work the results will come.” For Gregory and his family, that hard work took them around the state, but the aspiration was always to return home to East Central if the opportunity presented itself. That labor was re- warded when he was named the president of his alma mater. “I have always said that my goals were that when the op- portunity came that I would have amassed the experience and knowledge to fulfill the role of college president. The op- portunity to lead this institution was always the absolute pin- nacle in terms of goals. I knew 10 years ago that in order to prepare myself for this opportunity that I would have to do the most difficult thing and that was to leave. It was always with the thought of making myself better so that if this op- portunity became available I would be prepared to give ECCC the leadership it deserves. The experience that I garnered while working at community colleges in different areas of the state has given me a perspective that while we must strive to maintain the traditions that make us special we should also

than it is currently. At then end of the day that’s what we should all be striving for, to make ECCC the best it can be for everyone. “I would hope that individuals see me as someone who loves this institution and wakes up every day striving to make it better for all stakeholders. Consistency combined with those feelings are what will make the difference in the long run for ECCC. I hope that people see I wake up everyday trying to accomplish something that makes ECCC better. If I can do that over the next several years coupled with the work of our team, we will look back and have accomplished our goal of making East Central Community College a special place.” One of the first items of business for Dr. Gregory is establishing a new strategic plan for the college. The most recent plan will be completed at the end of this year and the new president said he looks forward to working with staff, students and community stakeholders to develop a new road map for the future that will continue to ensure the success of

East Central and its students. “As we develop our new stra- tegic plan for the college, it is critical that we involve all stake- holders within our district,” Dr. Gregory said. “Students, faculty, staff, and individuals from all as- pects of our community will have input into the path we will set forth upon. A continuing com- mitment to the great accomplish- ments we have made academi- cally will be a key component of our plan. We will also work with our local industry through Workforce Education to enhance the job market within our five- county district. It is important to me that we as a college work with local industry to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to continue to live and worship in their local communities.” It is also important to Dr. Gregory for students who attend East Central Community Col- lege to not only accomplish their academic and career goals, but to leave with the same fondness that he did as a student and to always think of East Central as a place to call home.

“ ” Our parents always told us if we worked hard and treated people well, anything in this world is attainable. It sounds simple, but Brent’s work ethic was instilled at an early age. We were taught to work hard in every aspect of our lives, whether it be academics, athletics, or even a summer job. And that translated into his professional life. From coordinating campus programs to running a chainsaw to herding cows, he’s always been determined to do things the right way. But I’m most proud of the person he’s always been. No matter where he’s worked, people have always pulled me aside and raved about his caring personality. East Central has always been special to our family. For him to be able to come back means a lot. He’s driven to do the best for EC because we have so many great memories on the campus. I would be proud of him no matter what, but for him to have this opportunity at a place we care so much about, it couldn’t have been scripted better.

– Bart Gregory, Dr. Brent Gregory’s brother, a 1997 ECCC graduate

“A central tenet of what I am trying to accomplish every day is to give students the opportunity to feel the way I do for this college. You can’t artificially make students care for an institution, it has to be real. I know that while a student and later an employee there were people who helped me change everyday memories into moments. They did that by providing opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom to grow as an individual. That’s what makes ECCC special to so many is those memories and I hope I am assist- ing to continue and improve upon that environment.” Christi Gregory, a 1995 East Central graduate, is a coun- selor at Newton County Elementary School.

strive to get better every day as a college.” Dr. Gregory said the best thing about coming home has been the ability to rekindle the relationships that were built throughout his life, and conversing and working with others to determine how best to continue building and growing the college. “The individuals who are a part of this organization are not only great at their jobs, but truly seem to have the best interests of this organization at the forefront of their thoughts,” he noted. “The reception I have received has been incredible. The familiarity with individuals has led to open and candid discussions on how to make ECCC even better

Executive Director of the ECCC Foundation East Central Community College is looking for an Executive Director of its nonprofit Foundation. The Executive Director of the Foundation coordinates daily operations as well as the fundraising efforts of the East Central Community College Foundation, Inc. The Executive Director of the Foundation reports directly to the President of the College. The President of the College is the chief fundraiser for East Central Community College. The Position Announcement, including Required Qualifications, Preferred Qualifications, Duties and Responsibilities, and Required Applicant Documents, along with an Employment Application, can be found at www.eccc.edu/employment. The deadline for applications is May 14, 2021. The position is expected to be filled by May 31, 2021. Questions should be directed to: Bill Wagnon Vice President for Public Information 601-635-6242 bwagnon@eccc.edu

