WarriorMagazineJanuary2021

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

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