East Mississippi Community College; MS State Workforce Investment Board Member
Location:
Mayhew, Mississippi
Primary Industry Sector:
Advanced Manufacturing
Type of Organization:
Community College
“I have the opportunity to bring workable solutions and best practices to build upon EMCC efforts to enhance employment. I am eager to learn how other educational institutions have successfully strengthened the partnership among academic, career, technical, ABE/GED and workforce services.”
Organizational Mission: EMCC, established in 1927, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of students, community, and personnel. As a catalyst for progress and innovation, we promote the development of individuals in mind, body, and spirit for lives of integrity, fulfillment, leadership, and service.
Interest in Sector Work: EMCC has been a major player in education and training for our region and state for many years.
The community college serves 6 counties in northeast MS. In 2009, the college served 7,349 unduplicated college credit students and 6,427 unduplicated short-term training/no college credit students. Due to constituent input, EMCC has designated advanced manufacturing and healthcare as sectors.
The college is located within 15 miles of MS State University and MS University for Women. We have partnered with 3 community colleges in our region to form the MS Corridor Consortium, which allows us to expand programs and services.
Unemployment in our 6 county region ranges from approximately 11% to over 20%. We serve a historically poor region, with many constituents lacking the education and skills to gain entry-level employment. Our president reminds us often that our college’s goal is to put people to work.