ESPOSITO SELECTED ECCC’S MOST BEAUTIFUL East Central Community College freshman broadcast journalism major Gianna Esposito of Union (center) was selected Most Beautiful at the college’s annual pageant held in October. Esposito is a graduate of Union High School. Named Beauties were (from left) Ansley Rigby, a sophomore pre-dental major from Union and Union High School; Hannah Beech, a freshman cosmetology major from Meridian and Clarkdale High School; Jasmin Brooks, a sophomore liberal arts/pre-nursing major from Collinsville and Newton County High School; and Brooklyn Massey, a freshman audiology major from Pearl and Pearl High School. Esposito was crowned by last year’s Most Beautiful Olivia Adams, a sophomore pre-dental major from Philadelphia and Neshoba Central High School.

Esposito was crowned by last year’s Most Beautiful Olivia Adams (right), a sophomore pre-dental major from Philadelphia and Neshoba Central High School. At left is ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory.

CAMPUS NEWS

Hal and Emily Thompson serve healthcare needs of local community

E ast Central

dating until our sophomore year. One of my roommates was dating one of his suitemates and they reintroduced us. We dated all through college and got married after I graduated pharmacy school.” Emily is a pharmacist at Wheeler Drug Store, which is owned and operated by her parents, Charles, also a pharmacist, and Debbie Boggan. Hal owns and operates Thompson Physical Therapy. Both businesses are located on the courthouse square in Decatur. The Thompsons also have four sons who Emily says “keep them busy with all the sports and activities they can squeeze into a day.” Tyson is 11 years old and a sixth grader at Newton County Middle School. Hollis is eight years old and a third grader and Fletcher is six years old and a first grader and both attend Newton County Elementary School. Their youngest, Callen, just turned three.

Growing up around her father’s pharmacy and working there beginning at a young age, Emily had originally thought she wanted to take a different professional route. But it was at East Central that her career path became clear. “I had originally thought I wanted to steer clear of pharmacy, but once I started college all the roads I took kept leading me down that path. I really feel like it was God leading me in that direction and I’m so glad I listened,” she said. Emily said during her freshman year at East Central she took a rather large course load that included a lot of basic classes but had no real goal in mind as far as her major of study. But there was one class in particular that would have a major impact on her life. “I had Dr. Betty Sue Hennington for Biology I and she really opened my eyes to my love and interest of science.

Community College graduates Hal and

Emily Thompson met as young co-eds in 1999 when he was a member of the Warrior baseball team and she a member of the Centralettes danceline. Both sought careers in the healthcare industry and after completing their education and marrying, they have returned to Emily’s hometown of Decatur where they are raising their family and serving the community’s healthcare needs. “Hal and I met at East Central, so it has always been a special place to us,” Emily said. “I’m pretty sure we officially met in the cafeteria our freshman year but we didn’t start

That was definitely a turning point in my decision to go to pharmacy school.” Emily said she was blessed to have so many good teachers at ECCC. “In addition to Dr. Hennington, I also felt very fortunate to have had Mrs. Alice Pouncey and Mr. Al Deaton before they retired. I also enjoyed Mr. Ron Davis’ class and loved being part of the Wall of Sound Marching Band under the legendary Tom Carson. Sometimes when I drive by the band practice field I think I can still hear Mr. Carson yelling from his bullhorn ‘Good Gravy Centralettes, you look like a giant centipede!’” For Hal the path to become a physical therapist was a bit longer, but he says looking back he can see how things that happened while he was at East Central were preparing him to become a therapist, including gaining confidence in academics. “Mr. (Marc) McCool and Mr. (Leonard) Barrier were probably my favorite teachers. I also enjoyed Dr. Shelby Harris’ class. “I had always thought in the back of my mind I would enjoy physical therapy, but when I got to college I was mostly concerned about playing baseball. After East Central I went on to play at Mississippi College and graduated with a business degree. I then started applying for jobs and making plans to get my MBA. However, I discovered that the physical therapy program at UMMC (University of Mississippi Medical Center) was transitioning into the doctorate program and I technically didn’t need many more classes to be able to apply. So, I decided to take a leap of faith, move home, and finish out the last few classes I needed at Mississippi State (University). The next year I was accepted into the first Doctor of Physical Therapy class at UMMC.” Emily, who said she loved growing up in Decatur, felt a big pull to come home and give back to the community she grew up in. “Being a pharmacist in small town Mississippi is a lot different than being a pharmacist in a larger city. I have lifelong connections with many of our customers and there is definitely a family feel. I think the relationships we have with our customers are the biggest difference and advantage we have.” Hal, who grew up in West Point, said

he has always joked to Emily that as an 18-year-old baseball player he never dreamed he would come to Decatur and essentially never leave. “I didn’t grow up here like Emily, but I do really like the connections I’ve formed with the people of the community. Decatur is a nice little town and it’s a great place to raise a family. In my practice, I try to offer the same services you would find in a

larger city but right here at home.” Both agree that it’s the people they serve who make the biggest difference. “I love helping people and feeling like I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, or even just their day,” Emily said. Hal agreed, “I feel the same way. I enjoy helping people and seeing them progress and gain confidence in themselves.”

ALUMNI NEWS

Emily serves as a preceptor with the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and said she enjoys working with pharmacy students and introducing them to the independent pharmacy. She also volunteers her time to talk with local high school and elementary students about pharmacy. And as part of a community outreach, Emily and the staff at Wheeler Drug Story have held flu clinics for faculty and staff in the local schools, including East Central.

taught me to be resilient. And most importantly they taught me to have faith in God and showed me how to do that in their everyday lives.” Both Hal and Emily were active students during their East Central days. Emily was a member of the Centralettes danceline, Diamond Girls, Warrior Corps, Wesley Foundation, Mu Alpha Theta, and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She served as a Student Body Association

As a former athlete who had to overcome several serious injuries, Hal has enjoyed providing physical therapy services for the local teams and helping them get back to being able to play the sport they love. He said, “I feel blessed to be in a profession where I can help others achieve that feeling every day.” Emily counts her family among the most influential people in her life and career and says it was not

officer, was selected a freshman homecoming maid, Homecoming Queen, and was named to the Student Hall of Fame. She said, “My best memories are living in the ‘new’ dorm our freshman year, living in House 18 with seven other girls, being a Centralette, getting to plan all the fun campus activities with the SBA, the beach trips Mr. Joe Killens (former Director of Student Life) and his wife, Mrs. Teri, would take

“ ” Hal and I met at East Central, so it has always been a special place to us. - Emily Decatur is a nice little town and it’s a great place to raise a family. - Hal

only the influence of those in the healthcare field, but also the family values and work ethic impressed upon her that have made the difference. “My parents and grandparents are the most influential people in my life,” she stated. “My paternal grandfather, Dr. Austin Boggan, was a doctor in Decatur for 50 years and my grandmother, Iris Boggan, was his nurse. My siblings and I grew up in the drug store and the clinic. We saw the

the SBA on, Warrior Corps trips to different schools, and making lifelong friendships with so many people. My twin sister, Natalie, and I also had the opportunity to travel to Europe the summer after we graduated with a group of EC students and faculty that was led by Ovid and Carol Vickers. That was a once in a lifelong trip.” Hal was a member of the East Central Baseball team and was named Most Valuable Offensive Player. He was also a member of the Wesley

impact they had on so many people and it’s hard not to want to continue that in any way possible. My maternal grandfather, Cecil Addy, was a dairy farmer and my grandmother, Lola Addy, was a phenomenal seamstress. Their dedication and work ethic always stood out and became engrained in us at an early age. My dad and mom raised us in a Christian home and taught us to always think of others first. I believe that’s the reason my siblings and I all have very service-oriented careers.” Hal also credits his parents for their positive influence and says they always motivated him to be the best in everything he did and gave him the confidence needed to achieve anything he set his mind to whether in sports or school. “They instilled in me a strong work ethic and

Foundation and was selected a Sophomore Class Favorite. Hal said, “I enjoyed the camaraderie of the baseball team and other athletes. Some of my favorite memories include hanging out in the dorms, the long bus rides to away games, and the long hours practicing baseball. “Of course, there were also many of Coach Clark’s crazy antics and sayings. We’d be breaking down on Fridays before a lot of us would travel home and he would close with ‘Now you go do that voodoo that you do so well.’ We never knew what was going to come of of his mouth, but it was mostly entertaining.” For the Thompsons, faith, family and commu- nity are most important and they feel privileged to have come full circle and be able to live and work in place that has meant so much to them.

Emily and Hal Thompson with their children, from left, Tyson, Hollis, Fletcher, and Callen.

Alum Rep. Trent Kelly becomes highest ranking military official in U.S. Congress

The Mississippi National Guard recently promoted U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly to the rank of major general and designated him as the assistant adju- tant general of the Mississippi Army National Guard, making him the high- est ranking military official currently serving in Congress. Kelly, a Republican from Saltillo who represents Mississippi’s 1st Con- gressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and formerly served as a district attorney in Northeast Mississippi, has more than 35 years of military experience. “Trent Kelly is no stranger to service,” Gov. Tate Reeves said at the ceremony. “It’s been his life. That’s right, his life has been about service to others.” A native of Union, Kelly enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 19 in 1985. He mobilized for Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and deployed to Iraq in 2005 and 2009. While seeming to hold back tears at times, Kelly thanked his family for their support during his military ser- vice and said, even though his career in public life is important to him, he would never have run for Congress if he could not serve simultaneously in the National Guard. “This means more to me,” Kelly said of his military service. “Serving this great state, serving this great nation in uniform means more to me than what I can do as a civilian.” The third-term congressman has now reached the same military rank as G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, who represented Mississippi in the House from 1967 to 1997 and retired from the National Guard in 1980 with the rank of major general. Kelly said he did not know Mont- gomery well, but he has long viewed him as one of his role models because of his simultaneous service to the National Guard and public life. The promotion ceremony marked the second time Kelly has received a promotion while serving in the House. In 2018, Kelly was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. “In honor of you, congratulations,”

Submitted Photo

Morgan Kelly (left) and her brother John Forrest Kelly change the epaulets on the uniform of their father, Maj. Gen. John “Trent” Kelly to reflect his promotion to major general during a ceremony at the Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Jackson. With the promotion, Kelly became the highest ranking military official serving in the U.S. Congress.

Rep. Alan Nunnelee, Kelly won the 1st Congressional District seat in a 2015 special election and has served in Congress since. This past November, he was re-elected to the first congres- sional seat. He was sworn into office in January to serve his fourth term in the House, where he is expected to sit on the armed service, agriculture and small business committees. - Article courtesy of Taylor Vance, political reporter, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

said Maj. Gen. Janson Boyles, the adjutant general of the Mississippi Na- tional Guard. “And from all of us who wear the uniform with you, we are so honored to be here for this moment in your career.” Kelly’s educational background includes an associate degree from East Central Community College, a bach- elor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Mississippi, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Kelly’s family includes his wife of 30 years, Sheila Kelly, and children John Forrest, Morgan and Jackson. Following the death of former U.S.

ALUMNI NEWS

ECCC kicking specialist has standout year on the gridiron

East Central Community Col- lege kicking specialist Robens Beauplan added several honors to his trophy case after another standout year for the football Warriors. The product of Riverdale High School in Lehigh Acres, Fla., was named as the punter on the 2020 Mississippi Gridiron MACCC All- Gridiron Team. Mississippi Grid- iron Magazine has been covering state high school, community college, and college sports since 2010.

lege, Holmes Community College, Itawamba Community College, Jones College, Merid- ian Community College, Mississippi Delta Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Pearl River Community College, and Southwest Mississippi Commu- nity College. The rebranding includes a new logo, slogan, website, so- cial media, and mobile app. For additional information, visit www.macccathletics.com. He was also selected Mississippi Association of Commu- nity Colleges Conference First Team All-Conference Special Teams. Beauplan averaged 43 yards per punt in 2020, with a long of 68 yards and 14 punts inside the 20-yard line. Beau- plan also handled kicking duties, hitting 4 of 6 field goals and 7 of 7 extra points. In his freshman season in 2019, he was named National Junior College Athletic Association All-American, NJCAA All-Region 23, and First Team All-Conference. Beauplan will continue his football career at Alcorn State University in Lorman. East Central finished the COVID-shortened 2020 season with a 2-3 record.

Beauplan

•

MACJC rebrands as MACCC

The Mississippi Association of Commu- nity and Junior Colleges has rebranded and is now known as the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference. MACCC Commissioner Steve Martin made the announcement during a virtual Football Media Day online in the fall. The MACCC is comprised of the 15 two- year schools in the state. In addition to East

Central Community College, other colleges include Coahoma Community College, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, East Mississippi Community College, Hinds Community Col-

After 22 years at the helm of the East Central Community College men’s soccer team, including an eight-year stint as the men’s and women’s coach, Kenneth Thompson has an- nounced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2021 spring season. The ECCC alum has led the Warriors to numerous acco- lades during his long tenure including winning the Missis- sippi Association of Community Colleges Conference North Division title in 2017 and a share of the title in 2012. “East Central is my family, that is my word to describe it here,” said Thompson. “My time here wasn’t just a job for me; counting my time as a student, almost half of my life I have been involved with this college so it means a lot to me. My main focus right now though is this upcoming season and our players. Between now and June 30, I am full steam ahead coaching and recruiting and doing everything I can to lead this program.” Thompson’s squads not only excelled on the pitch as players but in the classroom where the team ranked nation- ally in team grade-point average on 11 occasions. Along with stellar play and academics, Thompson instilled sportsman- ship and class in all of his teams with two of his women’s teams and four of his men’s teams earning the conference’s coveted Tom Shepard Sportsmanship Award during his tenure. Through the years he coached 29 All-State, six All-Region, and one All-American players on the men’s side and seven All-State and two All-Region players on the women’s side. “Kenneth Thompson is the father of soccer at East Cen- tral Community College,” said ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory. “He has built a solid foundation of success on and off the field and for that we will be forever grateful. We wish him much success in his well-deserved retirement.” Thompson said he looks forward to spending time with Men’s soccer coach Thompson announces plans to retire

his family during retirement, but will always remain an avid Warrior fan and supporter of the college and the soccer program he was so instrumental in building. “I’ve always wanted to work on and expand my small farm and spend time with my family and new grandchild so having that ability will be great,” said Thompson. “I will always be around though since I live in the area and will definitely be in stands supporting East Central athletics.” Thompson started the ECCC men’s soccer program in 1999. He took on the additional duties as head women’s soc- cer coach when that program started in 2005. He coached both squads until a full-time head women’s coach was hired in 2012. “Kenneth Thompson has been the epitome of class and professionalism for over 20 years, not only at East Central but throughout the state as he has great respect from all of his peers in our conference,” said Director of Athletics Paul Nixon. “In terms of being a great role model for young men, they don’t come any better than Coach Thompson. We will certainly miss his contributions to our department and ap- preciate all he has done for us and wish him the best.” Prior to joining the ECCC coaching staff, Thompson served as varsity and junior varsity soccer coach at Newton County High School in Decatur. His son, Will, is the current head boys’ soccer coach at Newton County, assisted by his wife Sara. A graduate of Morton High School and ECCC, Thompson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Mississippi State University. He is married to the former Cindy Russell and in addi- tion to Will has two other sons: Will’s twin brother Russ and Samm, also ECCC graduates.

ATHLETICS

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

DATE

OPPONENT Pearl River @ Southwest

TIME

Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Feb. 1 Feb. 4 Feb. 8 Feb. 11 Feb. 15 Feb. 22 Feb. 25 Mar. 1 Mar. 4 Mar. 8 Mar. 15 Mar. 18 Mar. 22 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 16 Feb. 19 Feb. 20 Feb. 20 Feb. 23 Feb. 27 Mar. 2 Mar. 6 Mar. 10 Mar. 13 Mar. 16 Mar. 20 Mar. 24 Mar. 27 Apr. 6 Apr. 10 Apr. 14 Apr. 20 Apr. 24

@ Pearl River

6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m.

Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Feb. 1 Feb. 4 Feb. 8 Feb. 11 Feb. 15 Feb. 22 Feb. 25 Mar. 1 Mar. 4 Mar. 8 Mar. 15 Mar. 18

6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m.

Southwest

Jones

@ Jones Meridian @ Co-Lin

@ Meridian

Co-Lin

@ Hinds

Hinds

MS Gulf Coast Pearl River @ Southwest

@ MS Gulf Coast

@ Pearl River

Southwest

@ Jones Meridian @ Co-Lin

Jones

@ Meridian

Co-Lin

Hinds

@ Hinds

@ MS Gulf Coast

MS Gulf Coast

Shelton State

WARRIOR BASKETBALL

LADY WARRIOR BASKETBALL DATE OPPONENT TIME Marion Military 3/5 p.m.

DATE Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Feb. 23 Feb. 27 Mar. 2 Mar. 6 Mar. 10 Mar. 13 Mar. 16 Mar. 20 Mar. 24 Mar. 27 Apr. 6 Apr. 10 Apr. 14 Apr. 20 Apr. 24

OPPONENT

TIME

@ Pearl River

2/5 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 1/4 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 1/4 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 2/5 p.m. 4/7 p.m. 3/6 p.m. 2/5 p.m.

@ Coastal AL - South 2/4 p.m. @ Marion Military 12/2 p.m. Coastal AL - North * 11 a.m. Bossier Parish * 11 a.m.

Jones

@ Gulf Coast

Co-Lin

Southwest @ Hinds Meridian Pearl River @ Holmes @ Jones Itawamba East MS

Baton Rouge *

1 p.m.

Coastal AL - South 2/4 p.m.

@ East MS

1/3 p.m. 3/5 p.m. 1/3 p.m. 3/5 p.m. 2/4 p.m. 2/4 p.m. 2/4 p.m. 3/5 p.m. 1/3 p.m. 4/6 p.m. 2/4 p.m. 4/6 p.m. 3/5 p.m. 2/4 p.m.

@ Pearl River

Holmes

Jones

@ Itawamba

@ MS Gulf Coast

MS Gulf Coast @ MS Delta

MS Delta

Co-Lin

@ Co-Lin Northeast

@ Northeast

@ Hinds Northwest Meridian Southwest

Hinds

@ Northwest @ Meridian @ Southwest WARRIOR BASEBALL

@ Coahoma * Meridian LADY WARRIOR SOFTBALL

Coahoma

2021 SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULES

DATE

OPPONENT Southwest

TIME

DATE

OPPONENT Southwest

TIME

DATE Mar. 30 Apr. 2 Apr. 6 Apr. 9 Apr. 12 Apr. 16 Apr. 18 Apr. 23 Apr. 26 Apr. 29 May 1 May 4 May 6 May 11 May 14 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 16 Feb. 19 Feb. 23 Feb. 26 Mar. 2 Mar. 5 Mar. 5 Mar. 6 Mar. 9 Mar. 12 Mar. 23 Mar. 27 Apr. 6 Apr. 10

2 p.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m.

DATE Mar. 30 Apr. 2 Apr. 6 Apr. 9 Apr. 12 Apr. 16 Apr. 18 Apr. 23 Apr. 26 Apr. 29 May 4 May 6 May 11 May 14 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 16 Feb. 19 Feb. 23 Feb. 26 Mar. 2 Mar. 5 Mar. 5 Mar. 9 Mar. 12 Mar. 23 Apr. 6 Apr. 9 Apr. 10

2 p.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m.

Marion Military

@ Holmes

Jones

@ Snead State MS Gulf Coast

@ Gadsden State 2 p.m.

MS Gulf Coast

Co-Lin

@ Hinds Itawamba

@ Meridian @ Southwest

Coastal AL - South 1 p.m.

Holmes

12 p.m.

Holmes

12 p.m.

Wallace State *

4:30 p.m.

Wallace State *

4:30 p.m.

Central Alabama 12 p.m.

@ Jones

3 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 11 a.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m.

@ Jones

3 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 11 a.m. 2 p.m.

@ MS Gulf Coast

@ Co-Lin

WARRIOR TENNIS Mar. 27 @ Itawamba

@ Co-Lin

@ Itawamba

Hinds

Meridian

LADY WARRIOR TENNIS Apr. 9 Meridian 2 p.m. @Marion Military 11 a.m.

@ Marion Military 11 a.m.

* Meridian

OPPONENT

TIME

OPPONENT

TIME

@ Jones

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

@ Jones

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m.

@ Meridian Pearl River

Southwest Northwest

@ Itawamba

@ MS Gulf Coast

Holmes

@ Hinds

@ Northwest

Southwestern IL * 3 p.m.

Itawamba

Co-Lin

@ Holmes

Hinds

WARRIOR SOCCER

Hinds

All schedules subject to change. Attendance could be limited due to COVID-19. Please check www.ecccathletics.com.

* Ridgeland LADY WARRIOR SOCCER

ATHLETICS

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